Plantation City marriage license records are public files held by the Broward County Clerk of Courts. Anyone who lives in Plantation, Florida can apply for a marriage license at the West Regional Courthouse on Pine Island Road.
Past marriage records from Plantation can be searched online through the Broward Clerk portal or the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics. This page explains how to apply, what to bring, fees, wait times, and how to look up old records.
Where to Apply for a Marriage License in Plantation
Plantation does not have its own marriage license office. All marriage licenses in Plantation go through the Broward County Clerk of Courts. Florida law gives this job to the clerk of the circuit court in each county. The clerk has four offices across Broward County. One of them sits inside Plantation at the West Regional Courthouse.
Broward County Clerk of Courts
The Broward County Clerk of Courts handles every marriage license application, ceremony filing, and record search for the county. Plantation is part of Broward County. So the clerk handles all Plantation marriage records too. The clerk records the marriage after the ceremony and sends a copy to the Florida Department of Health in Jacksonville for state-level storage.
West Regional Courthouse Location
The closest clerk office for Plantation residents sits at 100 N. Pine Island Road. This is the West Regional Courthouse. It sits right inside the Plantation city limits. Most Plantation couples go here because it is close and has shorter lines than the main courthouse in Fort Lauderdale. The office accepts walk-ins Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM. Try to arrive before 3:00 PM so staff has time to finish the paperwork before closing.
Other Broward Clerk Locations
Plantation residents can also use any of the other three Broward Clerk offices. All four offices charge the same fees and follow the same rules. Couples pick the location that is easiest to reach.
| Office Name | Address | City |
|---|---|---|
| West Regional Courthouse | 100 N. Pine Island Road | Plantation |
| Central Courthouse | 540 SE 3rd Avenue, Room 02460 | Fort Lauderdale |
| North Regional Courthouse | 1600 W. Hillsboro Blvd. | Deerfield Beach |
| South Regional Courthouse | 3550 Hollywood Blvd. | Hollywood |
The Plantation West Regional office is the most popular spot for local couples. It sits near the intersection of Broward Boulevard and Pine Island Road, with free parking and short wait times most mornings.
Marriage License Requirements
Florida sets the rules for marriage licenses through state law. Broward County follows these same rules. Both people must show up in person. The clerk will not issue a license if only one person appears. Here is what each couple needs to bring and know before applying.
ID and Document Requirements
Both applicants must bring a valid photo ID. The clerk accepts a driver’s license, state ID card, passport, or military ID. Expired IDs are not accepted. Each person also needs to know their Social Security number. The actual card is not required, just the number itself. Non-U.S. citizens must bring a passport plus a second form of ID, like a birth certificate or permanent resident card. The clerk uses these documents to verify names, ages, and identities before issuing the license.
Age and Eligibility Rules
Both applicants must be at least 18 years old under Florida Statute 741.04. A 17-year-old can apply with a parent’s written consent, but the other partner must be no more than two years older. Florida no longer requires a blood test for marriage licenses. There is no residency rule. People from any state or country can apply for a marriage license in Broward County. Same-sex couples have the same rights and follow the same process as all other applicants.
Previous Marriage Details
If either person was married before, the clerk needs the exact date the prior marriage ended. This includes the month, day, and year. The clerk also needs to know how it ended. Was it a divorce, a death, or an annulment? A copy of the divorce decree is not required at the application stage. But the clerk will ask about it, so bring that information with you. Both applicants must also read the Family Law Handbook from the Florida Bar before applying. Staff will ask if you have read it before processing the application.
Marriage License Fees and Costs
The Broward County Clerk charges a set fee for marriage licenses. The amount is set by Florida law and stays the same at all four clerk locations. Couples can pay by cash, credit card, or debit card at the Plantation office. Personal checks are not accepted. Here is a full breakdown of the costs.
Standard License Fee
The base marriage license fee in Broward County is $86. This covers the application, processing, and state filing. A portion of this fee goes to the Florida Domestic Violence Trust Fund, which supports shelters and programs across the state. The $86 fee is the same whether you apply in Plantation, Fort Lauderdale, Deerfield Beach, or Hollywood.
Reduced Fee with Premarital Course
Couples who complete a four-hour premarital course from a registered provider pay a reduced fee of $61. Both people must attend and bring their completion certificates to the clerk. The course also removes the three-day waiting period for Florida residents. This saves $25 on the license and lets couples marry the same day they apply. Many churches, online providers, and community organizations offer approved courses in the Plantation area.
Additional Service Fees
Beyond the license fee, the Broward Clerk charges extra for other services. A civil ceremony performed by a clerk costs $30. A certified copy of the marriage license costs $3 each. An oath administration fee of $3.50 applies in some cases. Couples who need extra certified copies for name changes, insurance, or immigration should buy them at the time of application.
Waiting Period and License Validity
Florida marriage licenses have rules about when they can be used. Couples cannot marry the moment they apply. The state sets a waiting period to make sure both people have time to think about the decision. After the ceremony, there are also deadlines for filing the paperwork.
Three-Day Waiting Period
Florida residents must wait three full days after the clerk issues the license before the ceremony can take place. This rule comes from Florida Statute 741.041. The waiting period starts the day after the license is issued. So if you apply on Monday, the earliest you can marry is Friday. Non-Florida residents skip this wait. They can marry the same day they apply. Couples who finish the premarital course also skip the wait, even if they live in Florida.
60-Day Validity Window
A Florida marriage license is good for 60 days from the date it is issued. If the ceremony does not happen within that window, the license expires. Couples who let the license expire must apply again and pay the fee once more. There is no grace period. The 60 days count calendar days, including weekends and holidays. Plan the wedding date carefully to avoid losing the license.
After the Ceremony
The person who performs the ceremony must sign the marriage license. Then they have 10 days to return the signed document to the Broward Clerk. The clerk records the marriage in the county system and sends a copy to the Florida Department of Health in Jacksonville. The Department of Health keeps the permanent state record. This is the record used for certified copies and proof of marriage for legal matters.
Searching Plantation Marriage Records
People search for Plantation marriage records for many reasons. Some need proof of a past marriage for a name change. Others want a certified copy for immigration or insurance. Genealogists search old records to build family trees. The good news is that several databases make this search easier than it used to be. Here are the main ways to look up a marriage record from Plantation.
Broward Clerk Online Search
The Broward County Clerk of Courts has an online portal for searching public records. The system covers all marriages filed in Broward County, including Plantation. Users can search by name, date range, or document number. The portal shows basic record details for free. A certified copy costs extra and must be ordered separately. The online database goes back several decades, though older records may have limited details.
Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics
The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics keeps all marriage records for the entire state. Their records start in June 1927 and continue to the present day. This is the best place to search for older marriages that may not show up in county databases. The Bureau charges $5 for a search and $4 for each certified copy. Requests can be made by mail, in person, or online. The Bureau sits in Jacksonville, but they serve all Florida residents, including Plantation couples.
VitalChek Online Ordering
VitalChek is the official third-party vendor for Florida vital records. Their website lets users order marriage certificates online with a credit card. Results come as certified copies delivered by mail. The service costs more than going through the Bureau directly, but it is faster. VitalChek works well for people who need a copy quickly and live outside Florida. The site accepts orders 24 hours a day.
In-Person Record Requests
Walk-in requests are accepted at the Broward Clerk’s office in Plantation. Bring a valid photo ID and as much detail about the marriage as possible. Helpful details include the full names of both spouses, the approximate year of the marriage, and the license number if known. The clerk searches the records on the spot. Same-day certified copies are usually available for marriages filed within the last few years.
Plantation Marriage License Online Application
The Broward County Clerk website has a full page on marriage license applications. Visitors can read about the process, see fee details, and check what to bring before visiting the office.
Couples who want to save time at the clerk’s office can pre-fill parts of the application online. The online form asks for names, dates of birth, and Social Security numbers. After completing the form, both people still need to appear in person to sign and show ID. The online portal is also the place to check the application status after submission.
Ceremony Options in Plantation
Florida law allows several types of people to perform wedding ceremonies. Judges, ordained ministers, clerks of the circuit court, and notary publics can all officiate a marriage in Plantation. The Broward Clerk offers a $30 civil ceremony at the West Regional Courthouse. Couples who want a quick, simple wedding can have the ceremony right at the clerk’s office after the license is issued. Couples can also have the ceremony anywhere they want. A Plantation marriage license is valid across all of Florida. Churches, beaches, parks, private homes, and event venues all work. The only rule is that the person performing the ceremony must be authorized under Florida law and must sign the license after the wedding.
MyFloridaCounty Official Records Portal
The MyFloridaCounty official records portal is another search tool for Plantation marriage records. This statewide portal covers all 67 Florida counties. Users can search marriage records filed in Broward County, including those from Plantation. The portal is free to search. It shows official record images and document numbers. Couples who need a copy of the original document can use the portal to start the request.
Nearby Cities Served by Broward Clerk
Plantation sits in the western part of Broward County. Many nearby cities also use the Broward Clerk for marriage licenses. Couples from these cities often apply at the Plantation West Regional office because it is close.
- Fort Lauderdale
- Davie
- Sunrise
- Lauderhill
- Tamarac
- Hollywood
- Pembroke Pines
- Coral Springs
Each of these cities falls under the same Broward Clerk system. The fees, waiting period, and requirements are identical to Plantation.
Historical Marriage Records in Florida
Plantation became an official city in 1953. Marriage records for the area before that year would have been filed in Broward County under older place names. The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics has marriage records starting in June 1927. Records before that date are harder to find. Church records and family Bibles are often the only sources for marriages from the early 1900s. The Broward Clerk has county-level records going back to when the county was created in 1915. Older records may require an in-person search at the clerk’s office.
Marriage License Application Status Check
Couples who applied for a marriage license in Plantation can check the status online. The Broward Clerk’s website has a tracking tool for recent applications. Users enter the application number and last name to see the current status. The tool shows whether the license has been issued, whether the ceremony has been filed, and when the certified copy is ready. Status updates usually appear within 24 hours of any change. Call the clerk’s office at 954-831-7283 if the online tool does not show the latest status.
Certified Marriage Certificate Copy
A certified marriage certificate is different from the marriage license itself. The license is the application that allows the marriage to take place. The certificate is the proof that the marriage happened. The Broward Clerk issues certified copies of the certificate after the officiant files the signed license. Certified copies cost $3 each at the clerk’s office. They have a raised seal and are accepted by all government agencies, courts, and insurance companies. Most couples order two or three certified copies at filing time to have extras for name changes and other legal matters.
Florida Marriage License Verification
Employers, insurance companies, and government agencies sometimes need to verify a marriage. The Broward Clerk offers a verification service for a small fee. The clerk confirms the date of the marriage, the names of the spouses, and the license number. Verifications are often needed for immigration cases, pension benefits, and Social Security name changes. The Bureau of Vital Statistics can also verify marriages for statewide use. Both agencies accept verification requests by mail with a signed consent form from one of the spouses.
Office Contact and Location Details
Plantation couples who need marriage license services can reach the Broward Clerk through several channels. The West Regional Courthouse serves as the main location for Plantation residents. Here is the contact information.
Broward County Clerk of Courts – West Regional Courthouse
Address: 100 N. Pine Island Road, Plantation, FL 33324
Phone: 954-831-7283
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM
Website: www.browardclerk.org
Call ahead to confirm hours before visiting. The office closes on all federal and state holidays. Walk-ins are accepted, but appointments can be made for couples with special circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
The questions below cover the most common things people ask about marriage licenses and marriage records in Plantation, Florida. Each answer explains the rules and steps clearly so couples know what to expect when applying or searching for records.
Can I apply for a Plantation marriage license online?
Florida does not allow fully online marriage license applications. Both people must appear in person at a Broward Clerk office. The clerk’s website does let couples pre-fill parts of the application form. This saves time at the counter. After completing the online form, both people still need to show up with valid ID and sign the paperwork in person. The four Broward Clerk offices, including the one in Plantation, all handle walk-in applications.
How long does it take to get a marriage certificate after the wedding?
The officiant has 10 days to return the signed marriage license to the Broward Clerk after the ceremony. The clerk then records the marriage and sends a copy to the Florida Department of Health in Jacksonville. Certified copies from the clerk’s office are ready within a few days of filing. Copies from the state Bureau of Vital Statistics take longer because they come by mail. Processing times at the state level range from 2 to 4 weeks depending on the request method.
Do I need an appointment for a marriage license in Plantation?
No appointment is needed for a standard marriage license application at the West Regional Courthouse. Walk-ins are accepted Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM. Arrive before 3:00 PM to make sure staff has time to finish the process before closing. Couples who want a civil ceremony performed by the clerk should call ahead to schedule a time. Ceremony slots fill up fast on Fridays and weekends.
Can non-U.S. citizens get a marriage license in Plantation?
Yes, non-U.S. citizens can apply for a marriage license in Broward County. The clerk does not require U.S. citizenship. Applicants must show a valid passport plus a second form of ID, such as a birth certificate, permanent resident card, or visa. Both people must appear in person and meet the age requirement of 18 years old. The clerk records the marriage and sends it to the state just like any other application. Couples should plan extra time for the application if documents need translation.
What happens if my marriage license expires?
A marriage license is valid for 60 days from the date the clerk issues it. If the ceremony does not happen in that window, the license expires. Couples who let the license expire must start the process over. This means filling out a new application, paying the $86 fee again, and waiting another three days if they live in Florida. There is no way to extend an expired license. To avoid losing money, set the wedding date before applying or apply close to the planned ceremony date.
How do I get a certified copy of a marriage certificate for immigration?
For immigration cases, the U.S. government requires a certified copy of the marriage certificate issued by the Florida Department of Health or the Broward Clerk. The document must have a raised seal and the signature of the official who issued it. Order the copy through the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville or through VitalChek. Both options deliver certified copies that meet immigration requirements. Allow 4 to 6 weeks for delivery if ordering from the state by mail.
Can I search for marriage records without knowing the exact date?
Yes, the Broward Clerk online portal and the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics both allow searches by name alone. A name search may return multiple results, especially for common last names. To narrow the search, add a year range or a first name. The Bureau of Vital Statistics charges $5 per name search. The Broward Clerk portal is free for basic search results. Older records from before 1927 are not in the state database and require a church or courthouse search.