Flagler County birth records are official documents that prove a person’s birth in Flagler County, Florida. You can get a certified copy of these records from the Flagler County Health Department in Bunnell.
The office is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. This page covers everything you need to order, replace, or correct a birth certificate in Flagler County.
Flagler County Birth Certificate Office Location and Hours
The Flagler County Health Department handles all birth certificate requests for people born in Flagler County. The office sits at 301 Dr. Carter Boulevard in Bunnell, Florida 32110. Bunnell is the county seat of Flagler County. The phone number for the office is 386-437-7350.
The office opens at 8 a.m. and closes at 5 p.m. on weekdays. The office stays closed on weekends and state holidays. Walk-in customers can get same-day service during these hours. You do not need an appointment to visit the office in person.
The Flagler County Health Department works under the Florida Department of Health. They can pull up birth records for any person born anywhere in Florida. The state runs a single database that all county health departments can use. This means you can get a Flagler County birth certificate at this office even if the birth took place in another Florida county.
Florida Statute 382.013 requires all births in the state to be registered with the Bureau of Vital Statistics. Hospitals file birth data with the state within days of delivery. Once the record reaches the state system, any county office can print a certified copy.
How to Order Flagler County Birth Records In Person
Walking into the Flagler County Health Department is the fastest way to get a birth certificate. Most walk-in requests finish the same day. The whole visit usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.
Bring these items to the office:
- A filled-out DH726 application form
- A valid photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, or passport)
- Payment for the $15 fee
The DH726 form asks for the full name on the birth record, the date of birth, the place of birth, and the parents’ names. You can get this form at the office or print it from the Florida Department of Health website before your visit.
The clerk checks your ID against the record. After approval, the office prints a certified copy on Florida security paper. The seal and signature on the paper make it legal for passports, school enrollment, and government benefits.
Mail Request for Flagler County Birth Certificate
You can order a Flagler County birth certificate by mail. Mail orders take two to three weeks for processing and delivery. This works well for people who live far from Bunnell or who cannot visit during office hours.
Send these items to the Flagler County Health Department at 301 Dr. Carter Boulevard, Bunnell, FL 32110:
- A filled-out DH726 application form
- A photocopy of your valid photo ID (front and back)
- A check or money order for $15 made payable to “DOH-Flagler”
- A self-addressed stamped envelope for return mail
The clerk at the office opens your mail, checks your documents, and processes the order. The certified copy ships back to you by regular first-class mail. You can also send your mail order to the state office in Jacksonville for backup processing.
The Bureau of Vital Statistics accepts mail orders at PO Box 210, Jacksonville, FL 32231. State-level processing takes three to five business days plus mail time. The state office works as a good backup when the Flagler County office has longer wait times.
Online Birth Records Ordering Through VitalChek
VitalChek is the only state-approved online service for Flagler County birth certificates. You can place an order on the VitalChek website at any time of day. The site walks you through the application form step by step.
You will need to enter the birth details, upload a photo of your ID, and pay with a credit or debit card. The state fee through VitalChek costs $19 for each copy. VitalChek adds a service fee of about $7 on top of the state fee. Total cost runs $26 to $45 per copy based on shipping speed.
Standard delivery takes five to seven business days. You can pay extra for faster shipping if you need the certificate soon. Online orders work well for Flagler County residents who work during office hours. They also help people who moved away from Florida but still need a birth certificate from the state.
The VitalChek system links directly to the Florida vital records database. Your order goes to the same records held by the Flagler County Health Department. The certified copy you receive is the same legal document you would get in person.
Flagler County Birth Certificate Fees and Payment Methods
Florida Statute 382.0255 sets the fee for all birth certificates in the state. The first certified copy costs $15. Each extra copy of the same record ordered at the same time costs $7. These fees apply at every county health department in Florida.
The Flagler County Health Department accepts cash, checks, and money orders for in-person and mail orders. They do not accept credit or debit cards for in-person visits. Bring exact change or a check for the in-person fee.
Online orders through VitalChek only accept credit and debit cards. The online fee is higher than the in-person fee because of the service charge. Mail orders require a check or money order made out to DOH-Flagler.
| Service Method | First Copy Fee | Extra Copy Fee | Payment Methods |
|---|---|---|---|
| In Person | $15 | $7 | Cash, Check, Money Order |
| Mail Request | $15 | $7 | Check, Money Order |
| VitalChek Online | $19 + service fee | $19 + service fee | Credit Card, Debit Card |
Who Qualifies to Request Flagler County Birth Records
Florida birth records stay confidential for 125 years from the date of birth. Florida Statute 382.025 controls who can get a certified copy. Only certain people have legal access to these records.
The list of approved applicants includes:
- The person named on the record (must be 18 or older)
- A parent listed on the birth certificate
- A legal guardian with court papers
- A spouse of the person on the record
- An adult child of the person on the record
- A lawyer representing one of these people
You must show proof of your identity and your relationship to the person on the record. The Flagler County staff checks your ID against the application. They may ask for extra documents to confirm your right to the record.
If you do not qualify for a certified copy, you can ask for an informational copy. This version lists the same facts as the certified copy. It cannot be used for legal purposes like ID or passports. It works for personal reference, family research, and genealogy projects.
Identification Requirements for Birth Certificate Requests
You must show valid photo ID to get a certified copy of a Flagler County birth record. The clerk will not process your request without proper ID. Accepted forms of ID include:
- Florida driver’s license or state ID
- U.S. passport or passport card
- Military ID
- Out-of-state driver’s license
For mail orders, send a clear photocopy of your photo ID. Copy both the front and back of the ID card. The clerk reviews the copy against the application data before processing the order.
If you do not have a photo ID, you can use two of these secondary documents:
- Social Security card
- Utility bill with your current address
- Bank statement with your name
- Pay stub with your name and address
For people who represent an approved applicant (like a lawyer or legal guardian), bring court papers that show your role. The clerk keeps copies of these papers in the file.
Flagler County Birth Record Amendment and Correction Process
You can fix mistakes on a Florida birth certificate. The Florida Department of Health handles all amendment requests. Small errors like misspellings need a short form and proof of the correct information.
Common reasons for amendments include:
- Spelling errors in the name or parents’ names
- Wrong date of birth
- Wrong place of birth
- Missing parent information
- Sex designation changes
Send amendment requests to the Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville. The Flagler County Health Department can help you start the paperwork. The state office makes the final decision on all changes.
Larger changes need more paperwork. Some changes require a court order under Florida Statute 382.016. Court-ordered changes include paternity updates, name changes after adoption, and major data corrections. The court process takes several months to complete.
Once the state approves an amendment, the updated record goes into the system. You can then order a new certified copy from the Flagler County office with the corrected information. The new copy shows the change with a margin note that lists the date of the amendment.
Replacing a Lost or Stolen Flagler County Birth Certificate
You can order a replacement copy of a lost or stolen birth certificate. The process works the same as ordering a first-time copy. The state fee of $15 still applies. You do not need to file a police report to get a replacement copy.
Fill out the DH726 form with the same information used for the original certificate. Show your photo ID at the counter or send a photocopy with your mail order. The clerk pulls up the existing record from the state database and prints a new certified copy.
Replacement copies have the same legal weight as the original. The state does not mark the copy as a replacement. The certified copy looks identical to the first copy you received. Keep the new copy in a safe place to avoid the need for another replacement.
Historical and Genealogy Birth Records in Flagler County
Flagler County was created in 1917 from parts of Volusia and St. Johns counties. Birth records from that era may be limited. Early records often sit in county archives or state historical files.
Genealogy researchers can search for Flagler County birth records through several sources:
- Florida State Archives in Tallahassee
- Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville
- Flagler County Public Library local history section
- Online genealogy databases like Ancestry.com and FamilySearch
Records older than 125 years become open to the public. For Flagler County, this means births before 1901 fall outside the confidential period. Most of the county’s records date from the early 1900s forward, so they remain under the state privacy rules.
Informational copies of sealed records are available to genealogy researchers. These copies show the birth facts but cannot be used for legal purposes. The Flagler County Health Department can issue informational copies to approved researchers with proper ID.
Apostille Services for Flagler County Birth Certificates
An apostille is a certificate that proves your birth certificate is real for use in another country. You may need an apostille if you move abroad, get married overseas, or do business in a foreign country. Florida is part of the Hague Convention, so an apostille works in most countries.
Get the apostille from the Florida Department of State in Tallahassee. The process works like this:
- Order a certified copy of your birth certificate from Flagler County
- Send the certified copy to the Florida Department of State
- Pay the apostille fee (currently $10 per document)
- Wait 5 to 10 business days for processing
The Department of State checks the state seal on your birth certificate. They attach the apostille certificate to the document. The apostille proves the signature and seal are real. Foreign governments accept the document as legal proof of birth.
Some countries need extra steps beyond the apostille. Check the rules for the country where you plan to use the document. The Florida Department of State website lists the current fees and processing times for apostille services.
Flagler County Clerk of Court Birth Records Role
The Flagler County Clerk of Court keeps court records, not birth records. The Clerk’s office does not issue birth certificates. Birth records in Florida sit with the Florida Department of Health, not the Clerk of Court.
The Clerk of Court handles other documents like marriage licenses, divorce decrees, and court judgments. For birth records, you must go to the Flagler County Health Department or use VitalChek online.
The Clerk’s office can help with related records. For example, if you need a court order to change a birth certificate, you file the petition at the Clerk’s office. The Clerk stamps and files the court papers, but the Florida Department of Health makes the final decision on the birth record change.
Cities and Communities Served by Flagler County Vital Records
All Flagler County birth certificate requests go through the Bunnell office. The office serves every city and town in the county. Flagler County includes these main communities:
Palm Coast is the largest city in Flagler County. The city has grown fast in recent years and now holds most of the county’s population. Palm Coast residents use the Bunnell office for all birth certificate needs.
Bunnell is the county seat. The Health Department office sits in Bunnell on Dr. Carter Boulevard. Bunnell residents can walk to the office for same-day service.
Flagler Beach sits on the Atlantic coast. Residents of Flagler Beach drive about 10 miles north to reach the Bunnell office.
Other communities in Flagler County include Beverly Beach, Marineland, and the unincorporated areas of the county. Every resident uses the same Bunnell office for birth records.
Nearby counties that also issue Florida birth certificates include Putnam County to the west, St. Johns County to the north, and Volusia County to the south. You can visit any county health department in Florida to get a birth certificate.
Contact Flagler County Vital Records Office
Use this contact data to reach the Flagler County Health Department:
Office: DOH-Flagler, Vital Statistics
Address: 301 Dr. Carter Boulevard, Bunnell, FL 32110
Phone: 386-437-7350
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Website: flagler.floridahealth.gov
Call the office before you visit to check current wait times. Phone lines open at 8 a.m. The office handles the highest call volume in the morning hours. Call after 2 p.m. for shorter hold times.
Plan your visit for Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday. Mondays and Fridays tend to be the busiest days. Mid-week visits usually have shorter wait times at the counter.
Frequently Asked Questions About Flagler County Birth Records
These questions cover the most common topics about Flagler County birth records. The answers give you the facts you need to order, replace, or correct a birth certificate in Flagler County, Florida. Use these answers to plan your request and avoid delays.
How long does it take to get a birth certificate from Flagler County?
In-person requests at the Flagler County Health Department usually finish the same day. The office prints your certified copy while you wait. Most walk-in visits take 15 to 30 minutes from start to finish. Mail orders take two to three weeks for processing and return delivery. Online orders through VitalChek take five to seven business days for standard shipping. You can pay extra for faster shipping on online orders. Plan ahead for mail and online orders if you need the certificate by a specific date. The office may have longer wait times during the first week of each month and around major holidays. Call the office at 386-437-7350 before your visit to check current processing times. The office handles birth certificate requests in the order they arrive. Mail orders get processed once a week, so your request may sit in a queue before staff review it. Online orders go into the system right away but still wait for staff processing before shipping.
Can I get a Flagler County birth certificate if I was born in another Florida county?
Yes. The Florida Department of Health runs a single database for all Florida birth records. The Flagler County Health Department can pull up any Florida birth from this database. You can visit the Flagler County office to get a certified copy of a birth that took place in Miami, Tampa, Orlando, or any other Florida city. This works for mail orders and VitalChek online orders as well. The state fee of $15 for the first copy applies no matter where the birth took place. The database goes back to 1917 for Flagler County births and covers all Florida counties from that date forward. Hospital records from the 1930s and later are almost all in the system. Earlier records may need a search through the state archives in Tallahassee. Bring as much information as you have about the birth to speed up the search at the counter.
What if I need a birth certificate for a child under 18?
A parent listed on the birth certificate can request a certified copy for a minor child. Bring your photo ID and the child’s birth record details. Fill out the DH726 form with the child’s full name, date of birth, and place of birth. The clerk checks your ID against the parents listed on the record. You will get a certified copy the same day for in-person requests. The certified copy works for school enrollment, sports signups, and passport applications for the child. Legal guardians with court papers can also request copies for minors in their care. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, and family friends cannot request certified copies for someone else’s child. If you are not on the birth certificate, you cannot get a certified copy of a minor’s record. You would need a court order to access the record in that case.
Are Flagler County birth records available to the public?
No. Florida keeps birth records confidential for 125 years under state law. Only approved applicants can get a certified copy. The approved list includes the person on the record (18 or older), parents, legal guardians, spouses, adult children, and lawyers. After 125 years, the records become open to the public for genealogy research. Informational copies of sealed records are available to researchers for personal use but cannot be used for legal purposes. The 125-year rule starts from the date of birth, not the date of the request. For births in 1900 or earlier, the records are open. For births from 1901 forward, the records stay sealed. Most of the records in the Flagler County system date from the early 1900s, so the vast majority are still confidential. Genealogists can search older records through the Florida State Archives and online databases.
Can I use a birth certificate from Flagler County for a passport?
Yes. A certified copy of a Flagler County birth certificate works for U.S. passport applications. The certificate must show the state seal and the registrar’s signature. Make sure you order a certified copy, not an informational copy. Informational copies have a stamp that marks them as not valid for legal ID. The certified copy from the Flagler County Health Department meets all U.S. State Department rules for passport applications. For a child’s first passport, both parents must appear in person or one parent must bring a signed consent form (DS-3053) from the absent parent. Bring the child’s certified birth certificate, both parents’ IDs, and a passport photo to the passport acceptance facility. The Flagler County Health Department does not process passport applications, only birth certificate requests.
What is the difference between a certified copy and an informational copy?
A certified copy has the official Florida state seal, a registrar signature, and a raised stamp. It works as legal proof of birth for passports, licenses, benefits, and school enrollment. An informational copy shows the same birth facts but has a stamp that marks it as not valid for legal ID. You can use an informational copy for personal reference, family history, and genealogy projects. Certified copies cost $15 each. Informational copies may have a different fee set by the state. The clerk at the Flagler County office will ask which type you need. Make sure you specify the right type when you fill out the application. Some people order the wrong type and have to pay again for the correct version. The state fee for informational copies may be lower, but check the current rate when you order.
How do I correct a spelling error on a Flagler County birth certificate?
Fill out the amendment application from the Florida Department of Health website. Send the form with proof of the correct spelling. Documents that prove the right spelling include a school record, Social Security card, or early census record. Small spelling corrections do not need a court order. Mail the paperwork to the Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville. Processing takes 4 to 6 weeks. The state sends you a new certified copy with the corrected information once the change is approved. The amendment adds a margin note to the original record that shows the date and type of change. The original record stays in the system with the correction noted. For major changes like a full name change, you need a court order under Florida Statute 382.016. Court-ordered changes take longer and cost more in legal fees. The Flagler County Health Department can give you the forms and explain the process for both minor and major amendments.