Florida Marriage License

The following details the laws for a Florida Marriage license, as well as the State statute for who may perform weddings.

Age:You must be 18 years of age to apply for a marriage license on your own behalf. If you are 16 or 17 years of age, you can acquire a license with a signed and notarized “Certificate of Consent” form signed by your parents or legal guardians and a certified long form Birth Certificate.

PROPER IDENTIFICATION: One of the following forms of identification is required for each party applying for a marriage license: Valid U.S. State Driver’s License, Valid Passport, Valid U.S. State ID Card, Valid Alien Registration Card, or a Valid U.S. Military ID card.
Both parties must apply in person. You are required to complete the Marriage License Application form. Both parties are required to submit their Social Security Number. If previously married, the date of divorce, death, or annulment is required. A certified copy of the divorce judgment is required if the divorce is within the 30 days of the date of the marriage application.

APPLICATION FEE: The standard fee for a marriage license is $93.50 (cash only). The reduced fee for applicants (Florida Residents only) who have completed a four-hour marriage course is $61.00. The fee must be paid in cash.

FAMILY LAW HANDBOOK: The State of Florida requires that both applicants read the ‘Family Law Handbook’ provided by the Clerk. Each applicant must sign the Applicant’s Statement attesting to having read the handbook.

WAITING PERIOD: The State of Florida requires that Florida Residents wait three calendar days from the date the license is issued before it can be used. This requirement does not apply to applicants if both parties are not Florida Residents.

PREMARITAL PREPARATION COURSE: Florida Residents can have the 3 day waiting period ‘waived’ by attending a four-hour premarital preparation course prior to the issuance of the license. In order to waive the 3 day waiting period, your premarital preparation course provider must be registered with the a County Clerk’s Office. The County Clerk’s Office can provide a list of premarital preparation course providers upon request. Attendance of the course reduces the fee for the marriage license application ($61.00-cash only). You must provide proof of course attendance upon applying for the license.

MARRIAGE CEREMONY: Marriage ceremonies may be performed by the following per Florida Statute 741.07:

A regularly ordained minister or other ordained clergy
Elders in communion with some church
All judicial officers (judges)
Clerks of Circuit Court and their deputies
Notaries Public of the State of Florida

In addition to the above, the law provides that marriages may be performed among “Quakers” or “Friends,” in the manner and form used or practiced in their societies.