Florida Marriage License Guide: How to Get Married in Florida

Planning to get married in Florida? Before you choose your beach, state park, garden, resort, or wedding venue, you’ll need to make sure you understand Florida’s marriage license requirements.

The good news is that getting a Florida marriage license is relatively straightforward. You don’t have to be a Florida resident to get married here, and your marriage license can be issued by a Clerk of the Circuit Court in any Florida county.

What can make the process confusing is that each county Clerk’s office may have its own application process, appointment requirements, identification rules, payment options, office locations, and procedures for obtaining certified copies.

This guide explains the statewide requirements and then provides links to official county Clerk resources so you can check the details for the county where you plan to apply.

Florida Marriage License Requirements at a Glance

Requirement	Florida Rule
Residency	You do not have to be a Florida resident.
Where to apply	You can obtain a license from a Florida Clerk of the Circuit Court.
Age	Generally 18 or older; special rules apply to applicants who are 17.
Identification	Applicants must provide required identification information, including Social Security numbers or another available identification number.
Standard license fee	$86
Reduced fee	$61 when the applicable premarital preparation requirements are met.
Premarital course	A qualifying course can reduce the fee and eliminate the applicable three-day waiting period.
License validity	60 days from the date of issuance.
Marriage ceremony	Must be performed by someone legally authorized to solemnize marriages in Florida.

Florida’s Court Clerks & Comptrollers currently lists the standard marriage license fee as $86 and the reduced fee as $61 when the qualifying premarital preparation requirements are met. Florida law provides that the license is valid for 60 days after issuance. Florida Court Clerks & Comptrollers marriage license information. Florida Statute 741.041.

Who Can Get a Florida Marriage License?

Florida marriage licenses are available to both Florida residents and couples from other states or countries.

You do not need to live in Florida to get married here.

This is one reason Florida is such a popular destination wedding location. A couple from New York, Texas, Canada, the United Kingdom, or another location can come to Florida, obtain a Florida marriage license, and legally marry here as long as they meet Florida’s requirements.

The marriage license is issued by a Florida Clerk of the Circuit Court.

Florida law also establishes special requirements for applicants who are under 18. Generally, applicants must be at least 18. A 17-year-old may qualify with written parental or legal guardian consent, and the older party cannot be more than two years older than the younger party. Florida Statute 741.04.

Where Can You Get a Florida Marriage License?

You can apply for a Florida marriage license through a Clerk of the Circuit Court in Florida.

You do not have to apply in the county where your wedding ceremony will take place.

For example, you could:

Apply for your license in Miami-Dade County
Have your wedding in the Florida Keys
Or apply in Orange County and have your ceremony on a beach in Brevard County

The important distinction is between the county where you obtain your license and the location where your ceremony takes place.

However, county procedures vary, so it’s smart to choose a Clerk’s office and review its instructions before making your plans.

Florida Court Clerks & Comptrollers maintains a statewide directory of Florida Clerk offices. Find a Florida Clerk.

What Do You Need to Apply for a Florida Marriage License?

Both applicants should be prepared to provide the information and identification required by the Clerk’s office.

In general, you should expect to provide:

Social Security number or other applicable identification number
Valid identification
Previous marriage information, if applicable
Required application information
Payment for the marriage license
Premarital course documentation, if you completed a qualifying course

Florida law requires applicants to provide Social Security numbers or other available identification numbers. Non-U.S. citizens may have additional identification options depending on their circumstances. Florida Statute 741.04.

Always check your county Clerk’s website before going to the office. The Clerk may have specific requirements concerning acceptable identification, appointments, online applications, payment methods, and supporting documentation.

Florida Marriage License Identification Requirements

Identification requirements can vary somewhat based on your circumstances, particularly for international visitors.

A Florida Clerk generally needs information that establishes your identity and satisfies the statutory application requirements.

Common forms of identification may include:

Florida driver’s license
Driver’s license from another state
U.S. passport
Foreign passport
Military identification
Other accepted government-issued identification

If you’re a destination wedding couple coming from outside the United States, contact the specific county Clerk before traveling to Florida. Ask exactly what identification and documentation will be accepted for your circumstances.

What If You Were Previously Married?

If either applicant has previously been married, you will need to provide information about the previous marriage.

Florida Court Clerks & Comptrollers states that if either applicant has been married previously, the exact date of the divorce, death, or annulment must be provided, along with the state and county where the divorce occurred when applicable. Florida Court Clerks & Comptrollers marriage license information.

Some situations can require additional documentation, so don’t wait until the day before your wedding to discover that you need a document from another state or country.

Florida Premarital Preparation Course

Florida offers a financial incentive for couples who complete an approved premarital preparation course.

The qualifying course must be at least four hours long. Florida law provides for a reduction in the marriage license fee when the required certificate of completion is presented. Florida Statute 741.0305.

According to Florida Court Clerks & Comptrollers, the course must have been completed within the applicable one-year period and a valid certificate must be presented to receive the reduced fee and applicable waiting-period waiver. Official marriage license guidance.

Why take the course?

For couples who qualify, the course can:

Reduce the marriage license fee
Eliminate the applicable three-day waiting period
Provide useful information about communication and marriage

Florida’s statute identifies subjects that may be included in the course, including conflict management, communication, financial responsibilities, and parenting responsibilities. Florida Statute 741.0305.

Is There a Waiting Period for a Florida Marriage License?

It depends on whether one or both applicants are Florida residents and whether the couple completes a qualifying premarital course.

Florida Court Clerks & Comptrollers currently explains the rule this way: if one or both applicants are Florida residents, the couple must complete a qualifying four-hour premarital preparation course or wait three days before the license becomes effective. Completing the course within the required period and providing the certificate allows the license to become effective without the three-day wait. Official Florida marriage license guidance.

For Florida residents

If one or both applicants are Florida residents, the applicable three-day waiting period generally applies unless the couple completes the qualifying premarital preparation course.

For non-Florida residents

Couples who are not Florida residents are not subject to the Florida-resident three-day waiting period described above.

This is one of the reasons Florida is especially convenient for destination weddings.

Always verify the current rule with the Clerk issuing your license before making travel arrangements.

How Much Does a Florida Marriage License Cost?

As of 2026, the standard Florida marriage license fee is $86.

The fee is reduced to $61 when the couple meets the requirements for the premarital preparation course discount. Florida Court Clerks & Comptrollers.

County offices may have different payment methods or additional service charges for optional services, so check your county Clerk’s current fee information before applying.

Wedding planning tip: Don’t budget only for the marriage license. You may also want to purchase certified copies of your marriage record after the ceremony, especially if you’ll need them for changing your name, insurance, immigration, financial accounts, or other legal purposes.

How Long Is a Florida Marriage License Valid?

A Florida marriage license is valid for 60 days from the date it is issued.

Your marriage ceremony must take place before the license expires. Florida law specifically provides that a marriage ceremony may not be performed after the license’s expiration date. Florida Statute 741.041.

The expiration date should be printed on your marriage license.

Don’t get your license too early. If your wedding is more than 60 days away, wait until you’re inside the appropriate window.

Where Can You Get Married in Florida?

Once you have a valid Florida marriage license, your ceremony can take place in many different settings.

Florida couples can get married in locations such as:

Private homes
Wedding venues
Hotels and resorts
Beaches
State parks
Public parks
Gardens
Historic properties
Restaurants
Yachts and boats
Private estates
Courthouses
Other locations where weddings are legally permitted

Keep in mind that your marriage license does not automatically give you permission to hold a wedding at a particular location.

A beach, park, state park, historic site, or private property may have separate reservation or permit requirements.

Read our Florida Wedding Permits Guide →

Who Can Perform a Florida Wedding Ceremony?

Florida law authorizes several categories of people to solemnize marriages.

These include:

Ordained ministers and other authorized clergy
Judicial officers
Retired judicial officers
Clerks of the Circuit Court
Notaries public of Florida

Florida Statute 741.07 lists the people authorized to solemnize marriages in Florida. Florida Statute 741.07.

If you’re hiring an officiant, make sure that person is legally authorized to perform your ceremony in Florida.

What Happens After the Wedding Ceremony?

Getting married involves more than simply signing the license.

After the ceremony, the completed marriage license must be returned to the Clerk’s office for recording.

Florida Court Clerks & Comptrollers explains that the person who performs the ceremony will generally send or bring the completed license back to the Clerk. Once recorded, an official copy can be provided to the newly married couple. Florida Court Clerks & Comptrollers.

Before leaving your wedding, make sure your officiant understands exactly what needs to happen with the completed license.

How Do You Get a Certified Copy of Your Florida Marriage Certificate?

After your marriage has been recorded, you may order certified copies of the marriage record from the appropriate Clerk or records office.

You may want certified copies for:

Changing your name
Social Security records
Driver’s license records
Passports
Insurance
Bank accounts
Retirement accounts
Immigration documentation
Other legal or financial purposes

Procedures and fees for obtaining copies can vary by county.

If you need your marriage certificate for an important legal purpose, order certified copies rather than relying on a souvenir or unofficial copy.

Can Non-Florida Residents Get Married in Florida?

Yes.

You do not have to be a Florida resident to obtain a Florida marriage license.

This makes Florida particularly attractive for destination weddings.

Couples regularly travel to Florida for:

Beach weddings
Florida Keys weddings
Disney-area weddings
Miami weddings
Orlando weddings
Gulf Coast weddings
Florida elopements
Resort weddings
State park weddings

If you’re traveling to Florida from another state or country, allow enough time to complete the application process and obtain your license before the ceremony.

Florida Destination Wedding Marriage License

If you’re planning a destination wedding, don’t leave your marriage license until the last minute.

A good destination-wedding timeline is:

Several months before the wedding

Choose the Florida county Clerk you plan to use.
Read the Clerk’s marriage license requirements.
Check identification requirements.
Check whether appointments are required.
Determine whether you want to take a premarital course.

A few weeks before the wedding

Complete your premarital course if applicable.
Gather identification.
Confirm Clerk office hours.
Confirm your application procedure.
Confirm your wedding officiant.

Within the 60-day license window

Apply for the marriage license.
Confirm the expiration date.
Give the license to your officiant.
Have the ceremony before the license expires.

Can You Apply for a Florida Marriage License Online?

Some Florida counties offer online or remote components to the marriage-license application process, but the exact procedure varies by county.

Do not assume that because another county offers an online application, your county does too.

For example, some Clerks offer online pre-application systems that allow couples to complete portions of the process before appearing in person.

Your best source is the official Clerk for the county you plan to use.

Use the county directory below to find the appropriate office.

Florida County Marriage License Resources

Florida has 67 counties, and marriage licenses are handled through the county Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller offices.

The links below take you to official county Clerk resources. Because county websites and marriage-license procedures can change, always verify the current instructions directly with the county before applying.

North Florida & Northeast Florida

Central Florida

Southwest Florida

South Florida

Panhandle & Northwest Florida

Important: Florida’s Clerk system maintains a statewide directory because individual Clerk websites and online services are administered locally. If a county link has changed, use the official Florida Court Clerks & Comptrollers directory to locate the current county website.

Florida Marriage License Checklist

Use this checklist when preparing to apply for your Florida marriage license.

☐ Choose the Florida county Clerk where you will apply.
☐ Check whether an appointment is required.
☐ Check whether an online pre-application is available.
☐ Confirm acceptable identification.
☐ Gather Social Security or other required identification numbers.
☐ Gather previous marriage information if applicable.
☐ Decide whether to complete a premarital preparation course.
☐ Complete the course if you want the applicable discount and waiting-period waiver.
☐ Bring your certificate of completion if applicable.
☐ Confirm the current marriage license fee.
☐ Confirm accepted payment methods.
☐ Apply for your marriage license.
☐ Check the expiration date printed on the license.
☐ Give the license to your officiant.
☐ Have the ceremony before the license expires.
☐ Confirm that the completed license is returned to the Clerk.
☐ Order certified copies after the marriage is recorded.

How Far in Advance Should You Get Your Florida Marriage License?

Because a Florida marriage license is valid for only 60 days, timing matters.

You don’t want to get the license months before your wedding and have it expire before your ceremony.

At the same time, destination wedding couples should not wait until the final hours before the wedding.

A good strategy is to apply during the final few weeks before your wedding, after confirming the exact requirements and office hours with the Clerk.

If you’re traveling internationally, consider arriving in Florida early enough to deal with unexpected travel delays, documentation problems, or office closures.

Can You Get Married the Same Day You Get Your License?

In some circumstances, yes.

If the applicable waiting-period requirements have been satisfied, Florida Court Clerks & Comptrollers states that a marriage license can be effective the same day it is issued. Completing the qualifying premarital preparation course can eliminate the applicable three-day waiting period for Florida residents. Florida Court Clerks & Comptrollers.

This can make Florida particularly convenient for elopements and last-minute weddings.

However, do not plan a same-day wedding without first confirming the procedure with the specific Clerk’s office.

Can You Get a Florida Marriage License on the Weekend?

Normal Clerk office hours are generally during the workweek, but some counties offer special weekend or extended-hour services at certain times.

These services can change and may be offered only for special events or specific dates.

If you are planning a weekend destination wedding, check the county Clerk’s current schedule before assuming you can obtain your license on Saturday or Sunday.

Do You Need a Blood Test to Get Married in Florida?

No.

Florida does not require couples to have a blood test before obtaining a marriage license.

Do You Have to Be a U.S. Citizen to Get Married in Florida?

No.

U.S. citizenship is not a requirement for obtaining a Florida marriage license.

However, identification requirements can be different for international applicants. Non-U.S. citizens should contact the Clerk’s office they intend to use to confirm which identification documents will be accepted.

Do Both People Have to Be Present to Get a Florida Marriage License?

Marriage-license application procedures can vary by county and circumstances.

Some counties offer online pre-application systems or other services, but you should not assume that one applicant can simply complete the entire process without the other.

Check the specific Clerk’s instructions before making travel arrangements.

Can a Florida Notary Marry You?

Yes. Florida notaries public are among the people authorized by Florida law to solemnize marriages.

This can be particularly convenient for small weddings, elopements, beach ceremonies, and destination weddings.

See Florida Statute 741.07 for the complete list of authorized officiants.

Florida Marriage License vs. Wedding Venue Permit

These are two completely different things.

Marriage License	Wedding Venue / Event Permit
Creates the legal authorization for your marriage ceremony	Gives you permission to use a particular location
Issued by a Florida Clerk	Issued by the property owner, park, city, county, or other authority
Valid for 60 days	Usually applies only to the reserved date and location
Required for a legal marriage	Depends on the location and type of wedding

For example, you might obtain your marriage license through Miami-Dade County and then need a separate permit to have your ceremony at a public beach or state park.

Read our Florida Wedding Permits Guide →

Florida Marriage License FAQ

How much is a marriage license in Florida?

The standard Florida marriage license fee is currently $86. The fee can be reduced to $61 when the applicable premarital preparation requirements are met. Confirm the current fee with your county Clerk before applying.

How long is a Florida marriage license good for?

A Florida marriage license is valid for 60 days from the date it is issued.

Do you have to live in Florida to get married there?

No. Florida does not require couples to be Florida residents to obtain a Florida marriage license.

Is there a waiting period to get married in Florida?

If one or both applicants are Florida residents, a three-day waiting period generally applies unless the couple completes a qualifying four-hour premarital preparation course. Non-Florida residents are not subject to that Florida-resident waiting period.

Can you get married the same day you get your Florida marriage license?

Yes, when the applicable waiting-period requirements have been satisfied. Check with the Clerk issuing your license before planning a same-day ceremony.

Do you need a blood test to get married in Florida?

No.

Can non-U.S. citizens get married in Florida?

Yes. Citizenship is not a requirement, although identification requirements can vary based on your circumstances.

Can you get married anywhere in Florida after getting your license?

Your marriage license does not replace permission to use a particular property or public location. Beaches, parks, state parks, historic properties, and other locations may have separate permit or reservation requirements.

Can a notary marry you in Florida?

Yes. Florida notaries public are authorized to solemnize marriages under Florida law.

Who returns the marriage license after the wedding?

The completed license generally must be returned to the Clerk’s office for recording. Florida Court Clerks & Comptrollers states that this is usually handled by the person who performed the ceremony.

Where do I get a certified copy of my Florida marriage certificate?

After the marriage is recorded, certified copies can be obtained through the appropriate Clerk or records office. Procedures vary by county.

Plan Your Florida Wedding

Getting your marriage license is only one part of planning a Florida wedding. Once you’ve handled the legal requirements, you can concentrate on choosing the perfect setting and building the wedding day you actually want.

Final Thoughts

For most couples, getting a Florida marriage license is a relatively simple process. The most important thing is to understand the statewide requirements and then check the specific instructions for the Clerk’s office you plan to use.

Remember the big three:

Choose your Clerk’s office and verify its current requirements.
Pay attention to the waiting-period rules and the 60-day expiration period.
Make sure your officiant properly completes and returns the license after the ceremony.

And if you’re planning a Florida destination wedding, give yourself a little extra time. Your wedding day should be about celebrating—not trying to figure out where to file paperwork at the last minute.

Florida’s marriage laws are statewide, but the practical application process is handled locally. When in doubt, your county Clerk of the Circuit Court is the final authority for the current application procedure.