The passing of an individual generates a variety of records, some of which pertain to their life, while others specifically document their death. In Florida, the requirement for death certificates began in (insert year Florida required death certificates), providing an official record of death. Prior to this mandate, information about a person’s death might be found in newspaper accounts, obituaries, or military death records, offering glimpses into the individual’s life and the circumstances of their passing.
Following the implementation of death certificates, the Social Security Death Index became another valuable resource for family researchers, cataloging deaths reported to the Social Security Administration. These records together form a comprehensive view of an ancestor's end-of-life, connecting their final moments back to the broader context of their life's journey.
FamilySearch has created a useful reference for finding death records based on when the person died.In Florida, death registrations were not required by law until 1899, although some information exists going back to 1877. The Florida Death Index (1877-1998) is available for searching in Ancestry Library Edition, available at branch public libraries.
Death certificates are available from the Florida Vital Statistics Office.
Local funeral homes keep records of deceased that may be useful in your search. If the obituary lists the location, you can contact the business for more information. If you cannot find an obit, perhaps another family member's obit will provide a clue.
Local cemeteries assist with knowing a person's lifespan: List of Cemetaries
An obituary or death notice verify when a person died and provide useful details about their lives. These are published in the local newspapers and online databases, such as Legacy.
These publications may be available online, University of Central Florida Library (Orlando and Gainesville), or at the local public libraries (as noted).
For inquiries about obituaries, we recommend reaching out to the local public libraries. They may have a vertical file on the family in question or be aware of additional resources that could assist in your search.
County Coordinator: Tricia Aanderud
State Coordinator: Jeff Kemp
Asst State Coordinator: Tricia Aanderud
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