Under what circumstances may the local registrar grant an extension of time for filing a death certificate?

The local registrar may grant an extension of time for filing a death certificate specifically in circumstances where an autopsy is pending. This provision allows for the delay due to the need for additional investigation to determine the cause of death, which can significantly affect the information included on the death certificate. When an autopsy is conducted, the results may not be immediately available, thereby necessitating an extension to ensure accurate and complete reporting.

In contrast, other scenarios, such as merely having a family request an extension, needing a witness, or cases involving military deaths do not inherently qualify for an automatic extension under Florida law. The process is fundamentally designed to ensure that vital records are complete and accurate, and pending autopsy results are one of the few specific reasons that warrant an extension for filing.