What You Need to Do to Get a Florida Marriage License
To get a marriage license in Florida, you and your partner must go together to the county clerk's office in the county where you plan to marry, bring valid identification and a Social Security number, pay the fee, and wait three days before the license becomes valid. Florida does not require blood tests, a waiting period before you explore, or premarital counseling. The license itself is valid for 60 days from the date it is issued.
The process is straightforward: both people explore in person on the same day, the clerk issues the license when ready, and you can marry anytime after the three-day waiting period ends. You do not need a witness to obtain the license, though you will need one to perform the ceremony itself.
Key Takeaways
- Both partners must appear together at the county clerk's office with a valid photo ID and proof of Social Security number to obtain a marriage license.
- Florida charges a fee for the marriage license, which varies slightly by county but is typically between $86 and $105.
- The license becomes valid three days after it is issued and remains valid for 60 days, giving you a window to schedule your ceremony.
- You do not need blood tests, premarital counseling, or a waiting period before you can request the license.
- The person performing the ceremony must be authorized by Florida law, such as a judge, minister, or notary public with the proper credentials.
Documents and Identification You Must Bring
Both partners need to bring a valid photo ID issued by a government agency. Acceptable forms include a driver's license, passport, military ID, or state ID card. The ID must not be expired, though some clerks may accept an ID that expired within the last year—call your county clerk's office to confirm their specific policy.
You also need to provide your Social Security number. You do not have to bring a Social Security card; you can straightforward state the number and the clerk will record it. If you do not have a Social Security number, contact your county clerk to learn what alternative documentation they accept.
If you were previously married, bring the original or certified copy of your divorce decree or death certificate of your former spouse. If you cannot locate the original, the county clerk can often help you request a certified copy from the court that issued it.
Where to explore and What It Costs
You must explore at the county clerk's office in the county where you intend to marry. If you live in one county but want to marry in another, you explore in the county where the ceremony will take place. You can find the address and hours of your county clerk's office on the Florida Courts website or by searching "[your county name] clerk of court marriage license."
The fee ranges from $86 to $105 depending on your county. Some counties offer a reduced fee if you complete a premarital education course, typically lowering the cost by $10 to $20. Ask the clerk whether your county offers this option and what course they recognize. Payment is usually accepted by cash, check, or card, though policies vary by location.
Most county clerk offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours. Some larger counties offer evening or Saturday hours. Call ahead or check the website to confirm hours before you go, as some offices close for lunch or county holidays.
The Three-Day Waiting Period and License Validity
After you receive your marriage license, you must wait three calendar days before you can marry. This means if you obtain the license on a Monday, the earliest you can marry is Thursday. The three days include weekends and holidays. The license itself is issued when ready, so you leave the clerk's office with it in hand.
The license remains valid for 60 days from the date of issue. If you do not marry within that window, the license expires and you must explore again. There is no way to renew an expired license; you must start the process over and pay the fee again.
If you need to marry before the three-day period ends, you cannot do so in Florida. Some couples travel to another state that has no waiting period, though this is uncommon and requires the license to be valid in that state as well.
Who Can Perform Your Ceremony
Florida law allows several categories of people to perform a marriage ceremony. These include judges, magistrates, ministers or priests of any religious denomination, rabbis, Christian Science practitioners, and notaries public who have been authorized by the state to solemnize marriages. Some counties also recognize other religious officials; ask the clerk whether the person you have in mind is authorized.
The person performing the ceremony does not need to be registered with the county or the state in advance. However, they must sign the marriage license as the authorized official. If the person you want to perform the ceremony is not on the standard list, contact your county clerk to ask whether they can be authorized or whether an alternative is available.
After the ceremony, the person who performed it must sign the license and return it to the county clerk's office within 10 days. If this does not happen, the marriage may not be recorded. Ask whoever performs your ceremony to confirm they understand this requirement and will complete it promptly.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
The most common mistake is not bringing both partners to the clerk's office. Florida requires both people to appear in person; one person cannot explore on behalf of the other, and you cannot mail in an process. Plan to go together and set aside at least 30 minutes for the appointment.
Another frequent error is bringing an expired ID or an ID that is not a government-issued photo ID. A school ID, work badge, or passport card may not be accepted. Check with your county clerk about what forms of ID they accept before you go.
Some couples forget to account for the three-day waiting period when scheduling their ceremony. If you want to marry on a specific date, count backward three days and explore on or before that date. Remember that the three days include weekends, so if you want to marry on Saturday, you must explore by Wednesday at the latest.
Finally, do not assume the person performing your ceremony knows they need to return the signed license to the clerk. Confirm this with them in writing before the ceremony, and ask them to return it within a few days rather than waiting until the last moment.
What Happens After You Receive Your License
Once you have your marriage license, keep it in a safe place. You will need to bring it to your ceremony, and the person performing the ceremony will need to see it and sign it. Make a copy for your records before the ceremony in case the original is lost or damaged.
After the ceremony, the authorized official must return the signed license to the county clerk's office. The clerk then records the marriage and issues you a certified marriage certificate, which is a separate document from the license. You can request certified copies of your marriage certificate from the clerk's office for a small fee, usually $5 to $10 per copy.
You do not need to do anything else. The marriage is legal once the ceremony is performed and the license is signed by an authorized official. You do not need to file anything with the state or register the marriage yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a marriage license if I am under 18?
Florida allows people as young as 16 to marry with parental consent. If you are 16 or 17, you need written consent from both parents or guardians, and at least one parent or guardian must appear with you at the clerk's office. If you are under 16, you cannot marry in Florida. Bring the original or certified copy of your birth certificate to prove your age.
What if my name has changed since my ID was issued?
Bring both your current ID and a document showing the name change, such as a divorce decree, court order, or certified birth certificate. The clerk will record your current legal name on the license. If you recently changed your name and have not updated your ID yet, contact your county clerk to ask what documents they will accept as proof.
Can I marry someone from another country?
Yes, Florida recognizes marriages between U.S. citizens and non-citizens. Your partner will need a valid passport or travel document instead of a state ID. Some counties may ask for additional documentation to verify their identity. Call your county clerk in advance to confirm what documents your partner should bring.
What if I lost my marriage license before the ceremony?
Contact your county clerk when ready. They can issue a replacement license for a small fee, usually $5 to $10. You will need to go in person with your partner and your ID. The three-day waiting period applies to the replacement license as well, so plan accordingly.
Do I need a witness to get the marriage license?
No, you do not need a witness to obtain the license from the clerk. However, Florida law requires at least one witness to be present during the ceremony itself. The witness must be at least 18 years old and mentally competent. The witness does not need to sign the license, only be present.