Florida is a top destination for couples who want to get married.  The bright sun, the salty beach, the breezy nights are inviting and can easily make anyone easily fall in love.  

But how do you go about getting married in Florida?  What is the process?  

Whether you're a Florida resident or a non-resident the process is the same for everyone.  

STEP 1

Apply for a marriage license.  

Requirements to apply for a marriage license:

• Couple must be at 18 years old.  

  • Couples who are at least 17 years old must provide written parental or guardian consent.  If a parent has died or received guardianship, proof of death of guardianship will need to be provided. 

• A valid federal or state government photo identification card is required and must provide the correct legal name, date of birth and signature of the applicant.

Below are the types of acceptable photo identification:

• Driver License (U.S. State or Government)

• Passport

• U.S. Military identification

• State Identification Card (U.S. State or Government)

• Alien Registration Card

• Naturalization Certificate

• Must provide a Social Security number or Alien Registration number (for non-U.S. citizens).  If neither has been issued, another form of ID may be required.

• Both parties must be present when applying for the license.  

  • Please note that some counties will allow online applications.  But a video conference will be required and each applicant will need to have their own device. 

• Prior to obtaining a marriage license, both parties must sign an affidavit indicating they have read the Family Law Handbook.

• If both parties have one or or more children together that were born in Florida, an Affirmation of Common Children Born in Florida will need to be completed, notarized, and returned.  

You can get a Marriage License from the County Clerk of Courts.  Each county has a clerk of courts that you can contact and apply.   

Florida residents have the option of attending a premarital course (minimum of 4 hours) from a registered provider, OR waiting a 3-day mandatory time period before the marriage license becomes effective.

However, if you are a non-resident of Florida, the 3-day wait period is waived.  Please be aware that you MUST get married in the State of Florida by a person authorized to perform weddings in accordance with Florida Statute 741.07.  You can not use an out of state marriage license to get married in Florida.  

STEP 2

Pay for the marriage license.

In Florida, there are two Marriage License Application fees to choose from (for both residents and non-residents): 

1. Standard Marriage License Application fee  = $86.00  

2. Discounted Marriage License Application fee (see eligibility requirements below) = $61.00

Eligibility Requirements for Discounted Marriage License Application:

• If the couple attends a premarital course (minimum of 4 hours) from a registered provider and presents a certificate of completion when applying they will receive a $25.00 discount on their marriage license.

• The course must be completed no more than one year prior to the date of the marriage license application. Both parties must attend the course.

• Certificates or letters showing completion of a premarital course must include the number of hours attended. 

Payments may be made by cashier's check, certified check, money order, or credit card.  

Personal and Business Checks are NOT accepted.  Some counties may NOT accept cash, you will need to check with that county's Clerk of Courts. 

Please note, each county is different and may charge fees in addition to the Marriage License Application for credit card processing/ convenience, Search fee, commemorative certificate fee, etc. 

STEP 3

Have the marriage ceremony. 

This has to be joint effort by the couple.  The ceremony can be huge or small.  Whatever the size of the ceremony, the marriage MUST be legalized by an official that is authorized to solemnize/ perform the wedding ceremony: 

• Ordained clergy

• Elders in communion with a church

• All Florida judges

• Florida Clerks of Court and their deputized employees

• Notaries Public of the State of Florida

After the marriage ceremony, the original marriage license MUST be signed by the officiant and RETURNED (either physically dropped off or mailed) to the county it was filed within 10 days. It will be recorded, and a certified copy will be sent to the address provided on the application.

For an additional fee a Civil Marriage ceremony can be performed at one of the County's Clerk of Courts locations after the license is effective. 

NOTE: A marriage license is valid in any Florida county for 60 days. 

Additional Things to Remember when Getting Married in Florida

• If you are already married in another state or country, you do NOT need to get married in Florida as well. 

• Same Sex partners are legally allowed to marry in Florida.  Prior to the landmark Supreme Court ruling, same sex marriage was banned in Florida as per Florida Statute 741.212.  Even though this language banning Same Sex marriage is still on the Florida Statutes as of today, the Supreme Court ruling overrides this ban.  Florida began permitting Same Sex marriage effectively on January 6, 2015.  

• You do NOT need to have a blood test to apply or get married in Florida

• Depending on the county, you do NOT need to physically apply for a marriage license in-person.  You may apply online.  However, please be aware that each county is different and online applications are not available in all counties.  

Also, you'll need to have a video conference to apply online (each applicant will need to have their own device).  Please be sure to read the requirements for online application thoroughly.  

Furthermore, depending on the county there may be surcharges/ additional fees for applying online; please check with the county's Clerk of the Court. 

• If you are looking for a premarital course provider, please refer to the specific county's Clerk of Courts website.  Each county will provide. list of approved premarital course providers to choose from.