Other Helpful Information:
- Blood Tests: Not required.
- Residency: You do not need to be a resident of this county or the State of Florida to obtain a marriage license.
- License Validity: Marriage licenses are for use within the State of Florida for sixty (60) days from the effective date.
- Family Law Handbook: Before obtaining a marriage license, both parties must sign an affidavit indicating they have read the Family Law Handbook, available online through The Florida Bar Family Law Section in English or Spanish, or for viewing at the Clerk of Courts Marriage and One-Stop courthouse service locations.
- Previous Marriages: If either applicant has been previously married, the exact date of the last divorce, death, or annulment must be provided.
- Children: If you have one or more children together who were born in Florida, you must complete the Affirmation of Common Child(ren) Born in Florida form.
- Expedite the Process: Complete, print, and bring the Marriage License Online Pre-Application to any Broward County Marriage License office location.
Requirements for Under-Aged Marriage License Applicants:
Applicants who are at least 17 years of age:
- Must have the consent of both parents or a legal guardian. If custody has been granted to one parent, original proof must be provided. Consent forms are available at the office.
- If one parent is deceased, a certified copy of the death certificate is required. Proof of age and parents' identity is required, which can be done with a certified copy of the person's birth certificate. Additional proof may be required if the parent's names do not match.
- A person who is at least 17 years of age may marry only if the other party is no more than two years older.
Applicants under 17 years of age: Per F.S. 741.04, Issuance of Marriage License, a license cannot be issued to any person under 17 years of age. All underage applications are processed at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale, Room 02460.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for Your License:
- Applying for Your License:
- Every marriage license in Florida is issued by a county court judge or the clerk of the circuit court. You can apply at any county clerk's office. For a list of contact information by county, click here. To view all county links
- You can marry in any county in Florida, regardless of where you obtained your marriage license.
- What You Need:
- Identification: Both parties must present a photo ID, such as a driver's license, state ID card, or valid passport. Additionally, you must provide your Social Security numbers (but not the physical cards).
- Fees: The cost of a marriage license is $86.00 This fee can be reduced by up to $61.00 if you complete a licensed Florida pre-marital preparation course ( For Florida Residents only). You can find a list of providers for the pre-marital preparation course here: provider list.
- License Validity:
- Your marriage license is valid for 60 days from the date of issuance. Ensure your ceremony is conducted within this period.
- Waiting Period: There is a mandatory 3-day waiting period after the license is issued unless you have completed the pre-marital course, which waives this waiting period.
- No Blood Tests: Florida does not require blood tests to obtain a marriage license.
Virtual Florida Marriage License
The state of Florida now offers the convenience of applying for a marriage license online. Follow these simple steps to complete the process:
- Complete the Online Application:
- Fill out the Marriage License Application online.
- Application Review:
- Once submitted, your application will be reviewed by the Clerk's office.
- Email Confirmation:
- You will receive an email confirming the receipt of your application, along with a link to schedule a video conference call via Zoom.
- Schedule Your Appointment:
- Once your appointment is scheduled, you will receive a Zoom link one business day prior to the scheduled appointment.
- Zoom Meeting with the Clerk:
- On the appointed date and time, meet with a Clerk via Zoom to validate your identifications, review your application, collect payment, and electronically sign your marriage license.
- Receive Your License:
- You will receive a secure link to download your license, officiant instructions, and payment receipt.
- Submit Completed License:
- After your marriage, mail in the hard copy of your completed license to receive a certified copy via mail.
Online Marriage License Requirements
- Age Requirement:Both parties must be 18 years old or older. If one or both parties are under 18, you will need to apply in person at the office.
- Identification:Both parties must upload and present government-issued identification, such as:
- Driver's License
- State ID
- Passport (book or card)
- Military ID
- Certificate of Naturalization
- File Formats: Upload images of your identifications and marriage counseling certificate (if applicable) in one of the following formats:
- Zoom Meeting Preparation:
- Ensure you have the same identification you uploaded for the Zoom meeting.
- Be prepared and punctual for your Zoom appointment. If either party is five minutes late, you will need to reschedule.
- Use a camera-enabled device (a computer is recommended). Note that Apple iPhones are not compatible with the Zoom process.
- Have a valid credit card ready for payment. The Clerk will record the part of the meeting where IDs are reviewed and electronic signatures are captured.
Additional Information
- Appointment Availability: Online appointments fill up weeks in advance. If you need a marriage license within 10-15 business days, it is strongly recommended to visit the office in person.
Foreign Citizens and Non-English Documents:If one or both applicants are foreign citizens, additional requirements may apply. Documents not issued in English must be accompanied by a certified translation. Applicants may need to present valid passports and, if applicable, proof of divorce or death of a previous spouse with certified translations. It's important to check with the specific county clerk's office for any additional documentation that may be required.
By following these steps, you can efficiently and securely obtain your marriage license online. For more information or assistance, please contact the local county clerk's office or which county you intend to get your license from.
Florida Marriage Statutes:
For detailed information on Florida's marriage laws, click here.
Obtaining Marriage Records:
To obtain copies of marriage records, visit Florida Health.
Marriage Ceremony:
If you need to locate a courthouse but are unsure of the county, click here for a list of cities and their corresponding counties.
Authorized Persons to Perform Marriages:
In Florida, the following individuals are authorized to perform marriage ceremonies:
- Ordained ministers of the gospel or elders in communion with a church
- Other ordained clergy
- Judicial officers, including retired judicial officers
- Clerks of the circuit courts
- Notaries public
For more details, see Statute 741.07.
Sunseeker Weddings is here to help make your wedding planning as seamless as possible. If you have any questions, please contact our team via chat, or visit our contact us page. You can also see our FAQ Page for more information.