Fort Lauderdale City marriage license records are official files kept by the Broward County Clerk of Courts. These records show when a couple applied for a license, when the marriage took place, and the names of the people who got married.
Anyone can request a copy of a marriage license record in Fort Lauderdale if they know basic facts like the names of the couple and the year of the marriage. The process works through the county clerk’s office in downtown Fort Lauderdale or through the state office in Jacksonville.
Broward County Clerk Marriage Records System
The Broward County Clerk of Courts keeps all marriage license records for Fort Lauderdale and every other city in Broward County. Fort Lauderdale is the county seat of Broward County, so the main office sits in the heart of the city. The clerk’s office creates new license records, stores old ones, and gives certified copies to people who need proof of marriage. This office also runs a free online search tool that anyone can use to look up existing records without leaving home.
Main Office Location and Hours
The main Broward County Clerk office that handles marriage license records sits at the Central Courthouse in downtown Fort Lauderdale. The marriage license division closes at 3:30 p.m. on weekdays, even though the rest of the courthouse stays open later. People who want to apply for a new license or pick up a certified copy should arrive in the morning to avoid long lines. The office accepts walk-in customers during regular business hours from Monday through Friday.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Central Courthouse, 540 SE 3rd Avenue, Room 02460, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 |
| Phone | 954-831-7283 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. |
| Website | browardclerk.org/Divisions/Marriage |
Online Marriage License Search Tool
The Broward Clerk runs a free marriage license search tool on its website. Fort Lauderdale residents and anyone else can use this tool to look up marriage records that have already been filed in Broward County. The search works by entering the last name of one of the people in the marriage, along with a first name if known. Results show the names, the date the license was issued, and the record number for each match. This tool covers marriages from recent years back through older records that have been digitized.
To use the search tool, visit the Broward Clerk website and click on the marriage section. The tool does not require an account or a fee. It works best for records filed in Broward County after the clerk moved its older files into the digital system. For very old records or records from other counties, the state office or the specific county clerk will have the files.
How to Get a Marriage License in Fort Lauderdale
Couples who want to get married in Fort Lauderdale must apply for a marriage license at the Broward County Clerk’s office. Both people must show up in person at the same time. The process takes about 30 to 60 minutes if there is no line. Couples need to bring valid photo identification and know their Social Security numbers. The clerk will ask questions, take payment, and issue the license once all steps are complete.
Required Documents and ID
Each person must bring a valid government-issued photo ID. A driver’s license, state-issued ID card, or passport all work. The clerk also needs each person’s Social Security number, but the physical Social Security card is not required. If either person was married before, the exact date the prior marriage ended is required, along with the state and county where the divorce or annulment took place. Death certificates are needed for marriages ended by death rather than divorce.
- Valid photo ID for each person (driver’s license, state ID, or passport)
- Social Security number for each person
- Date the prior marriage ended (if applicable)
- State and county of the prior divorce or annulment
- Death certificate (if prior marriage ended by death)
- Payment for the license fee
Age Requirements for Applicants
Both people must be at least 18 years old to apply for a marriage license in Fort Lauderdale without special conditions. Florida law allows 17-year-olds to apply if they have written consent from both parents or guardians and the other person is no more than two years older. People under 17 cannot get married in Florida under current state law, with very limited exceptions that require a court order. The clerk will ask for proof of age during the application process.
Marriage License Fees in Fort Lauderdale
The base fee for a marriage license in Fort Lauderdale is $86. This fee is set by Florida state law and applies to every county in the state. Couples who complete a four-hour premarital preparation course from a registered provider pay a reduced fee of $61. The $25 savings comes from a state program that encourages couples to take the course. The course must be taken before applying for the license, and the original completion certificate must be brought to the clerk’s office.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard marriage license | $86 |
| Reduced license with premarital course | $61 |
| Civil marriage ceremony by clerk | $30 |
| Certified copy of filed marriage license | $3 |
Marriage License Waiting Period Rules
Florida law requires a three-day waiting period between the time a couple applies for a marriage license and the time the license becomes valid. This rule applies to all Florida residents who apply in Broward County. The waiting period does not apply to out-of-state residents. Couples who complete the four-hour premarital course can also skip the wait, even if both people live in Florida. The license expires 60 days after it is issued if no marriage takes place during that time.
How to Skip the Three-Day Wait
Two ways exist to skip the three-day waiting period in Fort Lauderdale. First, if at least one person is not a Florida resident, the wait does not apply. Second, if both people complete a premarital preparation course from a registered provider and bring the original certificate to the clerk, the license becomes valid right away. The premarital course must be at least four hours long and taught by a provider registered with the Broward Clerk’s office. Couples can search for registered providers on the clerk’s website before they apply.
License Expiration and Validity Period
A Florida marriage license stays valid for 60 days from the date it is issued. The marriage ceremony must take place within those 60 days, or the license expires and a new one must be purchased. After the ceremony, the officiant has 10 days to file the signed license back with the Broward County Clerk. Once the clerk records the filed license, it becomes a permanent marriage record. The clerk then sends a copy to the Florida Department of Health, which keeps the statewide record.
Finding Existing Fort Lauderdale Marriage Records
People who need to look up a marriage record that was already filed in Fort Lauderdale have several options. The fastest method is the Broward Clerk’s online search tool. For records not yet in the online system, the state office in Jacksonville keeps an index of all marriages filed in Florida since June 1907. The Florida Department of Health Bureau of Vital Statistics can issue certified copies of marriage certificates for marriages filed anywhere in the state. Each method has different fees, processing times, and requirements.
Using the Broward Clerk Online Search
The online search tool on the Broward Clerk website lets anyone check if a marriage record exists in Broward County. The tool is free and works without an account. Users enter the last name of one of the people in the marriage and can narrow results by adding a first name. Results show the names, the date the license was issued, and a record number. The search covers records filed in Broward County that have been added to the digital system. For older records or records from other Florida counties, the state office or that county’s clerk will have the file.
Requesting Records from the State Office
The Florida Department of Health Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville keeps marriage records for the entire state. This office has records going back to June 1907. People can order certified copies of marriage certificates through the state office by mail, online, or in person. The state office charges a fee for each certified copy and offers rush processing for an extra cost. Marriage records from Fort Lauderdale that were filed properly with the Broward Clerk will appear in the state database.
| Source | Records Available | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Broward Clerk online tool | Free search of local records | No charge |
| Broward Clerk in person | Certified copy of Broward County license | $3 per copy |
| Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics | Certified copy from any Florida county | $10 to $30+ per copy |
Certified Copies and Official Proof of Marriage
A certified copy of a marriage license record is a legal document that proves a marriage took place. Banks, insurance companies, the Social Security Administration, and government agencies often ask for a certified copy when a name change is involved. The Broward Clerk issues certified copies of marriage records filed in Broward County. The state Bureau of Vital Statistics issues certified copies for marriages filed anywhere in Florida. Each certified copy has a raised seal or stamp that makes it valid for legal use.
How to Order a Certified Copy Locally
People can order a certified copy of a Fort Lauderdale marriage record by visiting the Broward County Clerk’s office in person. The clerk’s office charges $3 for each certified copy. Payment is usually accepted in cash, check, or money order. Some locations may also accept credit or debit cards. The applicant should know the full names of both people in the marriage, the date of the marriage, and the county where the license was filed. The clerk will search the records and provide the certified copy during the same visit in most cases.
How to Order a Certified Copy from the State
The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics offers certified copies of marriage records for the entire state. Orders can be placed online through the state’s vital records system, by mail using a state form, or in person at the Jacksonville office. The state charges between $10 and $30 per certified copy, depending on the processing speed. Rush service is available for an extra fee. Applicants must provide valid ID and complete the state application form. Records from Fort Lauderdale filed with the Broward Clerk appear in the state system.
Who Can Officiate Weddings in Fort Lauderdale
Florida law lists several types of people who can perform a marriage ceremony in Fort Lauderdale. Ordained ministers, rabbis, priests, and other clergy members who are registered with the state can officiate. Judicial officers, including judges and retired judges, can perform marriages. The Broward County Clerk can also perform a civil marriage ceremony for a $30 fee. Notaries public in Florida can officiate weddings as well. The couple and the officiant must sign the marriage license, and the officiant files the signed license with the clerk within 10 days after the ceremony.
Florida Marriage License Records by County
Florida has 67 counties, and each county clerk handles marriage license records for its own area. Fort Lauderdale sits in Broward County, but couples from other parts of Florida often need to look up records from their home county. Each county clerk has its own office, hours, fees, and online search tools. Some large counties like Miami-Dade, Orange, and Hillsborough have detailed online systems with millions of records. Smaller rural counties may only keep paper records or have limited online search options.
Major Florida County Clerk Offices
People looking for marriage records outside of Broward County should contact the clerk’s office in the county where the license was issued. Miami-Dade County covers the city of Miami and has one of the largest clerks’ offices in the state. Orange County handles marriage records for Orlando and the central Florida area. Hillsborough County covers Tampa. Duval County covers Jacksonville. Pinellas County covers St. Petersburg and Clearwater. Palm Beach County covers West Palm Beach and Boca Raton, right next to Broward County. Each of these clerks’ offices has its own search tools and procedures.
Contact Details and Location for Fort Lauderdale Records
The Broward County Clerk of Courts handles all marriage license records for Fort Lauderdale. The main office sits at the Central Courthouse in downtown Fort Lauderdale. The marriage license division is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The phone number for the marriage division is 954-831-7283. The official website for marriage license services is browardclerk.org/Divisions/Marriage. The website has the free search tool, fee schedules, application forms, and lists of registered premarital course providers.
Official website: browardclerk.org/Divisions/Marriage
Phone: 954-831-7283
Address: 540 SE 3rd Avenue, Room 02460, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Common Questions About Fort Lauderdale Marriage Records
People often have questions about marriage license records in Fort Lauderdale. Some want to know how to get old records from years ago. Others want to know if records are public. The answers depend on the type of record, the year it was filed, and what the person needs the record for. This section covers the most common questions about Fort Lauderdale marriage license records and how to get them. Each answer gives clear facts about where to look, what forms to fill out, and what to expect during the process.
How long does it take to get a certified copy?
Certified copies of marriage records from the Broward County Clerk are usually issued the same day if the applicant visits in person. The clerk’s office charges $3 per certified copy. Online orders through the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics take 3 to 5 business days for standard processing. Rush service from the state office takes 1 to 2 business days for an extra fee. Mail orders from the state office take 2 to 4 weeks. The fastest way to get a certified copy is to visit the Broward Clerk’s office in person with a valid photo ID and the basic facts about the marriage.
Are Fort Lauderdale marriage records public?
Yes, marriage license records in Fort Lauderdale are public records under Florida law. Anyone can search the Broward Clerk’s online tool or visit the office to look up a record. The records show the names of both people, the date the license was issued, and the date the marriage was filed. Some details on the original application, like Social Security numbers, are not public. Certified copies cost a small fee, but the basic search is free. This open access is part of Florida’s public records law, which makes most government documents available to the public.
Can I search for a marriage record by name online?
Yes, the Broward County Clerk offers a free online search tool that lets users look up marriage records by name. The tool works by entering the last name of one of the people in the marriage. Adding a first name narrows the results. The search covers records filed in Broward County that have been added to the digital system. For records not in the online system, the state office or a visit to the clerk’s office may be needed. The online tool is the fastest way to check if a specific marriage record exists in Broward County.
What if I do not know the exact date of the marriage?
People who do not know the exact date of a marriage can still search for records. The Broward Clerk’s online tool lets users search by name without a date. If the search returns too many results, adding a year range can help narrow the list. Applicants who visit the clerk’s office in person can ask the staff to help search for the record. The clerk can look up records using partial names or approximate dates. For older records, the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics has an index that can be searched by name and year range.
How far back do Broward County marriage records go?
Broward County was created in 1915, so county-level marriage records go back to that year. Older marriage records from the area may be held by the state Bureau of Vital Statistics, which has Florida marriage records going back to June 1907. The Broward Clerk’s online search tool covers a large number of years but may not include every record. For records from the early 1900s, the state office in Jacksonville is the best source. The clerk’s office in Fort Lauderdale can help point people in the right direction for very old records.
Do I need an appointment to get a marriage record?
The Broward County Clerk’s office accepts walk-in customers for marriage license records during regular business hours. No appointment is required to apply for a new license or to request a certified copy of an existing record. The marriage division closes at 3:30 p.m. on weekdays, so people should arrive before that time. The morning hours tend to be less busy than the afternoon. For the state Bureau of Vital Statistics, online and mail orders do not require an appointment, but in-person visits to the Jacksonville office may benefit from scheduling ahead.
Can out-of-state couples get married in Fort Lauderdale?
Yes, out-of-state couples can apply for a marriage license in Fort Lauderdale. The Broward County Clerk issues marriage licenses to anyone who meets the basic requirements, regardless of state residency. Out-of-state couples do not have to complete the three-day waiting period that Florida residents face. Both people still need to appear in person, bring valid photo ID, and know their Social Security numbers. The license costs $86, or $61 with a premarital course certificate. A Florida marriage license is valid for ceremonies held anywhere in the state.