Order Online

In a hurry? Order birth certificates online through VitalChek®, the only vendor authorized by the Florida Department of Health.

Order Birth Certificates through VitalChek®

The first step in ordering a birth certificate is to determine your eligibility (relationship) to receive a birth certificate. You must be one of the following:

  1. The child named on the certificate AND over 18 years of age; OR
  2. The parent, guardian, or legal representative of the person named on the certificate.

If the birth record is over 100 years old and not under seal pursuant to a court order, it is public record and anyone can obtain a copy.

All applications must include:

  • The applicant’s picture ID, such as:
    • A valid driver’s license (front and back)
    • A state-issued identification card (front and back)
    • A passport
    • A military identification card
  • The applicant’s relationship to the person (Registrant) named on the certificate
  • The Registrant’s full name at birth, date and place of birth, mother’s maiden name, and father’s name
  • The applicant’s full name, address and telephone number(s)
  • The applicant’s signature (parent, legal guardian or legal representative signature if the person named on the birth certificate is under 18) IS REQUIRED.

The fee for each certified copy of a Florida birth record obtained through the Florida Department of Health in Highlands County is $12.00. When purchased at the same time, additional copies for the identical birth record are $8.00 each. 

Additional service fees apply for birth certificates obtained at the Highlands County Tax Collector’s offices. The fee to obtain a birth certificate through the Tax Collector’s office is $18.25 for the first copy and $7.00 for each additional copy when purchased at the same time and for the identical birth record. If a birth certificate is being purchased to process a driver’s license transaction at the same time, the fee for the first copy is $15.75.

Three ways to apply for a birth certificate:

Apply In Person

Florida Department of Health in Highlands County
7205 South George Blvd.
Sebring, Florida   33875
Hours: 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday – Friday

Please note: When applying in person at the health department, fees are payable by cash, money order or cashier’s check made payable to the Florida Department of Health in Highlands County, or by Visa or Mastercard.

Highlands County Tax Collector: Avon Park
116 East Main St. (next to City Hall)
Avon Park, Florida 33825
Hours: 8 a.m. – 4:45 p.m. Mon, Tues, Thurs, and Friday
8:30 a.m. – 4:45 p.m. on Wednesday

Highlands County Tax Collector: Lake Placid
11 N. Pine Ave.
Lake Placid, Florida 33852
Hours: 8 a.m. – 4:45 p.m. Mon, Tues, Thurs, and Friday
8:30 a.m. – 4:45 p.m. on Wednesday

Highlands County Tax Collector: Sebring
540 S. Commerce Ave.
Sebring, Florida 33870
Hours: 8 a.m. – 4:45 p.m. Mon, Tues, Thurs, and Friday 
8:30 a.m. – 4:45 p.m. on Wednesday

Please note: When applying in person at the Tax Collector’s office, fees are payable by cash, check, money order, certified funds, and credit cards (additional processing fee of 2.95%).

Apply by Mail

Florida Department of Health in Highlands County
Vital Statistics Office
7205 South George Blvd.
Sebring, Florida 33875-5847

Please include:

  • A self-addressed stamped envelope (for regular processing service)
  • A signed birth certificate application:
    English Form
    Spanish Form
  • A copy of one of the following valid identifications:
  • Valid driver’s license (front and back)   
  • State-issued identification card (front and back)   
  • Passport
  • Military identification card 
  • Your daytime telephone number
  • Your payment. Fees are payable by money order or cashier’s check. Please do not send cash by mail.  
Apply by Fax

Fax number: 863-382-7283

Please include:

  • Credit card payment information (Visa or Mastercard)
  • A signed birth certificate application   
    English Form 
    Spanish Form 
  • A copy of one of the following valid forms of identification. Please enlarge it for easier verification when faxed.
  • Valid driver’s license (front and back)
  • State-issued identification card (front and back)
  • Passport
  • Military identification card
  • Your daytime telephone number

Optional Purchases

  • Protective Certificate Sleeves: $2.00 each
  • Expedited mail service (3 days or less processing time): $15.00 (Does not include Express Delivery)
  • Express Delivery: Price Varies (Does not include Expedited Service)