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How do I get my deceased parent's medical records in Florida?

Use the free tool — Medical Records Request

Who can ask for a deceased parent's records in Florida

Two groups can generally request a deceased patient's records:

• the personal representative of the deceased patient's estate
• certain next of kin who qualify under Fla. Stat. 456.057

You will need to attach proof of your authority — for example, the estate paperwork naming you personal representative. This tool cannot judge whether you personally qualify as next of kin beyond what the statute lists. That is a question for a professional or the licensing board. This is general information, not legal advice.

The deadline and the rule

Under federal law, a provider generally has 30 days to give a copy of records, with one possible 30-day extension if they notify you in writing (HHS — Your right to access your health information). Florida's Fla. Stat. 456.057 requires licensed practitioners to furnish copies on request. Fla. Stat. 395.3025 covers hospital records and who may request them. When the state rule is more favorable to you, that one applies.

What they can charge

The fee can only be cost-based — copying labor, supplies, and postage — not the time spent searching for or retrieving records (HHS — Right of access fees, 45 C.F.R. 164.524(c)(4)). In Florida, the licensing board sets the allowed fee under Fla. Stat. 456.057. Confirm the current rate with the board before you pay.

What the letter needs

• date; the deceased patient's name and identifiers
• the exact records and date range you want
• the form requested (paper, electronic) and where to send it
• a citation to 45 C.F.R. 164.524 and Fla. Stat. 456.057
• a request for the fee in advance, if any
• a request for written acknowledgment and the 30-day deadline
• your signature, plus proof of your authority attached

If they stall or overcharge

Send a dated second letter. If you still hear nothing, contact the provider's privacy officer. If that fails, you can file a free complaint with the HHS Office for Civil Rights within 180 days. In Florida, you can also complain to the Florida Department of Health about a licensed provider. Do not threaten a lawsuit — use the complaint steps instead.

What we don't know

We can't tell you whether you personally qualify as next of kin under Florida law beyond what the statute lists, and we don't interpret the medical content of any records you receive. Confirm your specific situation with a professional or the agency involved.

What to do next

The free tool reads what you type — which records, from which provider, and your role (personal representative or next of kin) — and gives you the request letter, the address to send it to, the 30-day date, and the fee rule that applies. Nothing you type is stored.

Medical Records Request explains the HIPAA right of access and Florida records law in plain language; it can be wrong, and it is not legal advice. It does not interpret medical content. Nothing you paste is stored.