Riverview City birth records are official papers that show when and where a person was born in Riverview, Florida. These records are kept by Hillsborough County because Riverview is an unincorporated community.
There is no city hall for Riverview. All birth records go through the county health department or a Hillsborough County Tax Collector office. You can order a copy online, by mail, or in person.
Every year, thousands of Riverview residents need a certified copy of their birth certificate. They need it for school, jobs, passports, marriage, and Social Security. The process is simple once you know where to go and what to bring. This page covers every step, every fee, and every office that handles Riverview birth records as of July 2026.
Where Riverview Birth Records Are Kept
Riverview sits in southeast Hillsborough County, Florida. The community has over 107,776 residents. It is not a city. It has no mayor and no city hall. This means Riverview birth records fall under Hillsborough County, not a local city government.
Three agencies handle these records:
- Hillsborough County Health Department – the main office for vital records
- Hillsborough County Tax Collector branches – offer birth certificate services at select locations
- Florida Department of Health – the state office in Jacksonville keeps all Florida birth records since 1917
Florida law requires hospitals and birth centers to file a birth record within five days of the birth. After that, the record becomes part of the state vital statistics system. From there, copies can be ordered by eligible people.
Hillsborough County Vital Records Office
The Hillsborough County Health Department runs the vital records office that serves Riverview. This office issues certified birth certificates for anyone born in Hillsborough County, including Riverview.
| Office Name | Hillsborough County Health Department, Vital Records |
|---|---|
| Phone Number | (813) 307-8002 |
| Website | hillsborough.floridahealth.gov |
| Address | 1105 E. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, FL 33602 |
You can call the office Monday through Friday during business hours. The phone line opens at 8:00 a.m. and closes at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The office staff can answer questions about forms, fees, and what to bring.
Riverview Birth Certificate Office Locations Near You
The main health department office is in downtown Tampa, about 12 miles from central Riverview. For residents who live closer to the southern part of the county, two Tax Collector branches may save drive time.
Hillsborough County Tax Collector Branches
Hillsborough County Tax Collector offices process birth certificate applications. They follow the same rules and charge the same fees as the health department. Two branches are within a short drive of Riverview.
- Southshore Office – 3030 N. Falkenburg Rd., Tampa, FL 33619 (about 8 miles from Riverview)
- Brandon Office – 1430 N. Parsons Ave., Brandon, FL 33510 (about 10 miles from Riverview)
Each branch has its own hours. Most open at 8:00 a.m. and close at 5:00 p.m. on weekdays. Some branches stay open during lunch. You should call ahead to confirm hours before driving over.
Three Ways to Order a Riverview Birth Certificate
Florida gives Riverview residents three ways to order a certified birth certificate. Each method works well. The right one depends on how fast you need the record and how much effort you want to put in.
1. Order In Person
Going in person is the fastest method. You walk into the office, show your ID, fill out a short form, and pay. Most walk-in requests for Riverview birth certificates finish the same day. You can leave with the certificate in hand.
Steps for an in-person request:
- Bring a valid photo ID (driver license, state ID, or passport)
- Fill out the application form at the office
- Pay the fee with cash, check, or money order
- Wait for the clerk to print your certificate
Wait times vary. Early morning visits tend to be faster. Mid-morning and lunch hours are the busiest. Plan for 20 to 45 minutes inside the office.
2. Order by Mail
Mail requests work for Riverview residents who do not need the certificate right away. You send in the form, a copy of your ID, and payment. The office mails the certificate back to you.
What to include in your mail request:
- Completed Florida birth certificate application form
- A clear photocopy of your photo ID
- A check or money order for the exact amount
- A self-addressed stamped envelope for the return
Mail the packet to:
Hillsborough County Health Department
Vital Records Office
P.O. Box 5135
Tampa, FL 33675
Mail orders take 2 to 3 weeks. Some take longer during peak times. Plan ahead if you have a deadline.
3. Order Online Through VitalChek
VitalChek is the only state-approved online vendor for Florida birth certificates. Riverview residents can use the website or app 24 hours a day. You fill out the form, pay by card, and the certificate ships to your home.
Online ordering steps:
- Go to vitalchek.com
- Select Florida and birth certificate
- Enter the personal details on the record
- Upload a copy of your ID
- Pay the state fee plus the VitalChek service fee
- Choose standard or rush shipping
VitalChek adds a service fee of about $11.50 on top of the state fee. Rush shipping costs more. Standard mail delivery takes 5 to 7 business days after the office processes the request.
Riverview Birth Certificate Fees
Florida sets the same birth certificate fees across all counties. Riverview residents pay the same prices as anyone else in the state.
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| First certified copy | $14 |
| Each additional copy (same order) | $9 |
| Protective sleeve (optional) | $3 |
| VitalChek service fee (online only) | $11.50 and up |
Save money by ordering all copies at once. If you need a copy for school, a copy for a passport, and a copy for your own files, ordering all three in one request costs $32 ($14 + $9 + $9). Ordering them separately later would cost $42.
The health department and tax collector offices accept cash, checks, money orders, and most debit or credit cards. VitalChek accepts major credit and debit cards only. No cash is accepted online.
Who Can Request Riverview Birth Records
Florida law keeps birth records private for 125 years. Only specific people can order a certified copy. This rule applies to Riverview birth records the same way it applies to the rest of the state.
Eligible requesters include:
- The person named on the record (must be 18 or older)
- The mother or father listed on the record
- Legal guardians with court paperwork
- The spouse of the person on the record
- Children of the person on the record
- Siblings and grandparents of the person on the record
- An attorney working for an eligible person
People who do not fit these rules can still get an informational copy. The informational copy shows the same facts, but it has a stamp that says “Not for Official Use.” It works for family research, scrapbooks, and personal files. It does not work for passports, ID, or legal papers.
Documents You Need to Bring
Riverview residents must show proof of identity when they request a birth certificate. The ID must have a photo and current information.
Primary ID (one required)
- Florida driver license
- State-issued photo ID card
- U.S. passport
- Military ID
Secondary ID (if no photo ID)
- Social Security card plus a school ID
- Two of the following: utility bill, bank statement, paycheck stub, W-2 form
Legal guardians must show the original or certified copy of the court order that names them as guardian. Attorneys must show a letter on law firm letterhead and proof of bar standing.
Riverview Birth Certificate Processing Times
Processing time depends on the method you pick. Riverview residents can expect:
| Method | Processing Time | Total Time to Receive |
|---|---|---|
| In person | Same day | Immediate (20-45 minutes) |
| 1-2 weeks | 2-3 weeks total | |
| Online (standard) | 3-5 business days | 5-7 business days |
| Online (rush) | 1-2 business days | 2-3 business days |
In-person requests finish while you wait. Mail and online requests take longer because of postal or courier time. Rush shipping online speeds up the delivery, not the office work.
Correcting Errors on a Riverview Birth Certificate
Spelling mistakes, wrong dates, or missing names can be fixed. The Florida Department of Health handles all birth record corrections. The county office can help with the form, but the actual change is made at the state level.
Small Errors (1-2 weeks to fix)
Misspelled names, typos, and minor date errors can be fixed with a simple form. You submit the form plus a supporting document, such as a hospital record or school record showing the correct spelling.
Larger Changes (4-8 weeks to fix)
Adding a father, changing a last name, or updating a child’s name after adoption needs a court order first. Once the court signs off, you submit the court order to the state with the amendment form. The new certificate is issued after the state approves the change.
Amendment fees are separate from copy fees. Most amendments cost $20 to $50, depending on the type of change.
Riverview Birth Records for Genealogy Research
Genealogy researchers often want older Riverview birth records. The good news is that Florida birth records from 1917 to present are available for genealogy. Records more than 125 years old are open to the public.
Researchers can search through:
- Florida State Archives in Tallahassee
- Hillsborough County Historical Commission
- Online genealogy databases like Ancestry.com and FamilySearch
- Florida Department of Health genealogy index
Records from 1917 to 1930 are mostly digitized. Records from 1930 to present may need to be ordered through the county or state office. Pre-1917 records do not exist for Florida as a whole, because the state did not start keeping birth records until 1917. Some county records exist earlier through church books, but these are not part of the state system.
Historical Birth Records in the Riverview Area
Riverview was a small farming community until the 1990s. Most birth records from before 1960 come from parents in rural Hillsborough County. The records show children born in home settings, with midwives listed as the attendant.
As Riverview grew, the closest hospitals became the main birth locations. Tampa General Hospital, Brandon Regional Hospital, and St. Joseph’s Hospital handled most of the births from Riverview families starting in the 1970s.
Today, the closest hospitals to Riverview are:
- St. Joseph’s Hospital-South (about 5 miles from central Riverview)
- Brandon Regional Hospital (about 8 miles from central Riverview)
- South Bay Hospital (about 7 miles from central Riverview)
Where a child was born does not change how you order the record. You still go through the Hillsborough County Health Department. The hospital files the record, and the county office holds the copy you can request.
Special Cases: Home Births, Adoptions, and More
Home Births
Midwife-attended home births in Riverview are filed through the Florida Department of Health. The midwife files the record with the state. Parents can order a certified copy the same way as hospital births.
Adopted Children
Adoptive parents receive an amended birth certificate after an adoption is final. The new certificate lists the adoptive parents and may or may not list the birth parents, depending on the type of adoption. The original certificate is sealed. Adult adoptees can request a copy of the original through the Florida Adoption Reunion Registry.
Children of Military Parents
Children born to military families on base may have birth records filed with the U.S. Department of Defense instead of the state. These records can be ordered through the National Personnel Records Center.
Replacing a Lost Riverview Birth Certificate
Lost certificates can be replaced. The process is the same as ordering a new one. You do not need to file a police report. You do not need a lost statement. You just place a new order through the county or state office.
For an extra layer of safety, you can:
- Order certified copies and keep them in a fireproof safe
- Store a digital scan on a secure cloud service
- Add a copy to the Family Search free genealogy archive
Common Reasons Riverview Residents Need Birth Certificates
People in Riverview need certified birth certificates for many life events. The most common reasons include:
- School enrollment – K-12 schools and colleges need a certified copy for registration
- Passport applications – The U.S. State Department requires a certified birth certificate for new passports
- Driver license – A REAL ID requires a certified birth certificate as proof of identity
- Marriage license – Florida courts may ask for a birth certificate to confirm age and identity
- Social Security – A new Social Security card or name change needs a certified copy
- Sports and travel – Youth sports leagues and some travel programs ask for proof of age
- Insurance – Life insurance and some health plans require a certified copy
- Immigration paperwork – Family-based immigration often needs certified birth records
Florida State Vital Records Office
Riverview residents can also order through the state office in Jacksonville. The Florida Department of Health Bureau of Vital Statistics processes all state-level vital records requests.
The state office accepts mail and online orders. Walk-in service is available at the Jacksonville location. The state office is a good choice for people who were born in another Florida county but now live in Riverview.
Key Contact Details for Riverview Birth Records
Hillsborough County Health Department – Vital Records
Phone: (813) 307-8002
Website: hillsborough.floridahealth.gov
Address: 1105 E. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, FL 33602
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time
Florida Department of Health – Bureau of Vital Statistics
Phone: (904) 359-6900
Website: floridahealth.gov/certificates-records
Address: 1217 N. Pearl St., Jacksonville, FL 32202
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time
VitalChek (Online Orders)
Phone: (800) 255-2414
Website: vitalchek.com
Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Frequently Asked Questions About Riverview City Birth Records
These questions cover the most common things Riverview residents ask about birth records. Each answer gives the facts based on Florida law and current office rules.
How long does it take to get a birth certificate in Riverview?
In-person requests at the Hillsborough County Health Department finish the same day, often within 30 minutes. Mail requests take 2 to 3 weeks from the day you mail the form. Online orders through VitalChek take 5 to 7 business days for standard shipping, or 2 to 3 business days with rush shipping. The processing time at the office is usually 1 to 5 business days, and the rest of the time is shipping. Riverview residents who need the certificate fast should go in person.
Can I get a Riverview birth certificate if I was born in another Florida county?
Yes. Florida uses a centralized birth record system. Any county health department can pull up a record from another county. Riverview residents who were born in Miami, Orlando, or any other Florida city can order their birth certificate from the Hillsborough County Health Department. The fees and rules are the same. The only difference is the office has to send a request to the original filing county, which can add 1 to 3 business days to processing time.
What if my parents were not married when I was born in Riverview?
Florida birth certificates issued before 2004 may not list the father’s name if the parents were not married at the time of birth. Adding the father’s name later requires a court order or a signed acknowledgment of paternity form. Once the form or court order is filed with the state, the birth certificate can be updated to show the father’s name. The update is handled by the Florida Department of Health, and the new certificate costs $20 plus the standard copy fee.
Can I order a Riverview birth certificate for someone who has died?
Yes, in some cases. Florida allows immediate family members to order a birth certificate for a deceased person. Eligible requesters include the spouse, children, parents, siblings, and grandparents of the deceased. A certified copy of the death certificate must be included with the request as proof. Genealogy researchers can also order a copy once the record is more than 125 years old, even without proof of death.
How do I find a Riverview birth record from before 1917?
Florida did not start statewide birth registration until 1917. Birth records from before that date in Riverview are rare. Some church records exist, but they are kept by the churches themselves, not the state. Researchers should contact local churches in the Riverview area, the Hillsborough County Historical Commission, and the Florida State Archives. The FamilySearch database also has some pre-1917 Florida birth records, mostly from city directories and baptismal records.
What is the difference between a certified and an informational copy?
A certified copy has a raised seal, a signature, and is printed on security paper. It is accepted for all legal uses, including passports, ID, and school enrollment. An informational copy is printed on plain paper with a stamp that says “Not for Official Use.” It shows the same facts but cannot be used for legal paperwork. Informational copies cost the same as certified copies, and they are useful for genealogy, scrapbooks, and personal records.
Can I use a digital copy of my birth certificate for a passport?
No. The U.S. State Department requires a physical certified copy with a raised seal. Digital scans, photocopies, and notarized copies are not accepted. You must mail in the original certified copy with your passport application. After the application is processed, the State Department mails the birth certificate back to you. This is why it is smart to order extra certified copies, so you can keep one at home and send one with the passport application.