Highlands County birth records are official papers that prove a person was born in Highlands County, Florida. These records show the full name, date of birth, place of birth, and parent names.
You can get a certified copy of these records from the Florida Department of Health office in Sebring. The office serves the cities of Sebring, Avon Park, and Lake Placid. Anyone who needs proof of birth for school, travel, a job, or a passport can order a copy.
Highlands County Florida Birth Certificate Office Location
The DOH-Highlands Vital Statistics office sits at 7205 S George Boulevard in Sebring, Florida 33875. The phone number for the office is 863-386-6040. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The office closes on state and federal holidays. You can walk in without an appointment during business hours. The staff will help you fill out the application form at the front desk.
| Office | DOH-Highlands, Vital Statistics |
|---|---|
| Address | 7205 S George Boulevard, Sebring, FL 33875 |
| Phone | 863-386-6040 |
| Hours | Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. |
| County Seat | Sebring |
| Population | 109,778 |
Map of DOH-Highlands Office: View on Google Maps
Three Ways to Order a Highlands County Birth Certificate
You have three options for ordering a Highlands County certified birth certificate. The fastest method is in person at the Sebring office. The second method is by mail. The third method is online through VitalChek. All three methods produce the same legal certified copy. Each copy has a raised seal and the signature of the state registrar. These copies work for passports, school sign-ups, and other legal needs.
In-Person Walk-In Service
Walk-in orders are the fastest way to get your record. You can visit the Sebring office Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Bring a valid photo ID. A driver’s license, state ID card, passport, or military ID all work. The staff will give you form DH726 to fill out. Most walk-in requests finish in under an hour. You will get your certified copy the same day in most cases.
Mail-In Requests
Mail orders take longer than walk-in visits. Send a completed DH726 form to the Sebring office. Include a photocopy of your photo ID. Include a check or money order for the full fee. Make the payment out to DOH-Highlands. Mail your packet to 7205 S George Boulevard, Sebring, FL 33875. Processing time runs two to three weeks. The office sends your certificate back by regular mail. You cannot speed up a mail request at the county level.
Online Orders Through VitalChek
VitalChek is the only state-approved online vendor for Florida birth records. Go to the VitalChek website to start your order. You will pay the state fee plus a service fee. Credit cards and debit cards are accepted. Most online orders arrive in five to seven business days. Rush shipping costs extra. The rush option ships your record in two to three business days for an added fee.
Who Can Request a Highlands County Birth Record
Florida keeps birth records private under Florida Statute 382.025. Birth certificates for people under 125 years old are limited to a set list of approved people. The DOH-Highlands office checks identity and proof of relation before issuing a copy. You must show a valid photo ID and sign the application form.
The list of approved requesters includes the person named on the record if 18 or older. Parents listed on the certificate can also order. A legal guardian with court papers can request a copy. A current spouse, adult sibling, adult child, or grandparent can also apply. An attorney who represents one of these people can order the record. People outside this list may get an informational copy. An informational copy has the same facts but carries a stamp that blocks legal use.
Highlands County Birth Certificate Fees
Florida sets the same fee for birth certificates across all counties. The first certified copy costs $15. Each extra copy of the same record costs $7 when you order them at the same time. You can pay with cash, check, or money order in person. Mail orders only accept checks or money orders. Online orders through VitalChek add a service fee on top of the state fee.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| First certified copy | $15 |
| Each extra copy (same order) | $7 |
| VitalChek service fee | Varies |
| Rush shipping | Extra charge |
Sebring Florida Birth Certificate and Walk-In Service
Sebring is the county seat of Highlands County. The Sebring office handles all birth record orders for county residents. Walk-in service runs from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays. The office can process your order in under one hour in most cases. You can pay with cash, check, or money order. Bring a valid photo ID and the full name on the record. The date of birth and the parent’s full name also speed up the search.
Avon Park Birth Certificate Requests
Avon Park residents use the same Sebring office for birth records. The office sits a short drive from Avon Park. You can visit in person, mail a request, or order online. All orders from Avon Park go through the DOH-Highlands office. There is no separate office in Avon Park for vital records. The Sebring office has access to all Florida birth records, not just local ones.
Lake Placid Florida Birth Certificate Requests
Lake Placid residents also use the Sebring office for birth records. The office is the only place in Highlands County that issues certified copies. You can place a mail order or order online from Lake Placid. Walk-in service at the Sebring office is the fastest option. The staff can search statewide records for any birth that took place in Florida.
Replace Birth Certificate Highlands County
You can replace a lost or damaged birth certificate in Highlands County. The same rules apply for a replacement copy. You must be on the approved requester list. Fill out form DH726 and show a valid photo ID. Pay the $15 fee for the first copy. Your replacement copy is a legal certified copy. It works for the same purposes as the original record.
Amended Birth Certificate in Highlands County
You can make changes to a birth record through the amendment process. Common changes include fixing a name, adding a parent, or correcting a date. Some changes need a court order under Florida Statute 382.016. The DOH-Highlands office can start the process. The final approval comes from the state office in Jacksonville. The Florida Department of Health has details on the amendment process on its website.
Highlands County Birth Certificate Apostille
An apostille is a stamp that proves a record is real for use in another country. You must get the apostille from the Florida Department of State, not the health department. First, order your certified birth certificate from the Sebring office. Then send the certified copy to the Florida Department of State in Tallahassee. They will add the apostille seal. The process takes a few weeks.
Highlands County Florida Adoption Birth Records
Adopted people can request their original birth record in some cases. Florida adopted people born after a certain date can request the original record from the state. Adoptive parents can get the new birth record created after the adoption. The adoption decree may be needed for some requests. Contact the DOH-Highlands office for help with adoption birth records.
Highlands County Genealogy Birth Records
Family history researchers can search birth records in Highlands County. Records from 1930 forward are open for family research. The Sebring office can help with records from 1930 to the present. For records before 1930, contact the state Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville. The state office keeps the older records. FamilySearch and Ancestry.com also have indexes of Florida birth records for genealogy work.
Highlands County Historical Birth Records
Birth records from 1917 to 1930 are held at the state level in Florida. The state Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville has these older records. You can call the state office at 904-359-6900 for help. The Sebring office can search the statewide system for any Florida birth. Older records may take longer to find. The clerk can place a search request with the state office for records that predate the county index.
Florida Department of Health Birth Certificate Portal
The Florida Department of Health has a state website for birth records. The site covers rules, fees, forms, and order steps for all counties. The Highlands County Health Department follows the same rules. You can find form DH726 on the state site. The site also lists all county health department addresses and phone numbers.
Highlands County Birth Record Search Tips
You can speed up your search by having key facts ready. Bring the full name on the record, the date of birth, and the hospital name. The parent’s full names also help. The mother’s maiden name is often needed. If you do not know the exact date, the year alone can help. The office staff can search the statewide system with partial facts. A valid photo ID is always required at the time of pickup.
Florida Vital Statistics Office and State Records
The Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville is the central office for all Florida birth records. The state office sits at 1217 N Pearl Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202. The phone number is 904-359-6900. The state office handles records before 1930 and statewide search requests. The Sebring office can send a request to the state office for older records. The state office also processes corrections and amendments.
Highlands County Clerk of Court and Birth Records
The Highlands County Clerk of Court does not issue birth certificates. The Clerk handles court records, marriage licenses, and other court papers. The Clerk’s office can help with some court orders that may be needed for amendments. For birth records, you must use the DOH-Highlands office. The Clerk’s office sits at 590 S Commerce Avenue in Sebring.
Highlands County Birth Certificate Request Form DH726
Form DH726 is the application for a Florida birth certificate. You can get the form at the Sebring office. You can also download the form from the Florida Department of Health website. The form asks for the name on the record, date of birth, place of birth, and parent names. You must sign the form. The signature proves you have the right to order the record.
Highlands County Birth Index and Online Search
Florida has a birth index for public search. The state index shows basic facts like the name, year, and county. You can search the index on the Florida Department of Health website. The index does not show all birth details. To get a full copy, you must order a certified record. The search tool helps you confirm a record exists before you order.
Common Problems and Solutions
One common problem is a name change after marriage. If your name changed, you must show proof of the name change. A marriage certificate works for this. Another problem is a record that is not found. If the office cannot find the record, they will send a search request to the state office. The state office has older records. Another common issue is a payment error. Make checks out to DOH-Highlands. Do not send cash through the mail.
Cities in Highlands County
Highlands County has three main cities. Sebring is the county seat with about 11,000 people. Avon Park sits to the north with about 10,000 people. Lake Placid sits to the south with about 2,400 people. All three cities use the same Sebring office for birth records. The office serves every city in the county.
Nearby Counties
Highlands County borders DeSoto, Glades, Hardee, Okeechobee, Osceola, and Polk counties. You can order a Florida birth certificate from any county health department in the state. The Sebring office is the closest option for Highlands County residents. Polk County has an office in Bartow. Osceola County has an office in Kissimmee. Each county office follows the same state rules.
Contact Details for the Sebring Office
Office: DOH-Highlands, Vital Statistics. Address: 7205 S George Boulevard, Sebring, FL 33875. Phone: 863-386-6040. Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The office follows Eastern Time. You can walk in during business hours. You can also mail your request or order online through VitalChek.
Frequently Asked Questions About Highlands County Birth Records
People often have questions about birth records in Highlands County. The answers below cover the most common questions about ordering, fees, eligibility, and special cases. Each answer gives clear facts about how the process works in Florida. Read each section to learn what you need before you order a copy.
How long does it take to get a birth certificate from Highlands County?
Walk-in orders at the Sebring office finish in under one hour in most cases. Mail orders take two to three weeks for processing and return shipping. Online orders through VitalChek take five to seven business days. Rush shipping for online orders takes two to three business days for an extra fee. The state office in Jacksonville takes longer for older records. Records before 1930 go through the state office and may take several weeks to find. The Sebring office can place a search request with the state office for any record in Florida.
Can I get a birth certificate from a hospital in Highlands County?
Hospitals in Highlands County do not issue certified birth certificates. The hospital files the birth record with the state Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville. The DOH-Highlands office in Sebring is the only place in the county that issues certified copies. You must order through the Sebring office, by mail, or online through VitalChek. The hospital can give you a souvenir birth certificate at the time of birth, but that paper is not a legal document. Only a certified copy from the health department works for legal needs.
What ID do I need to get a Highlands County birth certificate?
You need a valid photo ID to order a birth certificate. A driver’s license, state ID card, passport, or military ID all work. The name on the ID must match the name on the application. If your name changed, you must show proof of the change. A marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order works as proof. The ID must not be expired. If you do not have a photo ID, contact the Sebring office for other options. The office may accept two forms of non-photo ID in some cases.
Can a grandparent order a birth certificate in Highlands County?
Yes. Florida law lets a grandparent order a birth certificate for a grandchild. The grandparent must show a valid photo ID. The grandparent must also prove the family link. A birth certificate for the parent of the grandchild works as proof. The grandparent must sign the application form. The Sebring office follows the state rules for grandparent requests. Informational copies are also available for people outside the approved list for a small fee.
How do I fix a mistake on a Highlands County birth certificate?
You can fix a mistake through the amendment process. Small clerical errors can be fixed with proof. A hospital record or a parent’s ID works for simple changes. Some changes need a court order under Florida Statute 382.016. Court-ordered changes include name changes and parentage changes. The Sebring office can start the amendment. The final approval comes from the state office in Jacksonville. The state office can take several weeks to process an amendment. There is a fee for amendments.
What is the difference between a certified copy and an informational copy?
A certified copy has a raised seal and the state registrar’s signature. It works for passports, school sign-ups, and legal needs. An informational copy has the same facts but carries a stamp that says it is not for legal use. Informational copies cost the same as certified copies. Informational copies work for family research and personal use. People who are not on the approved requester list can only get an informational copy. The Sebring office issues both types of copies.
Can I order a Highlands County birth certificate from another state?
Yes. You can order online through VitalChek from any state. You can also mail a request to the Sebring office from any state. The mail option takes two to three weeks. The online option takes five to seven business days. You can also order through the Florida state office in Jacksonville. VitalChek ships to all U.S. states and some foreign countries. You must still meet the Florida rules for eligibility no matter where you live. Proof of identity is required for all orders.