Port St Lucie City birth records are official papers that prove a person was born in Port St Lucie, Florida. These records show the full name, date of birth, place of birth, and parent names.
The St. Lucie County Health Department keeps and issues these records for everyone born in the city and the rest of the county. People need these records for school, jobs, passports, and many other legal reasons.
Quick Facts About Port St Lucie Birth Records
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Office in Charge | St. Lucie County Health Department |
| City Served | Port St Lucie |
| County | St. Lucie County, Florida |
| First Copy Fee | $15 |
| Extra Copy Fee | $7 each |
| Office Hours | Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Main Office Address | 5150 NW Milner Drive, Port St Lucie, FL 34983 |
| Phone Number | (772) 462-3900 |
What Port St Lucie City Birth Records Include
A Port St Lucie birth certificate has the full legal name of the person born. It shows the date of birth, time of birth, and the hospital or place where the birth took place. The record lists the full names of both parents. It also shows the doctor or midwife who helped with the birth. The certificate has a raised seal and a signature from the state registrar. This seal makes it a legal paper accepted by all government offices.
Florida makes two kinds of birth certificates. The first kind is a certified copy. A certified copy has the official seal and works for legal use. The second kind is a computer printout that costs less. The printout has a stamp that says it is not a valid legal paper. People use the printout for personal research and family history.
Where to Get Port St Lucie City Birth Records
The St. Lucie County Health Department handles all birth records for Port St Lucie. Florida keeps birth records at the county level. The state office in Jacksonville also keeps a master copy. You can visit the local Port St Lucie office, send a mail request, or use the state online system.
St. Lucie County Health Department Office
The local office sits at 5150 NW Milner Drive in Port St Lucie. This office is the main place where people go for birth records. The staff helps with new birth registration, copies of records, and changes to records. The office also handles death and marriage records for the county. You can visit the office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
State of Florida Office of Vital Statistics
The state office in Jacksonville keeps records for all 67 Florida counties. You can send a mail request to the state office if you cannot visit the local Port St Lucie office. The state office also accepts orders through their online system. The state address is P.O. Box 210, Jacksonville, FL 32231.
Who Can Order Port St Lucie City Birth Records
Florida law limits who can get a certified copy of a birth record. You must be one of the people listed below to order a copy:
- The person named on the record (must be 18 or older)
- The mother or father listed on the record
- A husband or wife of the person on the record
- A son, daughter, brother, or sister of the person
- A grandchild or grandparent of the person
- A legal guardian with court papers
- A lawyer working for one of the people above
- A person with a court order that lets them see the record
If you do not fit one of these groups, you can still buy a computer printout of the record. The printout has a stamp that says it is not for legal use. It costs less than a certified copy. Many people buy the printout for family history or personal use.
How to Order Port St Lucie City Birth Records
You have three ways to get a Port St Lucie birth certificate. Each way costs the same base fee. The time it takes depends on the way you pick.
Order in Person
Going to the office is the fastest way. Most people get their copy the same day. Here are the steps:
- Visit the St. Lucie County Health Department at 5150 NW Milner Drive, Port St Lucie, FL 34983
- Bring a valid photo ID (driver license, state ID, or passport)
- Fill out the short request form at the counter
- Pay the fee with cash, check, or money order
- Wait for staff to print your certified copy
Bring as much info about the birth as you can. You will need the full name at birth, date of birth, and the parents’ full names. The more details you give, the faster the staff can find the record.
Order by Mail
Mail orders work well for people who do not live near Port St Lucie. Mail orders take two to four weeks. Follow these steps:
- Print and fill out the Florida birth certificate request form
- Make a copy of your photo ID
- Write a check or money order for the fee
- Mail all items to the St. Lucie County Health Department office
- Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for the return
Mail your request to St. Lucie County Health Department, Vital Records, 5150 NW Milner Drive, Port St Lucie, FL 34983. Use certified mail so you can track your package.
Order Online Through VitalChek
VitalChek is the only state-approved online vendor for Florida birth records. The site lets you order any time of day. You will pay a service fee on top of the base fee. Here is the process:
- Go to the VitalChek website at vitalchek.com
- Pick Florida as the state
- Pick birth certificate as the record type
- Fill in the birth details
- Pay with a credit or debit card
- Wait for the certificate to ship to your home
Online orders ship by mail. Processing takes 5 to 10 business days. The VitalChek service fee is around $11 extra per order. The total cost is higher than going in person.
Port St Lucie City Birth Records Fees
The fee schedule comes from Florida law. The first certified copy costs $15. Each extra copy ordered at the same time costs $7. The fees are the same for in-person, mail, and online orders. The only extra cost comes from the VitalChek service fee for online orders.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| First Certified Copy | $15 |
| Each Extra Copy | $7 |
| Computer Printout (Not Certified) | $5 |
| VitalChek Service Fee | Around $11 extra |
| Expedited Shipping | Cost varies |
Many people order two or three copies at once. This saves money on the extra copies. Extra copies come in handy for school, sports teams, travel, and other needs.
Port St Lucie Birth Registration for Newborns
All new births in Port St Lucie must be filed with the state. Florida law gives a five-day window for the hospital or birthing center to send the birth record to the state. The hospital starts the paperwork. Parents must fill out the birth registration worksheet before leaving the hospital.
The worksheet asks for the baby’s name, the parents’ full names, and other details. The hospital sends the worksheet to the state. The state creates the official birth record. Parents can order a certified copy about two weeks after the birth.
If a baby is born at home, the midwife or doctor must file the birth record. Parents should give the midwife all the needed details. The same five-day rule applies. The state office in Jacksonville creates the official record.
How Long Does It Take to Get Port St Lucie Birth Records
The time depends on the way you order. In-person orders are done the same day in most cases. Mail orders take 2 to 4 weeks. Online orders through VitalChek take 5 to 10 business days plus shipping time. Busy times of year can make all orders take longer.
If you need a copy fast, go in person early in the morning. The office is less busy right when it opens. Avoid the lunch hour if you can. Mondays and the days after holidays are the busiest.
Expedited Birth Certificate Services in Port St Lucie
The local Port St Lucie office does same-day service for in-person visits. This is the fastest option. For mail and online orders, you can pay extra for faster shipping. VitalChek offers rush shipping for an added cost. Rush shipping can cut the wait time by a few days.
For true rush service, visit the office in person. Bring your ID and the birth details. The staff can print the copy while you wait. Most in-person orders finish within 30 minutes to one hour.
Correcting Errors on Port St Lucie City Birth Records
Mistakes on birth records can be fixed. Common errors include wrong name spelling, wrong birth date, or missing parent names. The Florida Department of Health handles all changes to birth records. The local Port St Lucie office can help you start the process.
How to Fix a Name Spelling Error
Small spelling errors can be fixed with the Amendment to Certificate of Live Birth form. You will need to show proof of the correct spelling. A school record, medical record, or other official paper works as proof. The state office reviews each request. The fee for the amendment is $20 plus the cost of a new certified copy.
How to Add or Change a Father’s Name
Changes to the father’s name need a court order or a signed paternity form. Both parents must sign the paternity form. If only the mother signs, the father is not added to the record. A court order is needed for any other changes. The court sends the order to the state office. The state updates the record and sends a new copy.
Adoption Name Changes
When a child is adopted, the court issues a new birth record. The new record has the adoptive parents’ names. The old record is sealed. The new record is the only one people can see. Adoptive parents get a copy of the new record from the court.
Getting a Birth Certificate Apostille in Port St Lucie
People who need to use their Port St Lucie birth certificate in another country may need an apostille. An apostille is a stamp that proves the document is real for use in countries that joined the Hague Convention. The Florida Secretary of State office issues apostilles.
First, get a new certified copy of the birth certificate from the Port St Lucie office. Then send the certified copy to the Secretary of State in Tallahassee. The Secretary of State office adds the apostille and sends the document back. The fee for the apostille service is $10. Mail time adds another 1 to 2 weeks.
Using Port St Lucie City Birth Records for a Passport
You need a certified birth certificate to get a U.S. passport. The certificate must have the parent’s full names. The certificate must also have a raised seal or a registrar’s signature. Computer printouts do not work for passport use. Make sure you order a certified copy when you go to the Port St Lucie office.
If you need a passport fast, get the birth certificate in person. Then take it to a passport acceptance facility. Many post offices in Port St Lucie accept passport applications. The whole process can be done in a few days if you pay for rush service.
Historical and Genealogy Birth Records in Port St Lucie
Older birth records in St. Lucie County go back many years. The state office in Jacksonville keeps all records from 1917 to the present. Records before 1917 are harder to find. Early records were often kept at the local level and may not have survived.
People who research family history can search old records. The state office will send copies of old birth records to eligible people. The same rules for who can order apply to old records. Family members can still get copies of their relative’s birth records. The fee is the same for old and new records.
The St. Lucie County Historical Society also has some early records. The Port St Lucie Public Library has local history books and records. These places can help with genealogy research even when vital records are not available.
Port St Lucie Birth Records Online Database Access
Florida has a state online index of birth records. The index is free to search. It shows basic facts like name, date, and county. The index covers births from 1917 to the present. The full record image is not free. You must order a copy through VitalChek or by mail to see the full record.
The Florida Department of Health website has the index search page. You can search by name, year, and county. The search works best when you know the full name and year of birth. The index helps people confirm a record exists before they pay for a copy.
Other sites may show Florida birth record data. These sites pull from public records and old newspapers. They can help with family research. The data on these sites is not always correct. The state office in Port St Lucie is the only official source for certified copies.
Port St Lucie Vital Records Office Contact Information
The St. Lucie County Health Department is the main office for Port St Lucie birth records. Here is the contact info:
- Office Name: St. Lucie County Health Department, Vital Records
- Address: 5150 NW Milner Drive, Port St Lucie, FL 34983
- Phone: (772) 462-3900
- Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
- Website: stlucie.floridahealth.gov
- Florida Department of Health State Website: floridahealth.gov/certificates-records
Frequently Asked Questions About Port St Lucie City Birth Records
Many people have questions about getting birth records in Port St Lucie. The questions below cover the most common issues. Each answer gives clear facts and steps to help you get the record you need.
How much does a Port St Lucie birth certificate cost?
The first certified copy of a Port St Lucie birth certificate costs $15. Each extra copy costs $7 when ordered at the same time. The fee comes from Florida law. The local office, mail orders, and online orders all charge the same base fee. VitalChek adds a service fee of about $11 for online orders. The total cost for one copy through VitalChek is around $26. Going in person is the cheapest way to order a copy.
Can I get a Port St Lucie birth certificate the same day?
Yes, you can get a Port St Lucie birth certificate the same day when you visit the office in person. The St. Lucie County Health Department at 5150 NW Milner Drive issues same-day copies during business hours. Bring your photo ID and the birth details. Most in-person orders finish within 30 minutes to one hour. Mail orders take 2 to 4 weeks. Online orders through VitalChek take 5 to 10 business days plus shipping time.
Who is allowed to order a Port St Lucie birth certificate?
Florida law lists who can order a certified copy of a Port St Lucie birth certificate. The person on the record can order their own copy if they are 18 or older. Parents, grandparents, children, brothers, sisters, and spouses can also order copies. A legal guardian with court papers can request a copy. A lawyer for one of these people can also order on their behalf. People not on the list can buy a non-certified printout for $5.
How do I fix a mistake on a Port St Lucie birth certificate?
To fix a mistake on a Port St Lucie birth certificate, you must file an amendment with the Florida Department of Health. Small spelling errors need the Amendment to Certificate of Live Birth form and proof of the right spelling. Father name changes need a court order or a signed paternity form. Adoption changes are made by the court, which issues a new birth record. The amendment fee is $20 plus the cost of a new certified copy. The local Port St Lucie office can help you start the process.
Can I get a Port St Lucie birth certificate for a passport?
Yes, you can use a Port St Lucie birth certificate for a U.S. passport. The certificate must be a certified copy with a raised seal or registrar signature. Computer printouts do not work for passport use. Order a certified copy from the St. Lucie County Health Department. The first copy costs $15. Many passport offices in Port St Lucie also accept applications. The U.S. State Department can rush your passport for an extra fee if you have travel plans soon.
How do I get a Port St Lucie birth certificate apostille?
To get an apostille on a Port St Lucie birth certificate, first get a new certified copy from the St. Lucie County Health Department. Then send the certified copy to the Florida Secretary of State in Tallahassee. The Secretary of State adds the apostille stamp. The apostille fee is $10. Mail time adds 1 to 2 weeks. Apostilles are needed for legal use of U.S. documents in countries that are part of the Hague Convention. Check with the country where you need to use the document to confirm you need an apostille.
Can I search old Port St Lucie birth records online?
Yes, you can search the Florida birth record index online for free. The Florida Department of Health website has the index. It covers births from 1917 to the present. The index shows the name, date, and county of birth. The full record image costs money. You must order a copy through VitalChek or by mail to see the full record. Old records before 1917 are not in the state index. Local historical societies and libraries may have old records or family history papers.