St Augustine death records are official documents issued and maintained by the Florida Department of Health in St Johns County. These records include certified death certificates, obituary listings, cemetery burial logs, and historical parish registers. Under Florida law, death certificates that do not show cause of death are public records. Anyone can request them for legal, genealogical, or personal use. The county has kept continuous death records since 1913, with older documents archived in Jacksonville. Digital access is available for deaths after 1990, while earlier records require mailed requests. This page explains how to find, request, and verify St Augustine death records from all official sources.
How to Request St Augustine Death Certificates
To get a death certificate in St Augustine, contact the Florida Department of Health in St Johns County. Certificates without cause of death are public and can be requested by anyone. Use the VitalChek phone line at 866-230-6769 to place an order. Operators will ask for your ID, the deceased’s full name, date of death, and Social Security number. For records before 2009, you must mail a completed request form with a $10 fee per copy. The online portal offers digital copies valid for six months. Processing takes 5–10 business days. Certified copies cost $5 each and require a notarized form if used for legal purposes.
Where to Find Recent Obituaries in St Augustine
Local obituaries appear in three main places: the St. Augustine Record, Legacy.com, and the Florida Obits database. The St. Augustine Record publishes daily notices with names, ages, dates, short biographies, and funeral home contacts. Legacy.com hosts over 10,000 entries from the past year, including veterans, teachers, and longtime residents. Florida Obits offers searchable records by name, age, and date. Each listing links to a printable PDF and may include a guest book. Recent examples include Carol Louise Sammons, who worked at City Hall for 30 years, and Lawrence Joseph Adkinson Sr., a pancreatic cancer patient who died in 2021.
Funeral Homes and Death Certificate Filing in St Johns County
Funeral homes in St Augustine file death certificates with the county Vital Records Office. Major providers include Chase Leo C & Son Funeral Home on West King Street and Craig Funeral Home on Old Dixie Highway. These offices submit certified copies within 24 hours of burial. The county updates the public registry within five business days. Evergreen Cemetery, located at 505 North Rodriguez Street, keeps perpetual care records dating back to 1852. Families can request burial details directly from the cemetery or through the funeral home. All providers offer 24-hour on-call service for emergencies.
Historical Death Records: Parish Registers and Archives
For deaths before 1913, researchers must visit the Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville. A fire in 1902 destroyed many early certificates, leaving gaps from 1902 to 1905. Surviving records from 1890–1912 are indexed by name, date, and cause. The St Augustine Cathedral holds transcribed parish death registers from 1784–1809. Historian Irene S. Hamilton compiled over 1,200 entries, including yellow fever victims and early settlers. High-resolution scans cost $15. The National Death Index provides demographic data for deaths since 1937, including place of death and marital status.
Online Databases and Digital Access Tools
St Johns County offers a searchable online database for deaths from 1990 onward. Users can download PDFs with physician signatures and hospital seals. The Florida Department of Health portal allows instant digital delivery for recent deaths. Genealogy sites like LDS Genealogy and County Office list indexed records with direct links. Digitized church records from 1900–1949 are available through the Family History Library. All online tools require a valid email and may charge small fees. Records are updated weekly to ensure accuracy.
Legal Requirements and Fees for Certified Copies
Certified death certificates cost $5 each for informational use. Legal copies, required for estate or insurance claims, cost $20 and need a notarized request form. Proof of legal interest—such as being a spouse, child, or executor—must be shown. The St Johns County Clerk’s Office at 4010 Lewis Speedway processes these requests. In-person visits are accepted Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Phone support is available at (904) 819-3600. Mailed requests take 10–14 days. Online orders are faster but limited to non-certified digital copies.
Cemetery and Burial Records in St Augustine
Evergreen Cemetery maintains detailed burial logs with plot locations, dates, and next of kin. Records start in 1852 and are open to the public. The St Augustine Historical Society holds maps and ledgers for older sections. Families can request grave locations by calling (904) 824-3303. Some plots include historical markers for veterans and early city leaders. Digital maps are available online, but physical visits are recommended for research. The cemetery does not issue death certificates but can confirm burial details.
Genealogy Research Using St Augustine Death Records
Genealogists use St Augustine death records to trace family lines back to the 18th century. Parish registers from the Cathedral of St Mary list baptisms, marriages, and deaths from 1784–1809. These records note causes of death, family ties, and burial sites. The Family History Library digitized church records up to 1949. Researchers can search by surname, date, or location. Combining death certificates with census data and land deeds builds complete family trees. Many Irish and Italian immigrant families settled in St Augustine, leaving rich paper trails.
Common Reasons People Search for St Augustine Death Records
People request death records for many reasons. Families need them to settle estates or claim benefits. Lawyers use them in probate cases. Historians study population trends and disease outbreaks. Veterans’ groups honor fallen service members. Genealogists build family histories. Insurance companies verify claims. Employers confirm employee deaths. Researchers analyze mortality rates. Each request must follow state rules. Most are processed quickly, but older records take longer due to manual retrieval.
Timeline of St Augustine Death Record Availability
| Year Range | Record Type | Location | Access Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1784–1809 | Parish Death Registers | St Augustine Historical Society | In-person or $15 scan |
| 1852–present | Cemetery Burial Logs | Evergreen Cemetery | Phone or on-site visit |
| 1890–1912 | Early Death Certificates | Bureau of Vital Statistics, Jacksonville | In-person with ID |
| 1913–2008 | Vital Statistics Archive | Florida DOH St Johns | Mailed request + $10 fee |
| 1990–present | Digital Death Certificates | Online Portal | Instant download |
Tips for Fast and Accurate Record Retrieval
- Have the full name, date of death, and last known address ready.
- Use VitalChek for fastest phone orders.
- For pre-2009 records, allow 10–14 days for mail processing.
- Bring a photo ID when visiting offices in person.
- Check obituary sites first—they often list funeral home contacts.
- Contact the cemetery directly for burial confirmation.
- Ask about veteran status—special records may exist.
Frequently Asked Questions About St Augustine Death Records
Many people have questions about how to access death records in St Augustine. Below are common concerns with clear, direct answers based on current Florida laws and county procedures.
Who can request a death certificate in St Johns County?
Anyone can request a death certificate that does not include cause of death. Florida law makes these records public. You do not need to be a family member. However, certified copies for legal use require proof of relationship, such as being a spouse, child, or court-appointed executor. The request must include the deceased’s full name, date of death, and Social Security number. Identity verification is required for all requests.
How long does it take to get a death certificate?
Digital copies from the online portal are available within 24 hours for deaths after 1990. Phone orders through VitalChek take 3–5 business days. Mailed requests for older records take 10–14 days. Certified copies for legal purposes may take up to 20 days due to notarization and review. Rush service is not available. Plan ahead if you need the document for travel or court.
Can I get a death record from before 1913?
Yes, but access is limited. Records from 1890–1912 are stored in Jacksonville at the Bureau of Vital Statistics. A fire in 1902 destroyed many certificates, so gaps exist between 1902 and 1905. You must visit in person with a photo ID. Parish records from 1784–1809 are available through the St Augustine Historical Society for $15 per scan. These are not official certificates but are useful for genealogy.
Are obituary listings the same as death certificates?
No. Obituaries are news articles written by families or funeral homes. They are not legal documents. Death certificates are issued by the state and contain verified facts like date, place, and cause of death. Obituaries may have errors or omissions. Always use a death certificate for legal or official purposes. Obituaries are helpful for finding funeral home contacts and family details.
What if the death occurred outside St Augustine but the person lived there?
Death certificates are issued by the county where the death occurred, not where the person lived. If someone died in Jacksonville but lived in St Augustine, request the record from Duval County. However, St Johns County may have a copy if the funeral home filed it locally. Check with the funeral home first. For burial records, contact Evergreen Cemetery directly.
How do I correct an error on a death certificate?
Contact the Florida Department of Health in St Johns County. You must submit a correction form with proof, such as a birth certificate or marriage license. Errors in name, date, or parentage require legal documentation. The process takes 4–6 weeks. There is no fee for corrections. Do not try to edit the certificate yourself—it will be rejected by banks, courts, or insurers.
Can I search death records online for free?
Some sites offer free searches, but full records usually require payment. The county’s online portal provides digital copies for a fee. Genealogy sites like LDS Genealogy have free indexes but charge for scans. Obituary sites like Legacy.com are free to browse. Always verify free sources with official records. Never rely solely on unverified online data for legal matters.
For official requests, visit the Florida Department of Health in St Johns County at 904-819-3600 or go to 4010 Lewis Speedway, St Augustine, FL 32084. Office hours are Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The VitalChek phone line is 866-230-6769. Digital copies are available at stjohns.floridahealth.gov/certificates/death/index.html.