Florida Marriage License Requirments
What is the cost of a marriage license?
The marriage license fee is $93.50. Couples who have completed a state sanctioned marriage preparation course within the past year are entitled to a discount of $61.00. The following methods of payment are acceptable : Cash, Money order, Traveler's check, Personal Check (Name and current address must be imprinted on check and you must present a photo ID).
What are the residency requirements for Florida?
None. You do not have to be a previous or current resident of Florida to obtain a marriage license that is valid statewide.
Is there a waiting period from the application date to the date the license is issued?
No, you will receive your license immediately.
Is there a waiting period from the date the license is issued to the date I am allowed to marry?
Yes, there is a mandatory 3 day waiting period. The waiting period is waived for couples who complete a state sanctioned marriage counseling course within the past year.
What is the minimum age a man or woman may marry?
You must be 18 years old or older to marry without parental consent. A birth certificate may be necessary to show proof of age.
What if one or both of us is younger than 18?
If either partner is under 18, parental consent forms must be signed. You will need a certified copy of your birth certificate. If you are under 16 you can not marry without a court order. A minor who is pregnant does not need parental consent as long as the pregnancy is verified in a written statement by a licensed physician.
Are blood tests and physical exams required?
No blood test or physical exam is required.
How long does a marriage license remain valid once it's been issued?
Your license will expire 60 days from the date it is issued.
What if one or both partners have been divorced or have had a spouse die?
If previously married, the date of divorce or date of spouse's death must be provided. If the divorce or spouse's death had taken place within the last 30 days, bring a certified copy of the divorce decree or death certificate. A copy of your divorce records or spouse's death certificate can be ordered online.
Officiants:
Any ordained or licensed clergy, notary publics, and justices of the peace.
What's the process of legally changing my last name after marriage?
Following your wedding ceremony, you will receive a marriage certificate, which is a piece of paper proving that you are legally married. This certificate will serve as evidence of your marriage, which you'll need when you begin the process of notifying several goverment agencies about your name change, as well as any non-government institutions that you do business with (ie, banks, employers, credit cards, memberships, etc).
Miscellaneous Questions
Are proxy marriages legal?
No, marriage by proxy is not allowed.
Are cousin marriages legal?
Florida law prohibits a person marrying anyone to whom they are related by lineal consanguinity. The nearest degree of relations who may legally marry in the state of Florida is first cousins.
Are common law marriages recognized?
No, common-law marriages are not recognized in the state of Florida.
Are same sex marriages legal?
No
Copy of Certificate of Marriage:
Department of Children and Families
Division of Vital Statistics
P. O. Box 210
Jacksonville, FL 32231-0042
904-359-6955
Click here for a list of all Clerks of Court in FL
http://marriage.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?zi=1/XJ/Ya&sdn=marriage&cdn=people&tm=10&gps=333_580_1436_754&f=11&tt=14&bt=0&bts=1&zu=http%3A//dlis.dos.state.fl.us/fgils/coclerks.html