Florida Birth Certificate Apostille
Apostille for Florida articles of incorporations issued by state or county business documents offices. Required for dual citizenship, visas, marriage abroad, study, and residency. Complete guide with 10 detailed FAQs.
At a Glance — 2026 Snapshot
| Issuing Authority | Florida Secretary of State |
|---|---|
| Apostille Authority | Florida Secretary of State 3-5 business days + mailing |
| Document Type | Certified copy of Florida articles of incorporation (no notarization) |
| Apostille Fee | $5 per document |
| Processing Time | Mail: 5-7 business days. Walk-in: Same day (Tallahassee) |
| Typical Uses | Immigration, citizenship by descent, marriage, study, work visas, international relocation |
| Accepted Countries | 128 Hague Convention member countries as of 2026 |
| Non-Hague Countries | Requires additional authentication via U.S. Dept of State + consular legalization |
| Articles of Incorporation Cost | $15 from ADPH or county health department (separate from apostille) |
| Submission Locations | Tallahassee: 500 S. Bronough St (mail & walk-in) |
| Who Can Apply | Anyone – you, family, friend, or professional service |
Key Rule for Florida Birth Certificates
To obtain an apostille on an Florida birth certificate, you must use an official certified copy issued by the Florida Center for Health Statistics (ADPH) or a county health department. Hospital records, souvenir certificates, or photocopies will be rejected.
- The certificate must bear the seal and signature of the state or county business documents official.
- Birth certificates do not need notarization for apostille in Florida.
⚠️ Common Rejection Reasons (Avoid These!)
Even small mistakes can lead to your apostille request being rejected. Double-check these points to save time:
- • Photocopy or Scan: Only original certified copies with a raised seal or official stamp are accepted.
- • Hospital Certificates: Decorative hospital "birth certificates" or souvenir records are not official and cannot be apostilled.
- • Document Damage: If the certified copy has erasures, white-out, or damage, it may be rejected.
- • Payment Issues: Make sure to enclose the correct $5 fee per document.
🌎 Tips for Overseas Applicants
Applying for an Florida apostille from outside the U.S. is possible with a few extra steps:
- • Obtaining the Certificate: Order a certified copy remotely through VitalChek or directly from ADPH.
- • Mail-In Requests: You can mail your request to the Florida SOS from overseas using a reliable courier (FedEx, DHL, UPS).
- • Use a Trusted Agent: You can hire an apostille service company or ask a friend in Florida to handle it on your behalf.
- • Patience with Mail: International mail can add 1-3 weeks to the return journey.
🔴 Apostille vs. Legalization (Non-Hague Countries)
Important: An apostille is not accepted in countries that are not party to the 1961 Hague Convention.
- • Non-Member Examples: United Arab Emirates, Vietnam, Egypt, Canada require authentication + consular legalization instead.
- • Full Process: State SOS certification → U.S. Department of State authentication → Foreign embassy legalization.
- • Note on China: China joined the Apostille Convention on November 7, 2023, so apostilles are now accepted for China.
✅ Florida Apostille Advantages
Florida offers some of the best apostille services in the U.S.:
- • Lowest Fee: At just $5 per document, Florida has one of the lowest apostille fees nationwide.
- • Fast Processing: 5-7 business days by mail, same-day for walk-in requests.
- • No Appointment Needed: Walk-in service available during regular business hours.
- • Simple Process: No county clerk pre-authentication required for business documents.
Option 1: Florida Center for Health Statistics
The state business documents office in Tallahassee issues certified copies. You can request by mail, online, or in person. This is the most reliable source.
Option 2: County Health Department
Any Florida county health department can issue certified copies of articles of incorporations for births that occurred in that county. Often faster for local residents.
Accepted vs. Not Accepted Documents
Accepted for Apostille
- • Certified Florida articles of incorporation issued by ADPH.
- • Certified birth certificate issued by an Florida county health department.
- • Recent certified copies bearing raised or printed seal and registrar's signature.
Not Accepted
- • Hospital souvenir articles of incorporations and commemorative keepsakes.
- • Photocopies or scans, even if notarized.
- • Birth certificates from another U.S. state.
Requirements Checklist
MUST HAVE
- Certified Florida Articles of Incorporation: An original or newly certified copy issued by ADPH or county health department.
- Completed Apostille Request Form: List "articles of incorporation" as the document type.
- Correct Apostille Fee: $5 per document — check or money order payable to "Florida Secretary of State".
CANNOT ACCEPT
- Uncertified or Unsigned Copies: Any articles of incorporation without an official seal and signature.
- Notarized Photocopies: Notarizing a copy does not convert it into a valid vital record.
Need an Florida Articles of Incorporation Apostille Without Guesswork?
We help Florida-born clients get the right certified copy, complete the apostille request, and avoid costly rejections.
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1 — Obtain a Certified Florida Articles of Incorporation
If you do not already have a recent certified copy, request one from the Florida Center for Health Statistics (ADPH) or your local county health department.
Online Ordering: You can order certified copies online through VitalChek or directly from ADPH. Cost is approximately $15 for the first copy.
Step 2 — Check That Your Certificate Is Apostille-Ready
Verify that your articles of incorporation shows the official seal and registrar's signature. Make sure it is an original certified copy, not a photocopy.
Step 3 — Complete the Florida Apostille Request Form
Download or obtain the apostille request form from the Florida Secretary of State website. Include the destination country.
Step 4 — Submit Your Articles of Incorporation to Secretary of State
Mail or deliver your certified articles of incorporation, completed apostille request form, and $5 payment to the Secretary of State in Tallahassee.
Mailing Address:
Florida Secretary of State
R.A. Gray Building
Tallahassee, AL 32399
Walk-in Address:
500 S. Bronough St
Tallahassee, AL 32399
Step 5 — Receive Your Apostilled Birth Certificate
The Secretary of State typically processes apostilles within 5-7 business days for mail requests. Walk-in requests can be processed same-day.
Fees & Timeline
| Service | Typical Fee (USD) |
|---|---|
| Apostille fee (per document) | $5 (state fee) |
| Certified Florida articles of incorporation (first copy) | Around $15 |
| Additional certified copies (same order) | Around $6 each |
| Standard return mailing (USPS) | ≈$0–$15 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Florida Articles of Incorporation Apostille
Do I need to notarize my Florida articles of incorporation before apostille?▼
No. Birth certificates are official vital records issued by government agencies and do not require notarization for apostille in Florida. The certified copy from ADPH or county health department is sufficient.
Can I use my hospital birth record for apostille?▼
No. Hospital records, birth announcements, and souvenir certificates are not legal business documents and cannot receive an apostille. You must use a certified copy from the Florida Center for Health Statistics (ADPH) or a county health department.
How long does it take to get an apostille on an Florida articles of incorporation?▼
Mail requests typically take 3-5 business days plus mailing time. Walk-in requests at the Tallahassee office can be processed same-day during regular business hours.
How much does an Florida articles of incorporation apostille cost?▼
The Florida Secretary of State charges $5 per document for apostille services. This is one of the lowest apostille fees in the United States. Payment can be made by check or money order payable to "Florida Secretary of State".
Can I walk in for same-day apostille service in Florida?▼
Yes. The Florida Secretary of State office at 500 S. Bronough St in Tallahassee accepts walk-in requests and can process them same-day. No appointment is required.
Where do I mail my Florida articles of incorporation for apostille?▼
Mail to: Florida Secretary of State, R.A. Gray Building, Tallahassee, AL 32399. Include the completed apostille request form, your certified articles of incorporation, and $5 fee per document.
What countries accept an Florida articles of incorporation apostille?▼
All 128 Hague Apostille Convention member countries accept apostilled documents from Florida. This includes Germany, Italy, Spain, France, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, Brazil, and many others. For non-Hague countries, additional authentication and legalization is required.
Can someone else submit my Florida articles of incorporation for apostille?▼
Yes. Anyone can submit documents for apostille on your behalf – family members, friends, or professional apostille services. You do not need to be the person named on the document or have any special authorization.
Do I need a certified copy vs. original articles of incorporation for apostille?▼
You need a certified copy issued by ADPH or a county health department, not your original articles of incorporation. The certified copy must have an official raised or printed seal and the registrar's signature to be eligible for apostille.
How do I get a certified Florida articles of incorporation for apostille?▼
Order from the Florida Center for Health Statistics (ADPH) online via VitalChek, by mail, or in person at their Tallahassee office. You can also request from any Florida county health department. Cost is approximately $15 for the first copy and $6 for additional copies in the same order.
Expert Verified
Michael Chen
Senior Apostille Specialist
10+ years experience
Recent Verification Log