How to Obtain a Florida Marriage License

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding! May the journey be as joyful as the destination.

To get married in Florida, you must have a Florida marriage license. The process may seem daunting at first, but it's actually quite simple. Keep in mind that it can take a few days, depending on how much documentation you need to submit to get your marriage license. After receiving your marriage license, you will present it to the licensed officiant who will perform the ceremony for you.

There are requirements to obtain a marriage license in Florida. It may be helpful to contact a Florida Clerk of Court office to determine the requirements that apply to your particular situation. Once the requirements have been identified, the necessary steps must be taken to satisfy them.
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Here's a step-by-step guide to getting a marriage license in Florida.

1. ID: When applying for a Florida marriage license, you will need to provide proof of age and identification. If either person is under the age of 18, a parent or legal guardian with a valid ID must be present to sign the consent form. Proof of identity includes a valid driver's license, passport, valid state ID, or military ID.
2. Where to Apply for a Florida Marriage License: A Florida marriage license is issued through a county clerk of court office. You do not have to apply for your license in the county where you live or where the ceremony will be held. A license obtained anywhere in Florida is valid anywhere in Florida.
3. Residency: If you are not a Florida resident but plan to get married in Florida, you must obtain a Florida marriage license. You can complete the application online. After you arrive in Florida for your wedding, you must pick up the license from the office where you applied for the license.
4. Waiting Period- There is usually a three-day waiting period between the date you receive your Florida marriage license and the first day you can get married in Florida. However, there are exceptions to this rule. A Florida marriage license expires 60 days from the date of issue. Both the first date the license is valid and the expiration date are printed on your license.
5. Florida Marriage Preparation Course: Although it is not required by the state, you should consider taking a marriage preparation course. The three-day waiting period to get the marriage license will be waived if you complete a state-approved marriage preparation course no more than one year before receiving your license. Contact a Florida Clerk of Court office to learn about Florida premarital course requirements. Upon completion of the premarital preparation course, you should provide the court with a valid marriage preparation course Certificate of Completion. Taking the course also reduces the marriage license fee.
6. Blood tests- Blood tests are not required to obtain a marriage license in Florida.
7. License Fee – At the time of writing, the cost to obtain a marriage license in Florida is $93. The fee is reduced to $61 if both parties are Florida residents and can show they have completed a Florida-approved premarital preparation course.
8. Filing of a marriage license: After the ceremony has taken place within the valid date range indicated on the license, the completed license must be returned to the issuing clerk of the court office where the license was issued within ten days of the date the ceremony occurred. Most Florida wedding officiants will take care of returning the license to the clerk’s office for the couple.
9. Marriage Certificate: Once the license is returned to the Clerk of Court, it is filed and recorded with the Bureau of Vital Statistics. You will then receive your final marriage certificate as proof of your legal marriage. This process takes between 30-60 days.

Getting married is one of the most important life decisions you can make. As long as you know what to expect and prepare appropriately, you should have no problem acquiring your Florida marriage license!

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