Licenses
Marriage licenses in Florida are currently $93.50.
The cost of a marriage license is reduced to $61.00 when counseling is taken through a premarital course provider.
The rules are simple:
To apply for a marriage license, you must be 18 years old or older; you and your fiancée must apply together in person, and you must both present either a valid driver’s license or a certified copy of your birth certificate. You must pay in cash or money order.
Who can apply?
· Any male or female age 18 or over;
· A minor whose parents are deceased and no guardian is appointed;
· Minors who, under oath, swear that they are parents or expectant parents of a child. In addition, the pregnancy must be verified by a written statement by a licensed physician. When the fact of pregnancy is verified by the written statement of a licensed physician, a county court judge may, in his or her discretion, issue a license to marry;
· A previously married minor; and,
· A person age 16 or 17 with parental or guardian consent
Is consent of both parents required?
Unless the parents are divorced and the custody and control of the minor is assigned to one parent. Written consent of an incompetent parent is not required (Attorney General Opinion 49-122). All written consent must be notarized or signed before a deputy clerk.
Do I have to be a Florida resident or an American citizen to obtain a marriage license?
No. Residency and citizenship are not required.
Are blood tests and physical exams required?
No. The law requiring these tests was abolished October 1, 1986.
Must I apply for a marriage license in the county in which I live?
No, a marriage license may be applied for and solemnized in any Florida county. However, the marriage license must be recorded in the county where it was obtained.
Where can I apply for a marriage license in my County?
How long is my license valid?
Sixty days from the date the license is issued.
Who may perform marriage ceremonies?
· A regularly ordained minister or other ordained clergy;
· Elders in communion with some church;
· All judicial officers (judges) of the State of Florida;
· Clerks of Circuit Court and their deputies of the State of Florida;
· Notaries Public of the State of Florida; and,
· The law provides that marriages may be performed among “Quakers” or “Friends,” in a manner and form used or practiced in their societies.
Who is a regularly ordained minister?
He/she is a minister who has been recognized in the manner required by the regulations of the respective denomination to perform marriage ceremonies.
May a marriage be solemnized without a license?
No. Section 741.08 F.S. states that the party solemnizing the marriage shall require a properly issued license before performing the ceremony.
When and who should return the license to the clerk?
A marriage cannot be officially recorded until the license is returned to the clerk. It should be returned within 10 days after the wedding. The party who performed the marriage is responsible for returning the completed license.
Can I pay for my marriage license with a personal check?
Checks are not accepted for payment of a marriage license fee.
Changing information on documents
If your marriage means a change in name and/or address, remember to make the following important notifications:
· Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Division of Drivers License;
· Your nearest Social Security office;
· Your voter’s registration office;
· Military Reserve commanding officer; and,
· Beneficiaries: Members of your family are probably named as beneficiaries or joint owners on many of these documents and you may wish to list your spouse as the new beneficiary or joint owner.
