Search Lake County Obituary Records

Lake County obituary and death records are available through the Florida Department of Health office in Eustis. With a population of over 444,000, Lake County is one of the larger counties in central Florida, and its vital records office handles a steady volume of death certificate requests throughout the year.

Lake County DOH Vital Records Office

The Florida Department of Health in Lake County operates from its office on US Highway 441 in Eustis. This is the primary location for getting death certificates for deaths that took place in Lake County from 2009 to the present. The office serves residents from Tavares, Clermont, Leesburg, Eustis, Mount Dora, and all other Lake County communities. Walk-in visits are accepted during normal business hours.

The Eustis office is located along US 441, a major north-south route through Lake County. Parking is available on site. Because Lake County has a large population, wait times at the office can vary. Calling ahead to check is a good idea, especially during busy periods. The staff can also verify if a specific death record is in their system before you visit.

The Lake County certificates page has details on what documents you can request and what forms of payment the office accepts.

The Lake County DOH website provides access to vital records services and general health department information.

How to Get Death Records in Lake County

Lake County residents have three ways to get a death certificate. The right choice depends on how quickly you need the record, where you live, and whether you can get to the Eustis office in person.

For in-person requests, visit the Lake County DOH at 16140 US Hwy 441 in Eustis. Bring a valid photo ID and complete a death certificate application. You need the full name of the deceased, the date of death, and the place where the death occurred. The date of birth and Social Security number can help with the search. The fee is $5 for the first certified copy, and each additional copy of the same record is $4. Staff can usually process your request the same day.

Mail orders are another option. Send a completed application form, a copy of your photo ID, and a check or money order payable to the Florida Department of Health. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope and mail everything to 16140 US Hwy 441, Eustis, FL 32726. Mail requests typically take 2 to 3 weeks to process and return.

You can view the Lake County certificates section for forms and fee details online.

The certificates section walks you through what you need for in-person or mail orders.

Online orders go through VitalChek. This is the only vendor Florida authorizes for online vital records orders. VitalChek charges $15 for the first copy plus a $7 processing fee. Extra copies are $4 each. You pay by credit or debit card. Orders normally arrive in 5 to 7 business days, with rush shipping available at extra cost.

Lake County Death Certificate Types

Florida issues two kinds of death certificates. The one you can get depends on your identity and the reason for your request.

A death certificate without cause of death is a public record. Anyone age 18 or older can request it. No family relationship is needed. This version still includes the name of the deceased, date and place of death, and other key facts. The first five digits of the Social Security number are redacted under Section 119.071 of Florida Statutes, which makes SSNs confidential on public copies of vital records.

A death certificate with cause of death is confidential for 50 years after the date of death. Only eligible individuals can request this version. Eligible requesters include the surviving spouse, parents, adult children, adult grandchildren, adult siblings, anyone with a direct estate interest named in a will or insurance policy, or someone with a court order. DH Form 1959, an affidavit of eligibility, may be required to prove your right to the cause of death information.

Both types cost the same in Lake County. The distinction is purely about access.

Fees for Lake County Death Records

The standard fee for a death certificate at the Lake County DOH office is $5 for the first certified copy, which includes the search. Each additional copy of the same record ordered at the same time costs $4. These fees apply to in-person and mail orders placed through the local office.

Through the state Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville, fees match the local rate. However, if the year of death is unknown, there is a $2 charge for each additional year searched, up to $50. Pre-2009 records can be expedited with a $10 rush fee. A $1 shipping charge applies to all state office orders.

VitalChek charges more. The first copy is $15 plus a $7 processing fee. Additional copies are $4. This is the priciest option but also the most convenient if you need to order from home. Credit and debit cards are the only payment methods VitalChek accepts.

Always check with the Lake County DOH office for the most up-to-date fee schedule before sending payment.

Historical Lake County Death Records

The Lake County DOH office holds death records from 2009 to the present. For anything older, you must contact the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics at 1217 N Pearl St, Jacksonville, FL 32202. You can also reach them at (904) 359-6900. The state bureau has death records dating back to 1877.

Under Chapter 382 of Florida Statutes, death certificates must be filed within five days of a death. Section 382.008 covers the filing rules. Section 382.016 authorizes local registrars like the Lake County DOH to issue certified copies. These laws apply to every county in the state.

Lake County has a rich history dating back to the 1800s. The Florida Memory Project offers free access to historical documents, photographs, and records that can help with genealogy research. The Florida Clerks of Court website provides links to probate and other county records that may contain death-related information.

The Lake County government website also offers public records access and links to county services.

The Lake County government website connects residents with county departments and public records.

Other Lake County Record Sources

The Florida DOH Bureau of Vital Statistics is the central state repository for death records. This office handles requests for records the Lake County DOH does not hold, including anything from before 2009.

Florida's public records law, found in Chapter 119 of Florida Statutes, gives the public broad access to government records. Death certificates without cause of death fall under this law and are available to anyone. Cause of death stays confidential for 50 years, and Social Security numbers are always redacted on public copies.

Funeral homes in Lake County keep their own records and may have copies of obituaries or death notices they helped prepare. Local newspapers in the area also publish obituaries. The Lake County Library System maintains archives of local newspapers and other historical materials that can help with research. Providing false information on a vital records application is a third-degree felony under Florida law. Always use accurate details and valid ID when requesting Lake County death records.

The Lake County vital records page details how to access certificates.

The certificates section outlines the process for getting death records in Lake County.

Nearby Counties

Lake County shares borders with several central Florida counties. Each has its own DOH vital records office for death certificate requests.