Requirements for a Marriage License in Florida

Getting a marriage license in Florida does not require residency in the state. The license should be used within 60 days in a ceremony performed by a licensed or ordained member of the clergy, a judge, or a notary public.

Florida does not require blood testing. There is also no waiting period for residents who attend a course on marriage sanctioned by the state within 12 months prior to application for a license. Furthermore, some counties give up to $30-discounts to couples that complete the marriage course.

However, those who do not undergo the course will have to wait three days for their license. If you are not a Florida resident, you may try asking to be exempt from the course.

Depending on the county, license fees may range from $50 to around $93, which may be paid via credit card.

If you plan to reside out of state after the ceremony, you may simply write the Division of Vital Statistics of the Florida Department of Children and Families at P.O. Box 210, Jacksonville, FL 32231-0042, or call 904-359-6955, to get your marriage certificate sent to you by mail.

Marriage License in Florida: What Documents to Bring

Different counties may have specific requirements, but couples will generally need to present valid government identification cards that bear their photos (e.g., Driver's License, Social Security ID, or I-94, etc.) upon applying for a marriage license in Florida.

If either spouse was previously divorced or widowed, the date of disposition or death has to be provided. However, if either event occurred within 30 days prior to the application for a license, you need to present a certified copy of the Decree of Divorce or a certified copy of the Death Certificate.

Some counties may ask for certified copies of both spouse's birth certificates.

Marriage License in Florida: Restrictions

Florida is one of the states that allows marriage between cousins, but the usual age requirement of age 18 and above is required. For those between ages 16 and 18, the consent of both parents is required.

If one parent has full custody or is a widow/widower then the consent of that parent will suffice. Minors who are orphaned, do not have guardians, or have or are expecting a baby together may apply for licenses themselves.

Feel free to browse around the Marriage Records section of RecordsSiteReviews. It contains all data you need to know about finding marriage records in Florida and any other state in the U.S..