Broward County Vital Records
This guide explains how vital records work in Broward County, Florida, including birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage licenses. It also clarifies which office issues each record and where divorce seekers should go instead.
Vital Records in Broward County, Florida
Vital records document key life events: births, deaths, and marriages. In Broward County and throughout Florida, these records are handled by different government offices depending on the type of document. Certified birth and death certificates are issued by the Florida Department of Health through its Vital Statistics program, while marriage licenses are issued locally through the Clerk of the Circuit and County Court.
This website is an informational resource only. It does not sell, issue, or display certified certificates, and it is not affiliated with any Broward County agency. To obtain an official copy of any vital record, you must contact the appropriate government office listed below and follow its stated procedures.
Birth and Death Certificates
In Florida, certified birth and death certificates are issued by the Florida Department of Health (Vital Statistics), not by the county Clerk of Courts. Florida birth records are among the most restricted vital records in the country, and access to recent records is limited to eligible requestors.
Who can order a birth certificate
Because birth records carry a confidentiality period, only eligible requestors—typically the person named on the record, a parent listed on the record, a legal guardian, or a legal representative—can obtain a certified copy of a recent birth certificate. A valid government-issued photo ID is generally required. Confirm the exact eligibility rules, required identification, and any applicable confidentiality period directly with the Florida Department of Health, because these details are set by state policy and this site cannot verify current values.
Death certificates
Death certificates in Florida may be issued with or without the cause of death. The version that includes cause of death is more restricted and is available only to eligible requestors during the confidentiality period. Certificates without the cause of death may be more widely available after that period. Verify who qualifies and what documentation you must provide with the Florida Department of Health before ordering.
For context, Broward County recorded an estimated 21,028 births and 16,483 deaths in 2023, according to published population estimates. These figures are statistical summaries and do not represent individual records available for public inspection.
Marriage Licenses
Marriage licenses in Broward County are issued through the Clerk of the Circuit and County Court (the Broward County Clerk of Courts). This is separate from the birth and death certificate process handled by the state health department.
A marriage license is the document a couple obtains before the ceremony; a marriage certificate is the record confirming the marriage took place. Both couples applying typically must appear and present valid identification. Florida law may impose a waiting period and additional requirements, and fees vary. Do not rely on any figure you see elsewhere—confirm the current application steps, identification requirements, waiting period, and cost directly with the Broward County Clerk of Courts.
Copies of a marriage record
After a marriage is recorded, you can request a certified copy from the Clerk of Courts. Ask the Clerk's office how to order in person or by mail and what identification or fee applies.
How to Order Vital Records
The ordering method depends on the record type:
- Birth and death certificates: Order through the Florida Department of Health (Vital Statistics). The state offers in-person, mail, and, in some cases, official online ordering options. Confirm which methods are available and the processing details on the department's official pages.
- Marriage licenses and marriage records: Handle these through the Broward County Clerk of Courts. Ask whether you must apply in person and what documents to bring.
Common steps for any request include: (1) confirming you are an eligible requestor if the record is restricted; (2) gathering valid government-issued photo identification; (3) providing accurate details such as full names, dates, and place of the event; and (4) submitting the applicable fee. Because fees and processing times are set by the issuing agency and can change, always confirm them on the official website before sending payment.
Looking for Divorce Records?
Divorce, formally called dissolution of marriage, is not a vital-records product in Broward County. Divorce cases are filed and maintained by the Broward County Clerk of Courts as part of the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit court records, not by the Florida Department of Health. If you need a divorce decree or want to search a dissolution case, see this site's separate Broward County Divorce Records page or contact the Clerk of Courts directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this website issue certified birth or death certificates?
No. This site is informational only and does not sell, issue, or display certificates. Certified copies come only from the Florida Department of Health (birth and death) or the Broward County Clerk of Courts (marriage).
Can anyone get a copy of a recent Florida birth certificate?
No. Florida birth records are restricted during a confidentiality period, and only eligible requestors such as the person named, a parent, a legal guardian, or a legal representative may obtain a certified copy. Confirm current eligibility and ID rules with the Florida Department of Health.
Where do I get a marriage license in Broward County?
Marriage licenses are issued by the Broward County Clerk of the Circuit and County Court. Contact the Clerk of Courts for application requirements, identification, waiting periods, and fees.
How much do vital records cost?
Fees are set by the issuing agency and are not listed here. Check the Florida Department of Health pages for birth and death certificate fees and the Broward County Clerk of Courts pages for marriage-related fees before submitting a request.
Official & Public Resources
Florida Department of Health - Vital Statistics
Order certified birth and death certificates from the Florida Department of Health.
https://www.floridahealth.gov/certificates/certificates/index.html
Broward County Clerk of Courts
Marriage license information and services through the Clerk of Courts.
Broward County Government
Official Broward County government website with links to county services and records.
