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How to get a Florida Marriage License?
A couple who intends to be married in Florida may obtain a marriage
license from Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8am to 5:30pm
at any Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court. Hours may vary so
be sure to call ahead. The license does not need to be issued in the
county that the ceremony will take place in. The ceremony must take
place in the State of Florida to be considered valid.
How much does it cost?
The fee is $93.50, payable in cash only. Couples who have completed
the state-sanctioned marriage preparation course within the past 12
months are only charged $61.00. (Note: Fees for marriage licenses
are set by the Florida Legislature, and are subject to change)
Is there a waiting period?
There is no waiting period for Florida residents that have both completed
a state sanctioned marriage preparation course within the last year.
There is a 3 day waiting period for Florida residents who have not
taken the course. In addition prospective brides and grooms are now
required to read a 16-page booklet which describes situations such
as how a court would divide their assets and information about child
support payments. Court Clerks are allowed by law to waive the three-day
waiting period in the event of a "hardship" case. Also,
the waiting period does not apply to non-Florida residents.
How long is the license valid?
A marriage license is valid for 60 days.
Is a premarital
physical exam required?
No premarital examination or blood test is required to obtain a marriage
license in Florida.
What are the age and consent
requirements for minors?
Both applicants must be at least 18 years of age to apply for a marriage
license in the State of Florida. If an individual is under 18 years
of age but older than 16 years of age, a marriage license can be obtained
with parental consent. If a parent has sole custody or the other parent
is deceased, the permission of one parent is sufficient. If a person
is under the age of 16, the marriage license has to be issued by a
county judge, with or without parental permission. If a minor's parents
are both deceased and there is not an appointed guardian, he/she may
apply for a marriage license. A minor who has been previously married
may also apply for a license. A minor who swears that they have a
child or are expecting a baby, can apply for a license if the pregnancy
has been verified by a written statement from a licensed physician.
A county court judge may at his/her discretion issue or not issue
a license for them to marry.
Proof of Age and Identity
Both parties for the intended marriage must provide the Clerk's Office
a valid photo ID. Accepted forms of ID's are driver's license, State
Identification Card, Valid Passport, a I-94 card, Government or Military
Identification Card along with a valid Social Security Card.
Previous Marriages
If either party has ever been married and divorced, or widowed, the
date of the divorce or date of the spouse's death must be supplied.
If the divorce or spouse's death occurred within the past 30 days,
a certified copy of the divorce decree or death certificate is required.
Where can I get copies of my records?
Department of Children and Families
Division of Vital Statistics
PO Box 210
Jacksonville, FL 32231-0042
Phone: 904.359.6955
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