Broward County birth records are official files that show each birth in the county. The Florida Department of Health keeps these records through the Broward County office in Fort Lauderdale.
You can get a certified copy of your own birth record or one for your child. The office helps with name changes, spelling fixes, and other updates to a birth record. This page covers the office address, fees, who can ask for a copy, and how to order one by mail, in person, or online.
What a Broward County Birth Record Holds
Each birth record has the full name at birth, date of birth, place of birth, and parents’ names. It lists the hospital or birth center, the attending doctor or midwife, and the registration number. A certified copy has a raised seal and a signature from the State Registrar. This seal makes the record legal for use with a passport, school, Social Security, or other official needs. A computer file backs up the paper record. The state office in Jacksonville holds the master file for every birth in Florida.
How Florida Registers a Birth
Florida law requires every birth in the state to be filed. The law is Florida Statute 382.013. The hospital or birth center files the record with the state office. Midwife-attended births and home births must be filed within a set time. Once filed, the record enters the statewide system. You can ask for a copy from any county health department in Florida. You do not have to go to the county where you were born. The statewide system links all county offices to the same data.
Broward County Office Locations and Hours
The main office sits at 780 SW 24th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315. The phone number for the birth desk is 954-467-4413. The phone number for the state records line is 954-467-4839. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. On the third Thursday of each month, the office closes at 3 p.m. Call ahead to confirm hours before you visit.
A second location runs at the Paul Hughes Health Center in Pompano Beach. The Paul Hughes office is open on Wednesdays only, from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. The longer Wednesday hours help people who work during the day. Both offices handle birth certificate requests for the whole county. Pick the office closest to your home or work to save drive time.
| Location | Address | Hours | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Lauderdale Main Office | 780 SW 24th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315 | Mon-Fri 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (closed at 3 p.m. on the third Thursday) | 954-467-4413 |
| Paul Hughes Health Center | Pompano Beach, FL | Wednesday 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. | Contact main office |
Who Can Request a Certified Birth Certificate
Florida law limits who can get a certified copy. The law is Florida Statute 382.025. Birth records are private files. The people who can ask for a copy are:
- The person named on the record, if 18 or older
- A mother or father listed on the record
- A legal guardian with court papers
- A husband or wife of the person on the record
- An adult son or daughter of the person on the record
- A lawyer who represents someone in the list above
- A person with a court order that names the record
If you are not in this list, you can ask for an informational copy. The informational copy has the same data. A stamp on it says it is not valid for legal use. The fee is the same as a certified copy. Many employers and schools will not accept an informational copy for official use.
Florida Birth Records Since 1917
The state started keeping birth records in 1917. Records before 1917 may exist on a county level, but they are not complete. For a birth in Broward County from 1930 to now, the Fort Lauderdale office can issue a certified copy. For a birth in Florida from 1917 to 1930, you must contact the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville. The Jacksonville office holds the older files for the whole state. The same statewide system covers every Florida county, so you can ask for any Florida birth record from any county office.
How to Order a Birth Certificate
You have three ways to order a birth certificate in Broward County. You can go in person, send a mail request, or order online through VitalChek. Each way has its own steps, fees, and timing. Pick the way that fits your deadline and your comfort with paperwork.
Order In Person at the Broward County Office
Walk into the Fort Lauderdale office or the Paul Hughes Health Center. Fill out the application form. Show a valid photo ID. Pay the fee. Most requests finish the same day. The office gives you the certified copy before you leave. Going early in the morning often means a shorter line. The office accepts cash, checks, money orders, and debit cards. Credit cards are not accepted at the walk-in counter. Bring a debit card if you want to pay with plastic.
Order by Mail
To order by mail, you need the DH 726 form. DH 726 is the official Florida Application for a Certified Copy of a Birth Record. You can download this form from the Florida Department of Health website. Fill it out. Sign it. Mail it with a copy of your photo ID and a check or money order. Do not send cash in the mail. The office cannot return cash that gets lost.
Mail the form to:
Florida Department of Health
Bureau of Vital Statistics
P.O. Box 210
Jacksonville, FL 32231-0042
Mail orders take two to four weeks. The state office sends the certified copy back by regular mail. If you need it faster, choose the online option. Add a self-addressed stamped envelope to your mail request so the office can send the copy back to you.
Order Online Through VitalChek
VitalChek is the only online vendor the Florida Department of Health approves. You can order 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The VitalChek site walks you through each step. You fill in the name on the record, date of birth, place of birth, and parents’ names. You upload a copy of your ID. You pay the $15 state fee plus a service fee. The service fee covers the cost of the online system and the identity check.
Standard shipping takes 5 to 7 business days. Rush shipping choices include overnight and two-day delivery. The rush choices cost more. VitalChek accepts credit cards and debit cards. You get a tracking number once the order ships. The tracking number lets you see where your copy is in the mail.
Birth Certificate Fees in Broward County
The fee for the first certified copy is $15. Each extra copy ordered at the same time costs $15 too in many cases, but the state may lower the price for the second and third copy. The exact fees come from Florida Statute 382.0255. The office does not charge extra for the search. You pay the fee even if the search shows no record. This is standard for government records.
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| First certified copy | $15 |
| Each extra copy (same order) | $15 (check current rates) |
| Informational copy | $15 |
| VitalChek service fee | Starts at $8.50 |
| Rush shipping | Varies by speed |
| Expedited handling (VitalChek) | Extra fee applies |
ID Requirements for a Florida Birth Certificate
You must show proof of who you are. The list of valid IDs from the Florida Department of Health is long. Common choices are:
- Florida driver license or state ID
- U.S. passport or passport card
- Military ID
- Driver license from another state
- Employee ID with a photo and signature
- Student ID with a photo and signature
- Two of these secondary IDs: Social Security card, bank statement, utility bill, or car registration
Your ID must be current or expired less than 90 days. If your ID is older, bring a second form. The office may ask for more papers if the name on your ID does not match the name on the record. A name change after marriage or court order needs extra proof.
How Long Each Method Takes
The time to get your birth record depends on the way you order:
- In person: Same day, often within 30 minutes
- By mail: 2 to 4 weeks
- Online (VitalChek): 5 to 7 business days for standard shipping
- Online (VitalChek rush): 1 to 2 business days for overnight
Mail times can run longer during busy seasons. The state office sees a peak in requests each spring for summer travel. Plan ahead for passport needs and school deadlines. The busiest months are March, April, and May. Try to send your mail request at least 6 weeks before you need the copy.
Apostille for a Florida Birth Certificate
An apostille is a stamp that makes a U.S. birth record valid in another country. The apostille for a Florida birth record comes from the Florida Secretary of State. The Florida Department of Health does not issue apostilles. First, you get a certified copy of the birth record. The certified copy must have a raised seal. Then you send the certified copy to the Florida Secretary of State. The Secretary of State office reviews the signature on the record. They attach the apostille. The apostille fee is $10. The steps can take 5 to 10 business days. Some countries need more than an apostille. Check with the embassy of the country that needs the record. The embassy can tell you the exact steps and the right fees.
Fixing Mistakes on a Broward County Birth Record
Errors on a birth record happen. A typo in a name, a wrong date, or a missing parent can be fixed. The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics handles all changes. The Broward County office can help you figure out which form you need. Bring your current record and any proof of the correct data when you visit.
Small Fixes Like Typos
For a small error, you file an amendment form. The form is the DH 727. You must show proof of the right data. Common proof papers are a hospital record, a baptismal record, a school record, or a Social Security record. The state office reviews the papers. They check the proof. If the proof is good, they issue a new certified copy with the fix. This takes 4 to 8 weeks. The fee is the same as a new copy.
Big Changes That Need a Court Order
Some changes need a court order under Florida Statute 382.016. Adding or removing a parent’s name on a birth record is one example. Changing a first name after the person turns 18 is another. You must file a petition with the court in the county where you live. The court holds a hearing. If the court agrees, you send the court order to the state office. The state office makes the change. This takes 3 to 6 months. Court costs add to the total price.
Birth Certificate for a Passport
A passport needs a certified copy of your birth record. The certified copy must have a raised seal. The raised seal shows the record is real. The U.S. State Department will not accept an informational copy. The U.S. State Department needs the copy to have your full name, date of birth, and the names of both parents. If you need the birth record for a passport, plan ahead. The mail option can take up to 4 weeks. The in-person option gives you the record the same day. Many passport offices in Broward County will accept a birth record from a Broward County office on the spot.
Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics
The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics is the state office that keeps all Florida birth and death records. The office sits in Jacksonville. The mailing address is P.O. Box 210, Jacksonville, FL 32231-0042. The phone number is 904-359-6900. The Jacksonville office handles mail orders, older records, and amendments. The local Broward County office handles in-person requests, same-day service, and most local questions. The two offices work together as one system. Records move between them based on the type of request.
Common Reasons a Request Gets Rejected
Many requests get sent back. Here are the top reasons:
- No ID or wrong ID included
- Unsigned application form
- Name on ID does not match name on the record
- Wrong fee amount or unsigned check
- Requester is not on the eligibility list
- Date of birth or spelling is wrong on the form
- No self-addressed stamped envelope for mail requests
Check your form before you send it. A small error can add 2 to 4 weeks to your wait. Call the office if you have questions before you mail the form. The phone number is 954-467-4413 for the local desk and 904-359-6900 for the state office.
Delayed Birth Registration
Some births were never filed right away. This is common for home births from the 1950s and 1960s. It is common for births that happened outside a hospital. A delayed birth registration is a way to file the record years after the birth. The state office has a form for this case. The form is the DH 721.
For Adults Born at Home
If you were born at home in Florida and no record exists, you can file a delayed birth registration. You need proof of the date and place of birth. Common proof papers are a baptismal record, a census record, a school record, or statements from older relatives. The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics reviews the papers. They decide if the record should be filed. The review can take 8 to 12 weeks. The fee is set by the state.
For Adoptees
Adoptees have a special path to their original birth record. In Florida, an adopted person can ask for the original birth record once they turn 18. The Florida Department of Health keeps the original record sealed. The adoptee files a request with the state office. The state office sends the original record to the adoptee. This takes 4 to 6 weeks. Adoptive parents cannot get the original record. Only the adoptee can request it after turning 18.
Genealogy Records and Family Research
Family researchers can get copies of older Florida birth records. The state office has records going back to 1917. For genealogy use, the records can be informational copies. The fee is the same as a certified copy. You must show proof of your family connection. The state office reviews each request. A family tree chart, a census record, or a published family history can serve as proof. Researchers who are not family members can ask for an informational copy with the family member listed as the requester.
Third-Party Online Services
Many websites claim to offer Florida birth records. Most are not approved by the state. The state of Florida only works with VitalChek for online orders. Other sites may charge more. They may not give you a real certified copy. Use VitalChek or go to the Broward County office directly. This way, you know your copy is real. Sites that ask for high fees up front are often scams. A real certified copy never costs more than the state fee plus a small service fee.
Office Location and Contact
The main Broward County birth certificate office sits at 780 SW 24th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315. The phone number is 954-467-4413. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The office closes at 3 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month. The office website is broward.floridahealth.gov. The state records line is 904-359-6900. The mailing address for the state office is P.O. Box 210, Jacksonville, FL 32231-0042.
Website: broward.floridahealth.gov
Frequently Asked Questions
The FAQ section below answers common questions about Broward County birth records. The questions cover who can ask for a copy, how long each way takes, and what to do if your record has a mistake. Each answer gives the steps you need to follow and the office you need to contact. The answers use plain words and short sentences so you can read them fast.
How long does it take to get a birth certificate in Broward County?
The time depends on how you order. In person at the Fort Lauderdale office, you get the certified copy the same day. Most in-person requests finish in 30 minutes to 1 hour, even during busy periods. Bring your photo ID, the DH 726 form filled out, and the $15 fee. By mail, the state office in Jacksonville takes 2 to 4 weeks to handle your request. The mail goes to Jacksonville, then the certified copy comes back to you by regular mail. Online through VitalChek, the standard shipping takes 5 to 7 business days. Rush shipping is faster. Overnight shipping can give you the copy in 1 to 2 business days. Plan ahead for busy times. Spring and early summer see the most requests. The state office sees a peak in March, April, and May for summer travel and school needs. If you need the record for a passport, give yourself 4 to 6 weeks. Mail times can run longer if the request has an error. Check your form before you send it. Wrong dates, missing signatures, and no ID slow down the wait by 2 to 4 weeks.
Who can pick up a birth certificate on behalf of someone else?
Florida law lets an authorized agent pick up the record. The agent must have a signed letter from the person who is eligible. The letter must say the agent can pick up the record. The agent must bring their own photo ID. The agent must bring a copy of the eligible person’s photo ID. The eligible person can be the one named on the record, a parent, a spouse, or another person on the eligibility list. The agent cannot be a friend or neighbor. The agent must have a real reason tied to the eligible person. The letter must have the date, the eligible person’s signature, and the agent’s full name. The office checks the letter and the IDs before giving the record. The agent signs a log book at the counter. This protects the record and follows Florida Statute 382.025. If you are sending someone else to pick up your record, the letter is a must. The office will not give the record to anyone who does not have the letter and the IDs. Plan ahead and bring the right papers. The work takes only a few minutes when the papers are in order.
Can I get a Florida birth certificate for a relative who has died?
Yes, family members can get a birth record for a relative who has died. The requester must show proof of the family tie and proof of the death. A death certificate is one type of proof. A funeral home record is another type. A will or court probate paper is another type. The requester must show their own ID. The requester must be on the eligibility list. The list includes adult children, grandchildren, and legal representatives of the estate. A brother, sister, cousin, or friend is not on the list. The state office reviews each request for a deceased person. The work takes the same time as a regular request. In person, same day. By mail, 2 to 4 weeks. The fee is $15 for the first copy. A genealogy researcher who is not a family member cannot get a certified copy. They can ask for an informational copy. The stamp on the informational copy shows it is not for legal use. If you are a family member of a deceased person, gather the death certificate, your photo ID, and proof of the family tie before you apply. This way, the request goes through the first time.
What do I do if the name on my birth certificate is wrong?
You file an amendment. The amendment form is DH 727 from the Florida Department of Health. You fill it out and sign it. You must show proof of the right name. Common proof papers are a school record, a Social Security record, a passport, or a baptismal record. The state office reviews the papers. They check the proof. If the proof is good, they issue a new certified copy. The new copy has the right name. The fee is the same as a new copy. The review takes 4 to 8 weeks. If the name change is for a minor, a parent files the form. If the name change is for a person 18 or older, the person files the form. If the change is more than a small typo, you may need a court order under Florida Statute 382.016. The court order is a separate set of steps that takes longer. The Broward County office can tell you which path fits your case. Before you file, gather at least two forms of proof that show the right name. The more proof you have, the faster the review goes. Keep copies of everything you send.
Is the $15 fee the same for everyone?
The $15 fee is set by Florida law. The law is Florida Statute 382.0255. The fee is the same for Florida residents and out-of-state requesters. The fee is the same for a first copy and each extra copy. The state does not give fee waivers for birth records. The state does not lower the fee for low-income requesters. The only added cost is the VitalChek service fee for online orders. The VitalChek fee starts at $8.50. Rush shipping adds more. Credit card fees may add a small charge. Some third-party sites charge $30 to $100 for the same record. These sites are not approved by the state. The $15 state fee is the same no matter how you order. The only thing that changes is the service fee and the shipping fee. If you want to save money, go in person. You pay only the $15 fee. You do not pay a service fee. You do not pay a shipping fee. The office accepts cash, checks, money orders, and debit cards. Bring a debit card if you want to pay with plastic.
How do I get an apostille for my Florida birth certificate?
An apostille is a stamp that makes a U.S. record valid in another country. The apostille for a Florida birth record comes from the Florida Secretary of State. The Florida Department of Health does not issue apostilles. First, you get a certified copy of the birth record. The certified copy must have a raised seal. Then you send the certified copy to the Florida Secretary of State. The Secretary of State office reviews the signature on the record. They attach the apostille. The apostille fee is $10. You can order the apostille by mail or in person. The Secretary of State office sits in Tallahassee. The address is 500 South Bronough Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399. The apostille takes 5 to 10 business days. Some countries need more than an apostille. Check with the embassy of the country that needs the record. The embassy can tell you the exact steps and the right fees. The apostille is good for one use in one country. If you need it for more than one country, you need more than one apostille. Plan ahead because the whole set of steps can take a few weeks.