Getting married in Florida is a beautiful and exciting experience. But before you can say "I do," you'll need to obtain a marriage license.
In this article, we'll guide you through the process of getting a marriage license in Florida, including the requirements, fees, and steps involved. We'll also provide some helpful tips to make the process as smooth as possible. So whether you're a Florida resident or just planning a destination wedding here, read on for everything you need to know about getting a marriage license in Florida.
Now that you have a basic understanding of the marriage license process in Florida, let's dive into the details.
marriage license florida
Requirements vary by county. Check local details.
- Both parties must be present.
- Proof of identity required.
- $93.50 application fee.
- 3-day waiting period.
- Valid for 60 days.
- Solemnized within 60 days.
- Officiant must be registered.
For more information, visit the Florida Department of Health website.
Both parties must be present.
In order to obtain a marriage license in Florida, both parties must be physically present at the county courthouse or marriage license bureau. This is a legal requirement and cannot be waived.
The purpose of this requirement is to ensure that both parties are fully aware of and consenting to the marriage. It also helps to prevent fraud and coercion. When you apply for a marriage license, you will be asked to provide proof of your identity and residency. You will also be required to sign an affidavit stating that you are not legally prohibited from marrying.
If you are unable to be present in person, you may be able to obtain a marriage license through a proxy. However, this is only possible in very limited circumstances, such as when one party is deployed overseas or is otherwise unable to travel. In order to obtain a marriage license by proxy, you will need to file a petition with the court and obtain a court order.
For most couples, it is easiest and most convenient to simply appear in person at the county courthouse or marriage license bureau. This will allow you to avoid any potential delays or complications.
Here are some additional things to keep in mind about the "Both parties must be present" requirement:
- Both parties must be at least 18 years old.
- If either party is under the age of 18, they will need to obtain parental consent.
- Both parties must be legally competent to enter into a marriage contract.
- Both parties must not be related to each other within certain degrees of consanguinity.
Proof of identity required.
When you apply for a marriage license in Florida, you will be required to provide proof of your identity. This can be done with a variety of documents, including:
- Driver's license
- State-issued identification card
- Passport
- Military identification card
- Birth certificate
Both parties must provide proof of identity, even if they are well-known to the clerk of court. The purpose of this requirement is to prevent fraud and identity theft. It also helps to ensure that both parties are who they say they are and that they are legally eligible to marry.
If you do not have any of the above documents, you may be able to provide other forms of identification, such as a social security card, voter registration card, or utility bill. However, you should check with the county clerk of court to find out what forms of identification are accepted in your county.
It is important to note that you cannot use a photocopy of your identification. You must bring the original document with you when you apply for a marriage license.
Here are some additional things to keep in mind about the "Proof of identity required" requirement:
- Your identification must be current and valid.
- Your name on your identification must match your birth certificate.
- If you have changed your name since your birth certificate was issued, you will need to bring proof of the name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.
$93.50 application fee.
In order to obtain a marriage license in Florida, you will need to pay a $93.50 application fee. This fee is non-refundable, even if you are denied a marriage license.
- What does the fee cover?
The application fee covers the cost of processing your marriage license application, including the background check and the issuance of the marriage license.
- How can I pay the fee?
You can pay the fee in cash, with a credit card, or with a debit card. Some counties may also accept checks or money orders.
- Can I get a fee waiver?
In some cases, you may be able to get a fee waiver if you can prove that you are unable to afford the fee. To apply for a fee waiver, you will need to contact the clerk of court in the county where you are applying for a marriage license.
- What if I am getting married in a different county?
The application fee is the same regardless of which county you are getting married in. However, some counties may have additional fees, such as a ceremony fee or a recording fee. You should check with the clerk of court in the county where you are getting married to find out about any additional fees.
Here are some additional things to keep in mind about the $93.50 application fee:
- The fee is per couple, not per person.
- The fee is non-refundable, even if you change your mind about getting married.
- The fee is subject to change, so you should check with the clerk of court to find out the current fee.
3-day waiting period.
After you apply for a marriage license in Florida, there is a 3-day waiting period before you can get married. This waiting period is required by law and cannot be waived.
The purpose of the waiting period is to give both parties a chance to reconsider their decision to get married. It also gives the clerk of court time to process the marriage license application and to conduct a background check on both parties.
The 3-day waiting period begins the day after you apply for a marriage license. If you apply for a marriage license on a Friday, the waiting period will begin on Saturday and end on Monday. If you apply for a marriage license on a Saturday or Sunday, the waiting period will begin on Monday and end on Wednesday.
You can get married on the same day that the waiting period ends. However, you must wait until the clerk of court's office is open. In most counties, the clerk of court's office is open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday.
Here are some additional things to keep in mind about the 3-day waiting period:
- The waiting period does not apply to couples who are getting married in a religious ceremony. However, the couple must still obtain a marriage license before the ceremony.
- The waiting period does not apply to couples who are getting married in a civil ceremony performed by a judge or a magistrate.
- The waiting period does not apply to couples who are getting married in a destination wedding. However, the couple must still comply with the marriage laws of the state or country where they are getting married.
Valid for 60 days.
A marriage license in Florida is valid for 60 days from the date it is issued. This means that you must get married within 60 days of applying for the license. If you do not get married within 60 days, the license will expire and you will need to apply for a new one.
The 60-day validity period is designed to prevent couples from getting married on impulse. It also gives couples time to make arrangements for their wedding ceremony and to obtain any necessary paperwork.
If you need more time to get married, you can apply for an extension. However, you must apply for the extension before the license expires. The clerk of court may grant you an extension for up to 60 additional days.
To apply for an extension, you will need to file a petition with the clerk of court. The petition must state the reason why you need the extension. You may also be required to pay a fee.
Here are some additional things to keep in mind about the "Valid for 60 days" requirement:
- The 60-day validity period begins on the date the marriage license is issued, not the date you apply for the license.
- If you do not get married within 60 days, you will need to apply for a new marriage license.
- You can apply for an extension of the 60-day validity period, but you must do so before the license expires.
- The clerk of court may charge a fee for an extension.
Solemnized within 60 days.
In order for a marriage to be valid in Florida, it must be solemnized within 60 days of the date the marriage license is issued. This means that a ceremony must be performed and the marriage license must be signed by the officiant and two witnesses within 60 days of the date the license is issued.
The ceremony can be performed by a variety of individuals, including judges, magistrates, ministers, and priests. The officiant must be registered with the state of Florida and must be authorized to perform marriages.
After the ceremony, the officiant must sign the marriage license and return it to the clerk of court. The clerk of court will then record the marriage and issue a marriage certificate.
If the marriage is not solemnized within 60 days of the date the license is issued, the license will expire and the couple will need to apply for a new one.
Here are some additional things to keep in mind about the "Solemnized within 60 days" requirement:
- The 60-day period begins on the date the marriage license is issued, not the date of the ceremony.
- The ceremony can be performed by a variety of individuals, including judges, magistrates, ministers, and priests. The officiant must be registered with the state of Florida and must be authorized to perform marriages.
- After the ceremony, the officiant must sign the marriage license and return it to the clerk of court. The clerk of court will then record the marriage and issue a marriage certificate.
- If the marriage is not solemnized within 60 days of the date the license is issued, the license will expire and the couple will need to apply for a new one.
Officiant must be registered.
In order to perform a marriage ceremony in Florida, the officiant must be registered with the state.
- Who can be an officiant?
Anyone who is at least 18 years old and a legal resident of Florida can become a registered marriage officiant. This includes judges, magistrates, ministers, priests, and other religious leaders. It also includes certain non-religious individuals, such as wedding planners and life coaches.
- How do I become a registered officiant?
To become a registered marriage officiant in Florida, you must file an application with the Florida Department of State. The application fee is $30. You will also need to provide proof of your identity and residency, as well as a statement from your religious organization (if applicable). Once your application is approved, you will be issued a certificate of registration.
- How long does my registration last?
Your registration as a marriage officiant is valid for two years. After two years, you will need to renew your registration.
- What are the requirements for performing a marriage ceremony?
In order to perform a marriage ceremony in Florida, the officiant must:
- Be registered with the state of Florida.
- Be present at the ceremony.
- Pronounce the couple to be husband and wife.
- Sign the marriage license.
Here are some additional things to keep in mind about the "Officiant must be registered" requirement:
- The officiant does not need to be a resident of the county where the ceremony is performed.
- The officiant can charge a fee for performing the ceremony.
- The officiant must keep a record of all marriages they perform.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about getting married in Florida:
Question 1: What are the residency requirements for getting married in Florida?
Answer 1: There are no residency requirements for getting married in Florida. You can be a resident of any state or country.
Question 2: Do I need a blood test to get married in Florida?
Answer 2: No, you do not need a blood test to get married in Florida.
Question 3: How long does it take to get a marriage license in Florida?
Answer 3: It takes about 30 minutes to get a marriage license in Florida. However, you must wait 3 days after applying for the license before you can get married.
Question 4: Where can I get a marriage license in Florida?
Answer 4: You can get a marriage license at the clerk of court's office in any county in Florida.
Question 5: How much does a marriage license cost in Florida?
Answer 5: The cost of a marriage license in Florida is $93.50.
Question 6: Who can perform a marriage ceremony in Florida?
Answer 6: Any registered marriage officiant can perform a marriage ceremony in Florida. This includes judges, magistrates, ministers, priests, and other religious leaders. It also includes certain non-religious individuals, such as wedding planners and life coaches.
Question 7: What are the requirements for a marriage ceremony in Florida?
Answer 7: The requirements for a marriage ceremony in Florida are as follows:
- The officiant must be registered with the state of Florida.
- Both parties must be present at the ceremony.
- The officiant must pronounce the couple to be husband and wife.
- The officiant must sign the marriage license.
Closing Paragraph for FAQ
We hope this FAQ has answered some of your questions about getting married in Florida. If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact the clerk of court's office in the county where you plan to get married.
Now that you know the basics of getting married in Florida, here are some tips to help you plan your wedding:
Tips
Here are some tips to help you plan your wedding in Florida:
Tip 1: Choose your wedding date and time carefully.
Florida has a subtropical climate, so the weather can be hot and humid, especially in the summer months. If you are planning an outdoor wedding, try to choose a date and time that is not too hot or humid. You may also want to consider having a backup plan in case of bad weather.
Tip 2: Book your vendors early.
Florida is a popular wedding destination, so it is important to book your vendors early, especially if you are getting married during the peak wedding season (October to May). This includes your photographer, videographer, florist, caterer, and DJ.
Tip 3: Get a marriage license early.
You can apply for a marriage license in Florida up to 60 days before your wedding date. However, it is best to apply for the license as early as possible to avoid any delays.
Tip 4: Choose a unique wedding venue.
Florida has a variety of unique wedding venues to choose from, such as beaches, gardens, museums, and historic mansions. If you are looking for a truly unique wedding experience, consider getting married at one of these venues.
Closing Paragraph for Tips
By following these tips, you can help ensure that your Florida wedding is a day to remember.
Now that you have planned your wedding, it is time to start preparing for the big day. This includes getting your marriage license, choosing your wedding attire, and writing your vows.
Conclusion
Getting married in Florida is a beautiful and exciting experience. The state has a variety of stunning wedding venues to choose from, and the weather is perfect for outdoor ceremonies. The process of getting a marriage license in Florida is also relatively simple and straightforward.
In this article, we have provided you with all the information you need to know about getting married in Florida, including the requirements, fees, and steps involved. We have also provided some helpful tips to make the process as smooth as possible.
We hope this article has been helpful. If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact the clerk of court's office in the county where you plan to get married.
Congratulations on your upcoming wedding! We wish you all the best in your new life together.