In order to get married in Florida, you need to apply for and receive a marriage license. This is the document that allows you to officially get married under the law. You'll typically need to apply for your marriage license at least one month before your wedding ceremony. You will need to bring your birth certificates, tax information, and other official documents.

When you apply for your license, you'll not only need a proof of identification and age, but will also need to provide information about previous marriages and will need to pay a nominal fee. You will also need to have a witness when you sign the application, so plan on bringing a friend or family member with you. The bride will need to know what her married name will be before she signs the marriage certificate. You'll have to write that name on the application.

After you receive your marriage license from the clerk, you need to have a justice of the peace or a religious clergyman sign the document. On your wedding day, you'll give your chaplain your marriage license, then after the ceremony, he or she will sign it and send it to the proper government agency for validation.

ID Requirement: Picture ID such as a driver's license and your Social Security card or a valid passport number or I-94 card.

Residency Requirement: You do not have to be a resident of Florida. The waiting period does not apply to non-Florida residents.

Application Requirement: Both the bride and groom must appear in person at the time of applying.

Waiting Period: No waiting period for Florida residents who have both completed a state sanctioned marriage preparation course within the last 12 months. There is a three-day waiting period for Florida residents who have not taken the course.

If Divorced: If previously married, the date of divorce or date of spouse's death must be supplied. If the divorce or spouse's death occurred within the past 30 days, a certified copy of the divorce decree or death certificate is required.

Fees: $93.50 - cash only. Couples who have completed a state-sanctioned marriage preparation course within the past 12 months are entitled to a discount of $32.50. The provider of the class must be listed with the Clerks office.

Other Tests: No blood test requirement.

Under 18: If an individual is under 18 years of age, but older than 16 years of age, a marriage license can be obtained with parental consent. If a parent has sole custody or the other parent is dead, the permission of one parent is sufficient. If a person is under the age of 16, the marriage license has to be issued by a county judge, with or without parental permission. If a minor's parents are both deceased and there is not an appointed guardian, he/she may apply for a marriage license. A minor who has been previously married may also apply for a license. A minor who swears that they have a child or are expecting a baby, can apply for a license if the pregnancy has been verified by a written statement from a licensed physician. A county court judge may at his/her discretion issue or not issue a license for them to marry.

Proxy Marriages: Not allowed in Florida.

Officiants: All regularly ordained ministers of the gospel in communion with some church may perform marriages. Ministers must complete a certificate of marriage on the marriage license and return it to the office from which it was issued.

Valid: License is valid for 60 days.
The license can only be used within the State of Florida.

It is important that you verify all information with your local marriage license office or county clerk before making any wedding or travel plans.

Please Note: State and county marriage license requirements often change. The above information is for guidance only and should not be regarded as legal advice.