Broward County Birth Records
Broward County birth records are handled by the Florida Department of Health office in Fort Lauderdale. With over 2 million residents, Broward County is the second most populous county in Florida and one of the busiest for vital records requests. The health department can issue certified birth certificates for any birth that took place in the state from 1930 to the present. You can request a copy in person at the Fort Lauderdale office, by mail, or through the online vendor VitalChek. Multiple office locations serve different parts of the county.
Broward County Quick Facts
Broward County Birth Certificate Offices
The main DOH-Broward office for birth certificates sits at 780 SW 24th Street in Fort Lauderdale. This location is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. There is one important exception. Every third Thursday of the month, the offices close at 3 p.m. Keep that in mind if you plan to visit in the afternoon on a Thursday. Call ahead at 954-467-4413 to reach the birth certificate desk directly, or use 954-467-4839 for the vital statistics line.
Broward County also has a Paul Hughes location that offers extended hours on Wednesdays. That office is open from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, which helps people who can't get away during normal business hours. Having two office locations is a real help in a county this large. Fort Lauderdale traffic can be rough, so check which location is closer to you before you head out for your Broward County birth certificate.
The Broward County Health Department birth certificates page has the full list of requirements and steps.
This page covers everything from ID requirements to who can request a certified copy of Broward County birth records.
| Main Office | 780 SW 24th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315 |
|---|---|
| Phone (Birth) | 954-467-4413 |
| Phone (Vital Stats) | 954-467-4839 |
| Main Hours | Mon-Fri, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (closed at 3 p.m. every 3rd Thursday) |
| Paul Hughes Hours | Wednesday, 9:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. |
Note: The Broward County offices close early at 3 p.m. on every third Thursday of the month.
Ordering Broward County Birth Certificates
In-person requests are the most direct way to get a birth certificate in Broward County. Walk into either office location, fill out the application, show your valid photo ID, and pay the fee. Most requests are processed the same day. For a county with over 2 million people, the office handles a high volume of requests, so expect some wait time. Going early in the morning tends to mean shorter lines at the Broward County office.
Mail orders work well if you don't want to visit in person. Send your completed application, a copy of your photo ID, and a check or money order for $15 to the Fort Lauderdale address. Processing takes about two to four weeks for Broward County birth records. The time varies based on demand. You get your certified copy sent back by regular mail.
The Broward County certificates portal is where you can find the application forms and links to all vital records services.
Applications are available in multiple languages, which is helpful given the diverse population in Broward County.
VitalChek is the only vendor authorized by the Florida Department of Health for online orders. You can order your Broward County birth certificate through their site 24 hours a day. The VitalChek Florida page walks you through the process. There's a service fee on top of the $15 state fee. Standard shipping takes five to seven business days. Rush delivery costs more but speeds things up if you need your birth certificate from Broward County in a hurry.
VitalChek accepts credit cards and debit cards for Broward County birth certificate orders.
Broward County Birth Record Fees
The first certified copy of a birth certificate in Broward County costs $15. Additional copies ordered at the same time cost less. These rates are based on Florida Statute 382.0255. The office accepts cash, checks, and money orders. Credit cards are accepted through VitalChek but not at the walk-in counter for Broward County birth records.
VitalChek charges a processing fee on top of the state fee. This covers their technology platform, identity verification, and shipping costs. Expedited shipping options are available for an extra charge. If you need a Broward County birth certificate fast, VitalChek offers overnight and two-day delivery for a premium.
Who Can Get Broward County Birth Records
Access to certified birth certificates is limited by Florida law. Under Florida Statute 382.025, birth records are confidential documents. The Broward County Health Department can only issue a certified copy to people who have a legal right to the record. Given the huge population in Broward County, the office processes thousands of requests and takes verification seriously.
Eligible requesters for Broward County birth records include:
- The person on the record, if 18 or older
- A parent listed on the birth certificate
- A legal guardian with court documentation
- A spouse of the person on the record
- An adult child of the person on the record
- An attorney representing an eligible person
If you don't qualify for a certified copy, you can get an informational copy instead. This has the same data but is stamped to show it is not for legal use. The Florida DOH birth certificates page explains the difference between the two types of copies available for Broward County birth records and statewide.
Broward County Birth Record Corrections
Mistakes on a birth certificate happen. A misspelled name, a wrong date, or missing information can all be fixed through the amendment process. For Broward County birth records, amendments are handled by the Bureau of Vital Statistics at the state level. The Florida DOH amendments and corrections page has the forms and instructions you need to get started.
Simple corrections like fixing a typo often just need supporting documents such as a hospital record or other official paperwork. More complex changes may require a court order under Florida Statute 382.016. Adding or changing a parent's name on a Broward County birth certificate typically falls in the court order category. The process takes several weeks to several months depending on how complex the change is. Staff at the Broward County Health Department can help you figure out which path applies to your situation.
Under Florida Statute 382.026, falsifying information on a birth certificate is a criminal offense. Broward County takes this seriously given the volume of requests the office handles.
Broward County Contact and Resources
The Broward County Health Department contact page has phone numbers, email, and directions for all office locations.
If you have questions about your Broward County birth certificate request, calling ahead can save you a trip to the office.
The Broward County government website links to other county services and departments.
For records beyond birth certificates, such as court filings or property documents, the county site is a good starting point.
Under Florida Statute 382.013, every birth in Florida must be registered. The registration happens at the hospital or birthing center. Midwife-attended births and home births also need to be filed within a set period. Once registered, the birth record enters the statewide system and can be accessed from any county health department, including the Broward County office.
Cities in Broward County
Broward County has one of the largest collections of cities in Florida. All birth certificate requests go through the county health department, but many residents live in the cities listed below. Each city page has details specific to that area for getting birth records.
Other cities in Broward County include Coconut Creek, Margate, Weston, Dania Beach, Hallandale Beach, Oakland Park, and North Lauderdale. All use the same DOH-Broward office for birth records.
Nearby Counties
Broward County sits between two of the other most populous counties in Florida. You can get a Florida birth certificate from any county health department in the state, so whichever office is closest to you works fine.