Rhiannon Hendricks
If you're planning to get married in Florida, there are a few things you need to take care of first. The first step is to apply for a marriage license, which can be done online or in person at any marriage license office location. Both parties must apply at the same time and provide a photo ID, such as a driver's license or passport, and their Social Security number. If you've been married before, you'll need to provide the exact date and how the marriage ended. There's also a 3-day waiting period after getting your license before you can tie the knot, unless you complete a pre-marital course. After the ceremony, the officiant will need to sign the marriage license, which then needs to be sent to the Clerk of the Circuit Court to be recorded.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Marriage license fee | $61 or $93.50 |
| Marriage license validity | 60 days after issuance |
| Waiting period after issuance of the license | 3 days, waived if the couple has completed the Florida pre-marital course |
| Blood tests | Not required |
| Minimum age of applicants | 18 years |
| Minimum age of officiant | 18 years |
| Residency requirements | None |
| Documents required for applicants | Photo ID, Social Security number, Affirmation of Common Child(ren) Born in Florida form (if applicable), consent forms (if under 18) |
| Documents required for officiant | Identification, proof of ordination or clergy status, Letter of Good Standing |
| Who can officiate | Ordained ministers, religious leaders, and judges or clerks of the circuit court |
| Witnesses required | No |
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What You'll Learn
- The couple must apply for a marriage license at a county clerk's office
- Identification is required, such as a driver's license, passport, and social security number
- The officiant must be ordained and can be a minister or public official
- Two witnesses are recommended, but not required for civil ceremonies
- The marriage license must be returned to the courthouse within 10 days after the ceremony
The couple must apply for a marriage license at a county clerk's office
To get married in Florida, couples must apply for a marriage license at a county clerk's office. Both parties must be physically present and apply in person at the same time. The application fee for a marriage license is $61, though some sources state it to be $93.50. This fee can be reduced by up to $32.50 if the couple completes a licensed Florida pre-marital course. The license is valid for 60 days after issuance, and the ceremony must take place within this period. There is a mandatory three-day waiting period after the issuance of the license before the wedding can take place, unless the couple has completed the aforementioned pre-marital course, in which case the waiting period is waived.
The couple must bring documentation to prove their identities, including a photo ID, such as a driver's license, state ID card, or valid passport, and their Social Security numbers. If either party has been married before, they must provide the exact date of death, divorce, or annulment of the last marriage. If the couple has children together who were born in Florida, they must complete the Affirmation of Common Children Born in Florida form. Any applicant under the age of 18 must have the consent of both parents or a legal guardian and provide original proof of custody if it has been granted to one parent. If one parent is deceased, a certified copy of the death certificate is required.
Once the marriage license has been issued, the couple must ensure that it is properly filed with the county clerk's office. The license must be returned to the office within 10 days of the wedding ceremony; otherwise, it shall be null.
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Identification is required, such as a driver's license, passport, and social security number
To obtain a marriage license in Florida, both members of the couple must physically present themselves and provide identification. This can include a driver's license, state ID card, valid passport, or other government-issued ID. Additionally, both parties must provide their Social Security numbers, but not their Social Security Cards. If one or both members of the couple are under the age of 18, written consent from both parents or the legal guardian is required. If one parent is deceased, a certified copy of the death certificate must be provided.
It is important to note that the marriage license is valid for 60 days after issuance, and the ceremony must be performed within this period. There is also a three-day waiting period after the issuance of the license before the wedding can take place, unless the couple has completed a pre-marital course, in which case the waiting period is waived.
In terms of who can officiate the wedding, Florida law specifies that only certain individuals have the authority to solemnize marriages. These include ordained ministers, religious leaders, and judges or clerks of the circuit court. The officiant must be at least 18 years old and may be required to provide proof of their ordination or credentials. The officiant is responsible for ensuring the marriage license is properly signed and filed with the county clerk's office.
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The officiant must be ordained and can be a minister or public official
In the state of Florida, an officiant must be an ordained minister or a public official to legally solemnize a marriage. This means that a friend or family member cannot officiate the ceremony unless they have the proper credentials.
To be an ordained minister, one must be a regularly ordained minister of the gospel, an elder in communion with a church, or other ordained clergy. This means that the officiant must have a recognized religious affiliation and official credentials. They must be at least 18 years old and may be a member of any faith. It is not necessary for the minister to reside in Florida.
Ministers must provide supporting documentation, which is determined by the county in which the marriage certificate is obtained. It is advisable to contact the clerk's office directly to find out what documentation is required. Typically, ministers should have a copy of their ordination credentials, such as their Ordination Certificate and Letter of Good Standing, on hand. Some counties in Florida may require a letter of good standing from the religious organization the minister is affiliated with. This letter should confirm the officiant's ordination or clergy status and state that they are in good standing with the organization.
Public officials who are authorized to solemnize matrimony include all judicial officers, including retired judicial officers, clerks of the circuit courts, and notaries public of the state.
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Two witnesses are recommended, but not required for civil ceremonies
Florida has specific regulations for couples who wish to marry within the state. A marriage license is required and can be obtained online or in person at any marriage license office location. Both parties must apply at the same time and be physically present. The application fee for a marriage license is $61, and the license is valid for 60 days after issuance. There is a mandatory three-day waiting period after the license has been issued before the wedding can take place, unless the couple has completed a premarital course, in which case the waiting period is waived.
To obtain a marriage license, both parties must present documentation proving their identities, including a photo ID, and their Social Security numbers. If either party has been previously married, the exact date of death, divorce, or annulment of the last marriage is required. If the couple has children together born in Florida, they must complete the Affirmation of Common Children Born in Florida form. Any applicant under the age of 18 must have the consent of both parents or a legal guardian, and if one parent is deceased, a certified copy of the death certificate is required.
An authorized officiant is required to legally solemnize a marriage in Florida. This can include ordained ministers, religious leaders, and judges or
While Florida law does not require witnesses for a civil ceremony, it is recommended to have two witnesses present. The couple must make a clear verbal consent to enter into marriage, and the officiant must formally pronounce them married. The rest of the ceremony may be customized by the couple, and they may make their vows in any form they choose.
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The marriage license must be returned to the courthouse within 10 days after the ceremony
After the wedding ceremony, the marriage license must be returned to the courthouse within 10 days. This is a crucial step, as failing to do so may result in the marriage not being legally recognised. The signed license must be returned to the office of the clerk, and it is essential that it is completed accurately and without mistakes. The officiant or minister must fill out their portion of the marriage certificate with their full legal name and title. If the officiant is a minister, they should write "minister" in the title field. If they are not based at a church, they should write their home address in the relevant field.
The marriage license is valid for 60 days after issuance, and the ceremony must take place within this timeframe. There is a mandatory three-day waiting period after the license is issued before the wedding can be held, unless the couple has completed a premarital course, in which case the waiting period is waived.
The marriage license application requires both parties to be physically present at the county clerk's office and provide documentation proving their identities, such as a photo ID. If the couple has children together born in Florida, they must complete the Affirmation of Common Children Born in Florida form. Any applicants under the age of 18 must have the consent of both parents or a legal guardian, and if one parent is deceased, a certified copy of the death certificate is required.
It is important to note that the marriage license must be obtained from the state of Florida and cannot be transferred from another state or country.
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Frequently asked questions
Both parties must present themselves physically before the county clerk's office and provide documentation proving their identities, including a photo ID. If either party was previously married, the exact date of death, divorce or annulment of the last marriage is required. If you have children together who were born in Florida, you must complete the Affirmation of Common Child(ren) Born in Florida form.
The application fee for a marriage license is $61. If you complete a licensed Florida pre-marital course, the marriage license fee can be reduced by up to $32.50.
There is a three-day waiting period after the issuance of the license before you can get married, unless you have completed the Florida pre-marital course, in which case the waiting period is waived. The marriage license is valid for 60 days after issuance.
The officiant must be authorized to solemnize a marriage in the state of Florida. This includes ordained ministers, religious leaders, and judges or clerks of the circuit court. The officiant must be at least 18 years old and may be required to produce information proving that they are allowed to solemnize weddings.
Both members of the couple must be physically present for the ceremony and the officiant must also be physically present. There is no requirement for witnesses, so the ceremony can be as small as the couple prefers. The couple must make a clear verbal consent to enter into marriage and the officiant must formally pronounce that the couple is married.
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