Taylor County birth records are the official files the state of Florida keeps about each birth in the county. They are stored by the Florida Department of Health.
The local DOH-Taylor office in Perry handles all requests for certified copies. You can order a copy in person, by mail, or online. This page explains each method in plain words and lists the exact fees, forms, and rules you need to follow in 2026.
What Taylor County Birth Records Include
A Taylor County birth record is a legal paper that lists the facts of one birth. It shows the full name at birth, the date of birth, the place of birth, the sex, and the names of the parents. It also lists the state file number and the date the record was filed. Hospitals and midwives file the record within five days of the birth. After that, the record stays in the state system for life.
People need a birth certificate for many things. The list includes passports, Social Security cards, school enrollment, jobs, insurance, and government benefits. A certified copy has a raised seal or a security stamp. That seal makes the copy valid for legal use. A regular printout of the facts does not carry the same legal weight.
Taylor County Vital Records Office
The office that issues birth certificates in Taylor County is DOH-Taylor. DOH stands for Department of Health. The office sits in Perry, which is the county seat of Taylor County. The full address is 1215 Peacock Avenue, Perry, FL 32347. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. You can call the office at 850-584-5087 during business hours.
| Office | Details |
|---|---|
| Office Name | DOH-Taylor, Vital Statistics |
| Address | 1215 Peacock Avenue, Perry, FL 32347 |
| Phone | 850-584-5087 |
| Hours | Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
| County Seat | Perry, Florida |
| State Agency | Florida Department of Health |
| Local Registrar | DOH-Taylor, Vital Statistics |
This office can pull up any birth record on file in the Florida system. The statewide database holds records from 1917 to the present day. You do not need to have been born in Taylor County to use the Perry office. Any county health department in Florida can look up your record. That makes the process simple for people who live far from where they were born.
Taylor County Clerk of Court and Birth Records
The Taylor County Clerk of Court is a separate office. The Clerk handles marriage licenses, divorce papers, deeds, and court records. The Clerk does not issue birth certificates. Birth records fall under the health department by Florida law. The Clerk does handle some related paperwork. Court orders for name changes or for adding a parent to a record are filed with the Clerk. For all standard birth certificate orders, contact the DOH-Taylor office.
Who Can Request a Certified Birth Certificate in Taylor County
Florida law lists who can order a certified birth certificate. Under Florida Statute 382.025, birth records stay sealed for 125 years from the date of birth. Only certain people can ask for a certified copy during that time. The list includes the person named on the record if they are 18 or older, parents listed on the record, legal guardians with court papers, attorneys working for an eligible party, and anyone with a court order that grants access.
If you do not fit one of these groups, you can still ask for an informational copy. The informational copy has the same facts. It carries a stamp that says it is not valid for legal use. People often order informational copies for genealogy research, family history, school projects, or personal records.
Three Ways to Get a Taylor County Birth Certificate
You have three main ways to order a birth certificate from Taylor County. You can go to the DOH-Taylor office in person. You can mail your request to the same office. You can also order online through VitalChek, the only state-approved online vendor. Each method gives you a certified copy. The cost, the speed, and the steps are different for each method.
| Method | Speed | Best For | Payment Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| In Person | Same day | Fastest option | Cash, check, money order |
| By Mail | 2 to 3 weeks | No rush | Check, money order |
| Online (VitalChek) | 5 to 7 business days | Out of state or off hours | Credit card, debit card |
In-Person Walk-In Service at the Perry Office
Walking into the DOH-Taylor office gives you the fastest service. Most people get their certified copy the same day. You do not need to set up an appointment. Just show up during office hours. The clerk will hand you a form, check your ID, take your payment, and print the certificate.
Bring a valid photo ID with you. The state accepts a driver’s license, state-issued ID card, passport, or military ID. Fill out Form DH726 at the counter. The form is short and asks for the name on the record, the date of birth, the place of birth, and your relationship to the person. Pay the $9 fee for the first copy. You can also order extra copies for $4 each. Walk out with your certificate in hand.
Mail Request to the Taylor County Health Department
Mailing a request works for people who do not live near Perry. It also works for people who do not need the certificate right away. The mail process takes about two to three weeks. Plan ahead if you need the copy for a deadline.
Download Form DH726 from the Florida Department of Health website. Fill it out by hand or type it in. Make a copy of your valid photo ID. Mail the form, the ID copy, and payment to DOH-Taylor at 1215 Peacock Avenue, Perry, FL 32347. Payment must be a check or money order made out to DOH-Taylor. Do not send cash through the mail. The clerk will process your request and mail the certificate back to you.
Online Order Through VitalChek
VitalChek is the only state-approved online vendor for Florida birth certificates. The website is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can order from your phone or computer. VitalChek adds a service fee on top of the $9 state fee. The total cost depends on the shipping speed you choose.
Start by going to vitalchek.com and picking Florida. Search for birth certificates. Enter the name, date of birth, and place of birth. Confirm the order. Pay with a credit or debit card. Standard shipping takes 5 to 7 business days. Rush shipping is faster for an extra fee. VitalChek will mail the certified copy to your home address.
Taylor County Birth Certificate Fees in 2026
The cost of a birth certificate in Taylor County follows the same price list used by every Florida county. Florida Statute 382.0255 sets these fees. The first copy of a birth certificate costs $9. Each extra copy of the same record, ordered at the same time, costs $4. The search fee is not refundable. That means the state keeps the $9 even if they cannot find a matching record.
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| First certified copy | $9 |
| Each additional copy, same order | $4 |
| VitalChek service fee | Varies |
| Rush processing (VitalChek) | $10 extra |
| Search fee (no record found) | $9 (not refundable) |
At the Perry office, you can pay with cash, check, or money order. Online orders through VitalChek take credit cards and debit cards. The lowest total cost comes from going to the office in person. You skip the service fee and the shipping cost.
The DH726 Application Form
Form DH726 is the standard Florida application for a birth certificate. You must use this form for both in-person and mail orders. The form asks for the name on the birth record, the date of birth, the place of birth, the parents’ full names, and the reason for your request. You also sign the form under penalty of perjury. False statements on the form can lead to fines or criminal charges under Florida law.
The form is free to download. The clerk at the Perry office has paper copies at the counter. The form is in English and Spanish. Fill it out clearly. If a box does not apply, write “N/A” or “unknown.” Do not leave blanks for required fields. Mistakes or missing facts can slow down your order.
Processing Times for Taylor County Birth Records
Processing time depends on the method you pick. The Perry office hands out most in-person orders the same day. Mail orders take two to three weeks. Online orders through VitalChek take 5 to 7 business days for standard shipping, or faster for rush shipping. These time frames do not include postal delivery to your home. Add a few days for the mail carrier to bring the certificate to your door.
| Method | Processing Time | Mail Delivery |
|---|---|---|
| In Person | Same day | None |
| By Mail | 2 to 3 weeks | Standard postal mail |
| VitalChek Standard | 5 to 7 business days | Standard shipping |
| VitalChek Rush | 2 to 3 business days | Priority shipping |
Taylor County Birth Record Search for Genealogy Research
Genealogy researchers often need old birth records from Taylor County. The Florida statewide database holds records from 1917 forward. For records from that time forward, you can order a copy through the same three methods. For records before 1917, you need to check other sources. The Florida State Archives in Tallahassee holds older records. The State Office of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville also keeps older files.
FamilySearch.org and Ancestry.com have indexed many Florida birth records. These sites let you search by name, year, and county. You can build a family tree and link records to each person. The Taylor County Public Library and the Perry Historical Society also have local records, newspapers, and family files that can help with genealogy work.
Replacement Birth Certificate in Taylor County
A replacement birth certificate is a new copy of the same record. People order replacements when the original is lost, stolen, damaged, or worn out. The process is the same as a first-time order. Fill out Form DH726, show your ID, pay the fee, and pick the method you want. The state does not charge extra for a replacement. The fee is still $9 for the first copy.
If your original certificate was stolen, file a police report before you order a copy. Bring the police report number with you to the office or include it in your mail request. The clerk can flag your file for extra security. This step helps protect you from identity theft.
Correcting Errors on a Taylor County Birth Certificate
Mistakes on a birth certificate can be fixed through the state amendment process. Small errors like a misspelled name or a wrong date can be corrected with a simple application. The Florida Department of Health has the form and instructions on its website. You submit the form, supporting papers, and a fee to the Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville. The Taylor County office does not process corrections on site.
Big changes need a court order under Florida Statute 382.016. Adding a father to the record, changing a legal name, or changing the sex on the record are examples of major amendments. These changes go through the court system first. Once the court signs the order, the state issues a new certificate. The whole process can take several weeks or months for big changes.
Apostille for Taylor County Birth Certificates
An apostille is a stamp that makes a Florida document valid in another country. Countries that belong to the Hague Convention accept apostilles. You may need an apostille for immigration, dual citizenship, marriage abroad, or overseas adoptions. The Florida Department of State issues apostilles. The Bureau of Vital Statistics cannot add an apostille to a birth certificate. You must order the apostille separately after you get the certified copy.
To get an apostille, mail your certified birth certificate, a cover letter, and a fee to the Florida Department of State in Tallahassee. The office processes apostilles in person and by mail. You can also use a registered agent to handle the apostille for you. Check the Florida Department of State website for the latest fee and mailing address before you send your papers.
Communities Served by DOH-Taylor
The DOH-Taylor office in Perry serves all of Taylor County, Florida. The county is in the Big Bend region of north Florida. It borders the Gulf of Mexico. The population is around 21,800 people. The county has a rural feel with forests, rivers, and small towns. Every community in the county uses the same Perry office for birth certificate services.
- Perry (county seat)
- Steinhatchee
- Salem
- Shady Grove
- Keaton Beach
- Foley
- Bird Island
If you live in one of these communities, you can still order by mail or online. The Perry office is the only place in the county where you can walk in and get a same-day copy. Nearby counties like Madison, Jefferson, Lafayette, and Dixie also have their own health department offices. You can use any of them to order a Florida birth certificate, no matter where in the state you were born.
Contact Details, Office Hours, and Location Map
The DOH-Taylor office is the only place in Taylor County to walk in and order a birth certificate. The office is at 1215 Peacock Avenue, Perry, FL 32347. The phone number is 850-584-5087. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The office closes on state and federal holidays. Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before closing so the clerk can process your order the same day.
Use the map below to see the exact location of the DOH-Taylor office. The building is near the Taylor County Public Library and the Taylor County Historical Society. Parking is free in front of the building. The office is on the ground floor and is wheelchair accessible.
Office: DOH-Taylor, Vital Statistics
Address: 1215 Peacock Avenue, Perry, FL 32347
Phone: 850-584-5087
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Official Website: https://taylor.floridahealth.gov
Frequently Asked Questions About Taylor County Birth Records
This FAQ section answers the most common questions people ask about Taylor County birth records. The answers cover the Perry office, the fees, the forms, the time frames, and the rules that apply in 2026. Read through these questions before you order to save time and avoid mistakes. If your question is not here, call the DOH-Taylor office at 850-584-5087 during business hours.
Can I get a Taylor County birth certificate the same day?
Yes, you can get a Taylor County birth certificate the same day if you go to the DOH-Taylor office in person. The office is at 1215 Peacock Avenue, Perry, FL 32347. The clerk will hand you Form DH726, check your photo ID, take your $9 payment, and print the certified copy at the counter. Most walk-in orders finish within 30 minutes. Arrive at least 30 minutes before the 4:30 p.m. closing time to make sure the clerk can process your order before the office closes. The office does not take appointments. Walk-ins are welcome during all open hours. Same-day service is only available for in-person orders. Mail orders take 2 to 3 weeks. VitalChek orders take 5 to 7 business days for standard shipping, plus mail delivery time.
How long does a mail request take from Taylor County?
A mail request to DOH-Taylor takes about 2 to 3 weeks for processing. After the clerk processes your Form DH726, your ID copy, and your payment, the office mails the certified copy back to you through standard postal mail. Add a few more days for the postal carrier to deliver the certificate to your home. If you live outside Florida, allow extra time for the return trip. Plan ahead for deadlines like passport applications or school enrollment. Mail orders do not have a rush option through the Perry office. If you need a faster mail option, use VitalChek and choose rush shipping for an extra $10 fee. Rush shipping cuts the wait to 2 to 3 business days, plus postal delivery time.
What is the difference between a certified copy and an informational copy?
A certified copy has a raised seal or security stamp from the Florida Department of Health. That seal makes the copy valid for legal use. You can use a certified copy to get a passport, a driver’s license, a Social Security card, a job, school enrollment, insurance, or government benefits. An informational copy has all the same facts. The difference is the stamp. The state stamps the informational copy as “not valid for legal purposes.” People use informational copies for genealogy research, family history projects, scrapbooks, or personal reference. Informational copies cost the same $9 fee. The eligibility rules are also different. Informational copies have fewer restrictions. You do not need to be the person on the record, a parent, or a legal guardian to order an informational copy.
Can a grandparent order a birth certificate in Taylor County?
A grandparent cannot order a certified copy of a grandchild’s birth certificate in Taylor County. Florida Statute 382.025 limits access to the person on the record (18 or older), the parents listed on the record, legal guardians with court papers, attorneys working for an eligible party, and anyone with a court order. A grandparent does not fit any of these groups. A grandparent can still order an informational copy. The informational copy has the same facts. The stamp says it is not valid for legal use. For genealogy research, family history, or scrapbook projects, the informational copy works fine. If a grandparent needs a certified copy for a legal reason, the parent on the record must order it, or a court must grant access.
How do I fix a wrong name on a Taylor County birth certificate?
You fix a wrong name on a Taylor County birth certificate through the Florida amendment process. The DOH-Taylor office does not process corrections on site. The Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville handles all amendments. Start by downloading the amendment form from the Florida Department of Health website. Fill out the form. Attach supporting papers that show the correct name. Pay the amendment fee. Mail the packet to the Bureau of Vital Statistics. The state will review the packet and issue a new certificate with the correct name. The process can take several weeks. For big changes like a legal name change, you also need a court order under Florida Statute 382.016. A judge must sign the order before the state will make the change on the certificate.
Does Taylor County have old birth records from before 1917?
Florida’s statewide vital records system started in 1917. The DOH-Taylor office in Perry can only pull up records from 1917 forward. For records before 1917, you need to check other sources. The Florida State Archives in Tallahassee holds early state records. The State Office of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville may have older files for some counties. Local churches in Taylor County also kept birth and baptism records before 1917. The Taylor County Historical Society and the Perry Public Library have local records, family files, and old newspapers. FamilySearch.org and Ancestry.com have indexed many Florida birth records from the 1800s and early 1900s. These online tools can help you find records that the state office does not have.
Can I use a Taylor County birth certificate for a passport?
Yes, a certified copy of a Taylor County birth certificate works for a U.S. passport application. The U.S. State Department accepts Florida birth certificates as primary proof of citizenship. The certificate must be a certified copy with a raised seal or security stamp. Informational copies are not accepted. The birth certificate must also list both parents’ full names. If the certificate is damaged, faded, or has been amended, the State Department may ask for extra proof. The State Department also requires that the certificate be a full-size copy, not a wallet-sized version. Order your certified copy well in advance of your passport appointment. Walk-in orders at the Perry office are the fastest way to get a valid certificate for passport use.