In order to get married, you need to apply and receive a marriage license. This is the document in your state that allows you to marry under the law. You'll typically need to apply for your marriage license at least one month before your wedding ceremony. You'll traditionally need to send in 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 you'll need to apply for the certificate together, will need to provide any 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. 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.

Just because you have your marriage license sent to you in the mail does not mean you are officially married! 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'll sign it and send it to the proper government agency for validation.

Residency Requirement:

You do not have to be a resident of Florida.

ID Requirement:

Florida requires that you have picture ID such as a driver's license and your Social Security card or a valid passport number or I-94 card. You may be asked for a certified copy of your birth certificate.

Previous Marriages:

If you have been previously married, the date of your divorce or date of your 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.

Waiting Period:

There is 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.

Fees:

$93.50. Many locales do accept credit cards now, but be sure to check with the local county clerk to make sure.

Couples who have completed a state-sanctioned marriage preparation course within the past 12 months are entitled to a discount.

Other Tests:

None.

Proxy Marriages:

No.

Cousin Marriages:

Yes.

Common Law Marriages:

No.

Same Sex Marriages:

No.

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.

Officiants:

Any ordained or licensed clergy, notary publics, and justices of the peace.

Miscellaneous:

License is valid for sixty (60) days.

Copy of Certificate of Marriage:
Department of Children and Families
Division of Vital Statistics
P. O. Box 210
Jacksonville, FL 32231-0042
904-359-6955