Common-law marriage has diverse names, from "marriage in fact", "marriage by repute and habit", "informal…
Where to Apply
Where do I go to get a marriage license?
You can apply for a marriage license at any Florida circuit court. Go to the clerk of the circuit court's office.
Costs
How much will a marriage license cost me?
A Florida marriage license costs precisely $93.50 no matter where you apply.
What if I can't afford to pay the license fee?
If money's tight, you can pay for your marriage license in three installments over a 90-day period. You'll get your license when it's paid in full.
Residency
Are there any residency requirements?
There are no residency requirements to get a Florida marriage license. However, Florida residents must endure a waiting period to marry.
Usage
Where can I use my marriage license?
You can use your Florida marriage license to marry anywhere in the state, but only in this state.
Application
What will be asked of me on the application?
The marriage license application will ask the usual: name, date of birth, marital history, social security number, etc.
Attendance
Do we have to apply together?
You and your fiancé must apply for a marriage license together, in person. You cannot apply absentee, by proxy, or through a power of attorney.
Age Requirements
How old do I have to be to get married?
Aged 18 and over?
If you're 18 years old or over, there are no age restrictions to marry.
Aged 16 and 17?
If you're 16 or 17 years old, your custodial parents must consent to your marriage. However, if you've been married before (bring proof), consent isn't required.
Aged 17 and below?
If you're a minor who's a parent or pregnant, you can marry without parental consent—assuming that a county judge authorizes it.
Premarital Education
What's the benefit of premarital preparation?
If you and your fiancé have completed a 4+ hour premarital preparation course (together or separately) within the past year, then the marriage license fee will be lowered to $61 and the waiting period to marry will be waived.
Waiting Period
When will I get my license?
You'll get your license immediately, but if you're a Florida resident you'll have to wait three days to marry.
Can the waiting period be waived?
You can get the waiting period waived by declaring it a hardship, asking a county judge to overturn it, or completing a premarital preparation course.
Expiration
How long is my marriage license good for?
Your marriage license will expire 90 days after its been issued.
Identification
Do I have to show ID when applying?
You'll have to submit photo ID, such as a:
- Driver's license
- Florida-issued ID card
- Military ID card
- Passport
- Green card
Do minors have extra ID requirements?
If you're a minor, you'll also have to bring a certified copy of your birth certificate.
Blood Test
Do I have to get a blood test?
There is no blood test requirement.
Divorced
What if I've been divorced?
If you've been divorced, bring a certified copy of your divorce decree. Most, but not all, clerks require proof; especially if the divorce took place less than 30 days ago. For annulled marriages, bring the certified annulment order.
Widowed
What if my prior spouse has passed away?
If you're a widow or widower, bring a certified copy of the death certificate of your deceased spouse. Some clerks may not ask for this, but many will.
Witnesses
Are witnesses required at my marriage ceremony?
Two competent witnesses must attend your marriage ceremony and sign your marriage license afterward.
Name Change
If you're going to change your name after marriage in Florida, you have a few options: take your spouse's surname, hyphenate, or replace your middle name with your maiden name. You can make use of a marriage name change program to assist, as it's not an automatic process.
License Return
When does my license have to go back?
Your marriage license must be returned to the circuit court for recording no more than 10 days after your marriage ceremony.
Marriage Certificate
How do I get a copy of my marriage certificate?
You can order a certified copy of your marriage certificate from either the circuit court clerk for $7 or the Bureau of Vital Statistics for $5.
Common-law Marriage
Can I enter into a common-law marriage?
Florida will only recognize a common-law marriage that took place on or before January 1, 1968.
Cousin Marriage
Can I marry my cousin?
Florida does indeed permit you to marry your first cousin, but no familial relationship closer than that.
Proxy Marriage
Can I get married by proxy?
You can't have a proxy or stand-in represent you during the marriage ceremony. You have to be there yourself.
Civil Ceremony
How much for a civil ceremony?
You can get married in a civil ceremony at the circuit court for $30.
Vow Renewal
Can I renew my vows?
Florida does not issue marriage licenses for vow renewals. That's a private matter.
Married same day.
Hi Jan. If you're referring to a courthouse civil ceremony, it varies. You'll like need to make an appointment in advance.
Is it $93 dollars plus the fee of the course? or is it included and where would we take it?
Hi Jen. The course fee is separate. It doesn't get paid to the state. You'll have to take a class from a third-party instructor. Just search for "Florida premarital course" and you'll find some. They range between $10-30.
Do you have any information on how to obtain a marriage license while one person is an incarcerated individual in a Florida prison once the request to marry is approved by the warden and chaplain of a facility?
Please review the Florida marriage while incarcerated resource.
For a civil ceremony two witnesses are required do we have to bring them or can some one in the county office or circuit court be there witnesses?
Hi Nellann. Courthouse staff can often supply witnesses or act as witnesses. But you'll want to clear this with them in advance.
Is the premarital course required?
Hi Tom. The premarital education course is optional.
Is the course required to obtain a marriage license?
Hi Francheska. The course is not required.
Are there are any special documentation requirements for a foreigner marrying a Florida resident?
Hi Adnan. There are no extra requirements for foreign applicants.
I am an ordained Deaconess through the River of Life Church in New York. My grandson and his girl, who lives in Florida asked me to officiate the wedding. Is New York Deaconess legally recognized in Florida to perform the ceremony?
Hi Michelle. You can solemnize your grandson's marriage. Florida does not register or track who performs marriage. Officiants do not need to be residents of Florida.
Do we need to complete an application before coming to the courthouse?
Hi Michael. You can complete the application in office.
Do you need an appointment to get the marriage license? If you do a civil ceremony, do you have to wait three days?
That depends on the circuit court. Which county do you plan to marry.
The judge can waive the three-day wait for hardship reasons.
How do I make an appointment?
Hi Jennifer. You can use the office locator to find your circuit court's phone number.
If one of us was divorced 20 years ago, in another state, do we need to provide proof?
Hi Jen. The divorce decree requirements varies across circuit courts. And not are strict about enforcement. It's best that you contact the circuit court and ask if they'll demand proof of your divorce.
What a detailed information! I was able to answer my friends questions. THANK YOU!
You're welcome.
If you get a licensed in one county can you get married in another with Florida?
Hi Donna. Yes, you can get a marriage license from one Florida county, and then marry in another.
We are both Florida residents, but want to get married in Michigan. Do we get the license in Florida or Michigan?
Hi Sheila. You must get your marriage license where your marriage will take place, which is Michigan.
Coming from Texas on April 7th to get married April 8th. Will the courthouse be open on "Good Friday" or is that a government holiday? Since we aren’t Florida residents do we have to wait the 3 days to get married?
Can we get our license online? I don’t see that. And we had planned to leave on Sunday the 9th. Can we mail the certificate back for recording? Can the pastor turn it in? Does that have to be in person?
Yes.
The waiting period is waived for nonresidents.
You may be able to apply online, but it depends on the circuit court.
Yes, you can mail back your completed marriage certificate.
It doesn't matter who returns the certificate or how the return is made.
Since my fiance is incarcerated, can I still apply for a marriage license for us to get married? We will be getting married at Martin Correctional Institution. What all would I need to get an application?
Hi Tamica. You can contact the Martin Correctional Institution warden or chaplain by phone or email about arranging your marriage ceremony.
I'm not a Florida resident but plan to have a court wedding in Miami. How many witnesses do I need for an in court ceremony?
Hi Noelia. You need two witnesses for your courthouse wedding.