Your Free Florida Marriage License Information Guide

Understanding Florida Marriage License Basics

A marriage license in Florida is a legal document issued by the state that gives two people official permission to marry. Before a couple can have a legally recognized wedding ceremony in Florida, they must obtain this license. The process involves paperwork, fees, and a brief waiting period. This guide covers the general information about how Florida's marriage license system works, what documents you need, and where to go to complete the process.

Florida's marriage license system is managed at the county level. Each of Florida's 67 counties has a clerk of the circuit court's office that handles marriage licenses. The clerk's office is the official place to request a marriage license. You cannot obtain a marriage license online or through the mail—you must visit your county clerk's office in person. Some counties have multiple locations, so you may have options about where to go depending on where you live or prefer to visit.

The basic timeline for getting married in Florida involves several steps. First, both people applying for the license must visit the clerk's office together with required documents. You will complete an application form and pay a fee. Florida law includes a three-day waiting period after you receive your license before the actual marriage ceremony can take place. This means if you get your license on a Monday, the earliest your ceremony could happen is Thursday. However, Florida allows the waiting period to be waived if one person is in active military service or if you have a valid health reason. The license is valid for 60 days after you receive it, giving you a two-month window to have your ceremony.

Practical takeaway: Plan ahead by identifying which county's clerk office is most convenient for you and checking their specific hours, as they vary by location. Budget 3-5 business days from when you get your license to when you can have your ceremony, accounting for the waiting period.

Age Requirements and Legal Restrictions

Florida has specific age requirements for marriage. Both people must be at least 18 years old to marry without parental consent. If either person is under 18, they must have written consent from both parents or legal guardians. If a minor has lost a parent through death, only the surviving parent needs to provide consent. The consent document must be notarized, meaning a notary public must witness the signatures. Many county clerk offices can direct you to a notary if you need one, or notaries are available at banks, law offices, and some retail locations.

Florida does allow marriage for people under 18 with proper parental consent, though the specific rules depend on the minor's age. A minor who is 16 or 17 years old can marry with written parental consent. For anyone under 16, Florida law requires additional steps: both parents must consent, and a judge must approve the marriage. This judicial approval process requires going to family court before you can obtain the marriage license. The judge will evaluate whether the marriage is in the minor's best interest. This is a more involved process than simply getting parental consent, so if you are under 16, you should research your county's family court procedures.

Beyond age, Florida law specifies other situations where people cannot legally marry. People who are already married to someone else cannot obtain a Florida marriage license unless they have legally divorced or their previous spouse has died. If you have been divorced, you may need to provide documentation of the divorce decree. Additionally, Florida does not permit marriage between certain family members. You cannot marry your parent, grandparent, child, grandchild, sibling, aunt, uncle, niece, or nephew. Marriages between first and second cousins are permitted in Florida.

Practical takeaway: Gather all age verification documents such as a birth certificate before visiting the clerk's office. If you are under 18, prepare notarized parental consent letters well in advance, as getting documents notarized takes extra time. If you are under 16, contact your county family court to understand the additional approval process.

Required Documents and Identification

Both people applying for a marriage license must bring several documents to the clerk's office. You will need a valid form of identification that shows your date of birth. Accepted forms include a driver's license, state identification card, passport, military identification, or birth certificate. At least one form of photo identification is strongly recommended. If your identification does not clearly show your date of birth, bring your birth certificate as backup. If you have recently changed your name due to divorce, marriage, or court order, bring documentation of that name change, such as a divorce decree or court order.

You will also need to provide your Social Security number. This is required by Florida law. You do not need to bring a Social Security card—you simply need to know and provide your number. If you do not have a Social Security number, contact the Social Security Administration to apply for one before visiting the clerk's office, as the process can take time.

If either person was previously married, you will need documentation about how that marriage ended. This means bringing a divorce decree, annulment record, or death certificate of the former spouse. These documents must be original or certified copies. A photocopy from home is not acceptable—the document must be official. If you were divorced in another state or country, your divorce decree from that location will be accepted in Florida. If you cannot locate your divorce paperwork, contact the courthouse where you were divorced—they can provide certified copies for a fee.

Some additional documentation may be required depending on your situation. If you have changed your name, bring court orders or certified documents showing the legal name change. If you are not a U.S. citizen, bring your visa, green card, or travel document showing your legal status in the United States. Bring any documents listed on your specific county's marriage license information sheet, as requirements can vary slightly by county.

Practical takeaway: Create a checklist based on your county clerk's office website before your visit. Call the clerk's office if you have questions about whether specific documents you have will be accepted. Bring original documents or certified copies—photocopies will likely be rejected.

Fees and Costs Associated With Marriage Licenses

Florida marriage licenses have a fee that you pay when you obtain the license. The standard fee is $105, though some counties may charge a slightly different amount. This fee is paid once to the clerk's office when you submit your application. The fee covers the marriage license document itself and the official processing of your application. Once you pay, you receive your license, and you do not need to pay again to use it for your ceremony within the 60-day validity period.

Florida offers a fee reduction program for couples who complete a premarital course. If both people taking the course complete an approved premarital preparation course, the fee is reduced by $32.50, making the total cost around $72.50 instead of $105. These courses are offered by various organizations, including religious institutions, community colleges, and private counselors. The course typically takes 4 to 8 hours to complete. You must provide a certificate of completion from an approved course provider when you apply for the license to receive the reduced fee. Check with your county clerk's office about which courses in your area are approved by Florida.

Beyond the license fee itself, there may be additional costs to consider. If you need to obtain a certified copy of a birth certificate, divorce decree, or other required document, county vital records offices or courthouse offices charge fees for these copies, typically between $5 and $25 per document depending on the type and county. If you need a notarized consent document, notary services usually cost between $5 and $15. Getting certified copies from out-of-state or international sources can cost more.

You should plan your budget to account for all necessary documents. If you do not have ready access to documents like your birth certificate, divorce decree, or parental consent paperwork, factor in the time and money needed to obtain certified copies from the appropriate government offices. Some documents may be ordered online through state vital records websites, while others require visiting an office in person or requesting documents by mail.

Practical takeaway: Contact your county clerk's office to confirm the exact fee amount for your location and ask if the premarital course fee reduction is available. If you qualify for the fee reduction, research approved courses in your area and plan time to complete one before your license appointment.

The Application Process and Waiting Period

The marriage license application process in Florida begins when both people visit the county clerk's office together with their required documents. You will fill out a marriage license application form provided by the clerk. The form asks for basic information: full legal names, date of birth, Social Security number, address, and other identification details. Both people must sign the form in front of the clerk. You cannot submit an application if only one person is present—