Florida Marriage Laws

The following information is from the Clerk of the Circuit Court, Palm Beach County.


A Florida marriage license may be obtained from and is valid in any county in the State of Florida. It is valid for 60 days and no extensions may be made.

You do not have to be a resident of Florida to apply for a marriage license however, applications can only be made in person at a Florida Clerk of Court's office, both parties must be present. One of the following forms of identification is required for each party to obtain a marriage license:

• Driver's license issued in the United States;

• Federal or state identification card; or

• Passport showing your name and date of birth (birth certificates or green cards are not accepted).

If either person was married before, the manner in which the last marriage ended and the exact date the marriage ended are needed. Copies of the death certificate, final decree of divorce, annulment or blood test are not required.

Both parties must read and provide a signed statement to verify they have read the Family Law Handbook prior to obtaining a marriage license.
 

Requirements for Minors 16 to 17 years old (one or both applicants) 

All of the following are required:

• One of the forms of identification listed above;

• Minor's birth certificate showing parent's name; and

• A parental consent form may be obtained at the time of the application. Both parents must be present with their own identification on hand. The exception will be if the parents are divorced and one parent has full custody of the minor. In this case, proof of custody must be presented and only the consent of the custodial parent will be required in writing.

Requirements for Minors Under 16 (one or both applicants)

• All the requirements listed above for 16 to 17-year-olds;

• Under oath, swear that they are the parents or expected parents of a child;

• Provide proof in the form of the child’s birth certificate or written statement from a licensed physician verifying pregnancy; and

• May require judicial review.

A previously married minor may apply without the need for parental consent.
 

Waiting Period & Discounted License

The mandatory three-day waiting period for Florida residents may be waived if the couple attends a premarital course from a registered provider and presents a certificate of completion when applying for a license. There is no waiting period for non-Florida residents.

Additionally, both residents and non-residents of Florida may receive a $32.50 discount on their marriage license by completing a premarital course. Both parties must attend the course and, once again, a certificate of completion must be presented at the time of application to be eligible for the discount.

Fees for marriage licenses are set by Florida Statutes and are subject to change as a result of legislative action. A current Schedule of Service Charges is available in any Clerk's Office for your information, as well as online.


Download from  Clerk of the Circuit Court, Palm Beach County

Family Law Handbook
Marriage License Application  (print, and bring completed form to courthouse)
Affirmation of Common Children Born in Florida


Ceremony Requirements

• The couple must present a valid Florida marriage license before the ceremony.

• The ceremony must occur between the effective and expiration dates.

• The Bride & Groom must present legal identification to the officiant.

• The vows must reflect their intentions to make a legally binding commitment to each other.

• The Notary Public officiating the ceremony must complete the certificate portion of the Marriage Record and return it to the issuing office within 10 days.