How to Get a Florida Marriage License: Requirements & Steps
Life feels blissful after getting engaged. You hear wedding bells everywhere, and each day feels like walking under rose-colored skies. Still, before you say “I do” in the dazzling, palm-studded State of Florida, there are a few important steps to take, starting with applying for a marriage license.
A marriage license is a legal document confirming that you and your partner meet Florida’s requirements to marry. It also gives you official authorization to proceed with the ceremony: without it, your wedding can’t take place. In this guide, we’ll explain how to get a marriage license in Florida, including eligibility requirements, costs, waiting periods, and one simple tip that can help reduce both the fee and the waiting time.
Florida Marriage License Requirements
While almost any couple can apply for a marriage license in Florida, approval depends on meeting specific legal requirements. These are designed to ensure the marriage is valid and that both parties understand the legal responsibilities involved, and can be classified into three categories:
Age & Consent
To obtain a marriage license in Florida, you must be at least 18 years old. The state law allows marriage for 17-year-olds only if all of the following conditions are met:
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The minor is 17 years old.
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The age gap between the couple is no more than 2 years.
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Parental or legal guardian consent is provided.
In these cases, the following documentation is typically required:
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A completed and signed parental consent form.
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The minor’s birth certificate, listing the parents’ names.
Depending on the county, both parents or legal guardians will have to appear in person with a valid photo ID. Other counties accept properly completed documentation. If a parent is deceased, the surviving parent must provide a death certificate. Likewise, if one parent has full custody, they must submit proof of the court order.
Identification & Documents
When you apply for a marriage license, you must present a valid, government-issued photo ID to the Clerk of Courts. The ID must show your legal name, date of birth, and signature. Acceptable identifications include:
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Driver’s license.
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Passport.
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Military I.D. card.
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Alien registration card.
Applicants must also sign a statement acknowledging that they have read the Florida Family Law Handbook, as required by law. This document explains the legal aspects of marriage in Florida and is available online or at the clerk’s office.
Last but not least, if you have been previously married, you must provide the date of the last divorce, annulment, or death of a former spouse. If your divorce was finalized in Florida and you don’t remember the exact date, you can retrieve it through an online family court records search, as divorce decrees are public records.
Social Security Number / Alien Registration
To apply for a marriage license in Florida, you must provide your Social Security number (SSN) if one has been issued. You are not required to present the physical Social Security card.
As Florida does not require residency or U.S. citizenship to issue a marriage license, out-of-state couples and foreign nationals can also apply. Applicants without an SSN must provide an alien registration number or passport number instead. In some cases, a U.S. state-issued driver’s license number may also be accepted.
How to Apply for a Marriage License
Once you’ve gathered all the required documents, you’re ready to begin the application process. While procedures may vary by county, applying for a marriage license in Florida generally involves the following steps:
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Make an appointment with the county Clerk of Courts.
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Complete the application form.
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Visit the Clerk of Courts’ office.
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Submit your application and the required documentation.
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Pay the marriage license fee.
Appointments vs. Walk-ins
Have a busy schedule or hoping to complete the process during the day? The good news is that many Florida counties accept walk-in marriage license applications. However, be aware that wait times can be long, especially in high-volume counties.
To save time, it’s often best to complete the application in advance if your county offers that option. Scheduling an appointment with the Clerk of Courts can reduce wait times more significantly. Some counties, such as Hillsborough County, go a step further and allow couples to apply through scheduled online appointments, including Zoom meetings.
Online Pre-application (if available)
Aunque no todos los condados emiten licencias totalmente en línea, la mayoría de las oficinas ofrecen una pre-solicitud digital. Consulta el sitio web del secretario de tu condado para ver si esta opción está disponible. Si no se ofrece, muchos condados proporcionan una solicitud en PDF descargable que puedes imprimir y completar en casa para acelerar la visita en persona.
In-person Application
In most Florida counties, both applicants are required to appear in person to apply for a marriage license, particularly if they are non-residents. Counties that issue licenses through virtual appointments are still the exception rather than the rule.
Marriage License Fees and Payment
In Florida, the cost of a marriage license is up to $93.50, depending on the county. However, the state offers a $32.50 reduction for couples who complete a state-approved 4-hour premarital course no more than one year before applying for the marriage license.
To receive the discount, you must present the official Certificate of Completion to the county clerk at the time of application. It’s important to note that not all courses qualify: the course must be provided by a state-approved instructor, such as Dr. Liliana Wolf’s Florida premarital course.
Completing an approved course not only lowers the cost of your marriage license, but, for Florida residents, it also allows you to waive the waiting period between license issuance and the wedding ceremony. Premarital education has even been proven to increase marital satisfaction up to 30%.
Validity and Waiting Period
Once issued, a Florida marriage license is valid for 60 days. The wedding ceremony must take place within that time frame. If the license expires before the marriage occurs, the couple must apply for (and pay for) a new one.
Keep in mind that Florida imposes a 72-hour (3-day) waiting period between the issuance of a marriage license and the wedding ceremony. This rule applies only to Florida residents. Out-of-state couples or foreign nationals may marry immediately after the license is issued.
Your Marriage License, on Your Wedding Day
Completing an approved premarital course in Florida allows residents to get married the same day their license is issued. Dr. Liliana Wolf’s premarital course adds convenience to the process:
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Approved in all 67 Florida counties.
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Interactive, video-based learning (100% online).
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Available in English and Spanish.
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Developed by a five-star relationship professional.
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LGBTQ-friendly and faith-based course options.
Once you complete this course, a Certificate of Completion with a serial number will be immediately available.
After You Get the License: Ceremony & Filing
Once the marriage ceremony has ended, the wedding officiant is required to sign and return the completed marriage license to the Clerk of Courts within 10 days. A certified copy of your marriage certificate is then issued and mailed to you within 7 to 14 days.
FAQs
How to get a marriage license?
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Schedule an appointment with a county Clerk of Courts.
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Complete the application form.
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Gather the required documentation.
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Visit the clerk’s office.
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Submit documents and pay the fee.
Can I apply for a marriage license online in Florida? Yes. Some Florida counties, such as Hillsborough County, allow couples to apply through a scheduled Zoom appointment.
How long is the waiting period for a marriage license in Florida? Resident couples must wait 72-hours (3-days) unless they complete a state-approved premarital course, which waives the waiting period.
Can I get my marriage license and get married the same day in Florida? Yes, if Florida residents complete a certified premarital course. Non-residents may also marry the same day.
What is the difference between a Marriage License and a Marriage Certificate? A license is legal permission to marry; a certificate is the official proof that the marriage has been recorded.
Love Under the Palms
Celebrate your love with Dr. Liliana Wolf’s Florida premarital course.
Dr. Liliana Wolf, psychotherapist and former professor of psychology, has been preparing couples for marriage for over 20 years. Ranked in the top 1% nationwide by HealthGrades, her courses are designed to help couples lay the foundation for a lasting marriage.
