Getting a Marriage License in Florida
Where to apply for a marriage license in Florida, what to bring, the waiting period, how long it's valid, and the minimum marriage age.
Short answer: Licenses are issued by a county court judge or the clerk of the circuit court. Both parties file a signed affidavit, sworn before someone authorized to give oaths, giving each person's Social Security number (or other available identification number) and age. Fla. Stat. §§ 741.01, 741.04, 741.041
| Getting a marriage license | Licenses are issued by a county court judge or the clerk of the circuit court. Both parties file a signed affidavit, sworn before someone authorized to give oaths, giving each person's Social Security number (or other available identification number) and age. They must also sign a statement saying whether they completed a premarital preparation course and confirm they read the state handbook on the rights and responsibilities of marriage. If the couple does not present course completion certificates, the license takes effect three days after the application; the delay does not apply to non-Florida residents and can be excused for hardship. A license is valid for 60 days after issuance. The statute adds several charges to the license fee and reduces the fee by $25 for couples who completed a registered premarital course within the past year; fee waivers are available to eligible couples. Fee rules: http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799/0741/Sections/0741.01.html ; 60-day validity: http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799/0741/Sections/0741.041.html |
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| Minimum marriage age | No license may be issued to anyone under 18, except a 17-year-old who has the written consent of a parent or legal guardian, acknowledged before an officer authorized to take acknowledgments, and only if the older party is no more than two years older. Source: Fla. Stat. § 741.04(1) |
Where to get help in Florida
More Florida divorce & family law
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- Guardianship of a Child or Adult in Florida
- Establishing Paternity in Florida
- Changing Your Name in Florida
- Child Custody Laws in Florida
- How Child Support Is Calculated in Florida
- Divorce Records in Florida
- Alimony and Spousal Support in Florida
- How to File for Divorce in Florida
- Legal Separation and Annulment in Florida
- All Florida divorce & family law rules
FAQ
How do you get a marriage license in Florida?
Licenses are issued by a county court judge or the clerk of the circuit court. Both parties file a signed affidavit, sworn before someone authorized to give oaths, giving each person's Social Security number (or other available identification number) and age. They must also sign a statement saying whether they completed a premarital preparation course and confirm they read the state handbook on the rights and responsibilities of marriage. If the couple does not present course completion certificates, the license takes effect three days after the application; the delay does not apply to non-Florida residents and can be excused for hardship. A license is valid for 60 days after issuance. The statute adds several charges to the license fee and reduces the fee by $25 for couples who completed a registered premarital course within the past year; fee waivers are available to eligible couples.
What is the legal age to get married in Florida?
No license may be issued to anyone under 18, except a 17-year-old who has the written consent of a parent or legal guardian, acknowledged before an officer authorized to take acknowledgments, and only if the older party is no more than two years older.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.