Tallahassee City marriage license records are public files held by the Leon County Clerk of the Circuit Court. These records show every marriage license issued in Tallahassee since the county started keeping them.
Anyone can look at these records to check if a marriage license is real, find old family records, or confirm a marriage took place. This page explains how the records work, where they are kept, and how to get a copy in 2026.
What Are Tallahassee Marriage License Records
Marriage license records in Tallahassee are official papers filed with the Leon County Clerk. Each record has the full names of both people, the date the license was issued, the date the marriage happened, and the name of the person who performed the ceremony. The clerk keeps a paper copy and a digital copy of every record.
Who Files the Records
The Leon County Clerk of the Circuit Court files every marriage license record for Tallahassee. After a wedding, the officiant sends the signed license back to the clerk. The clerk then sends a copy to the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics. This two-step process means records exist at both the county and the state level.
What Information Each Record Holds
Each Tallahassee marriage license record contains basic facts about the couple and the wedding. The record shows the full legal names of both spouses, their dates of birth, and their home addresses at the time of marriage. It also lists the date the license was issued, the date the ceremony took place, and the county where the marriage license was issued. The officiant’s name and signature appear on the record too. The witness names appear if the couple had witnesses at the ceremony.
- Full legal names of both spouses
- Dates of birth for both people
- Home addresses at the time of marriage
- Date the license was issued
- Date the wedding ceremony happened
- Name of the officiant who performed the wedding
- License number for tracking
How to Search Tallahassee Marriage Records
Searching for Tallahassee marriage records can be done in person, by mail, or online through county and state tools. The Leon County Clerk offers an online search for records from 1970 forward. Older records require a visit to the clerk’s office or a written request.
Online Search Through Leon County Clerk
The Leon County Clerk website has a public records search tool. You can search by name, license number, or date range. The search shows basic record details for free. To see the full record image or order a certified copy, there is a small fee. The online tool works best for recent records from the last 20 years.
Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics Search
The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics keeps statewide marriage records from 1927 to the present. You can order records through their website at FloridaHealth.gov. The state office charges a fee for each search and a separate fee for certified copies. State records work well when you need records from many Florida counties at once.
Florida Department of Health Records Request
The Florida Department of Health runs the Office of Vital Statistics. They keep an index of all marriage records filed in Florida. You can request a search by mail using form DH 261. The form asks for the full names of both spouses and the approximate year of marriage. The department charges $5 for each name search and additional fees for certified copies.
Florida Marriage License Records by County
Florida has 67 counties, and each county clerk keeps its own marriage license records. If the marriage license was issued in Tallahassee, the record is in Leon County. If the marriage license was issued in another Florida county, the record sits with that county’s clerk. The state Bureau of Vital Statistics holds a statewide index that points to the correct county.
Miami-Dade County Marriage License Records
Miami-Dade County marriage license records go through the Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts. Their office is at 73 West Flagler Street in Miami. The clerk’s online search tool covers records from 1972 forward. Walk-in service is open Monday through Friday during business hours. The clerk charges standard Florida fees for certified copies.
Orange County Florida Marriage Records
Orange County marriage records sit with the Orange County Comptroller’s Office in Orlando. The office is at 109 East Central Boulevard. Their online search tool covers records from 1970 forward. The clerk provides same-day service for in-person requests. Orange County handles records for Orlando and the surrounding area.
Broward County Marriage Records Search
Broward County marriage records are filed with the Broward County Clerk of Courts in Fort Lauderdale. The main office is at 201 Southeast 6th Street. Their online tool searches records from 1978 forward. The clerk also offers an in-person records counter for faster service.
Duval County Marriage License Records
Duval County marriage license records are kept by the Duval County Clerk of Courts in Jacksonville. The office sits at 501 West Adams Street. Their online search covers records from 1985 forward. Older records require an in-person visit to the records center on the third floor.
Hillsborough County Marriage Records
Hillsborough County marriage records go through the Hillsborough County Clerk of Court in Tampa. The office is at 800 East Twiggs Street. Their online search tool covers records from 1970 forward. The clerk offers mail-in requests for certified copies.
Palm Beach County Marriage License Search
Palm Beach County marriage records are filed with the Palm Beach County Clerk in West Palm Beach. The main office is at 205 North Dixie Highway. Their online search covers records from 1978 forward. The clerk provides both walk-in and mail service for record requests.
Pinellas County Marriage Records
Pinellas County marriage records sit with the Pinellas County Clerk of Court in Clearwater. The office is at 315 Court Street. Their online search tool covers records from 1977 forward. The clerk also runs a satellite office in St. Petersburg for convenience.
| County | Main City | Online Records Start Year |
|---|---|---|
| Leon (Tallahassee) | Tallahassee | 1970 |
| Miami-Dade | Miami | 1972 |
| Orange | Orlando | 1970 |
| Broward | Fort Lauderdale | 1978 |
| Duval | Jacksonville | 1985 |
| Hillsborough | Tampa | 1970 |
| Palm Beach | West Palm Beach | 1978 |
| Pinellas | Clearwater | 1977 |
How to Get a Certified Florida Marriage Certificate
A certified Florida marriage certificate is a copy of the marriage record with an official stamp and signature. Banks, courts, and government offices ask for certified copies when they need proof of marriage. The Leon County Clerk can issue certified copies for Tallahassee marriages. The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics can issue certified copies for any Florida marriage.
Order by Mail
You can order a certified marriage certificate by mail from the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics. Send a completed form DH 261, a copy of your photo ID, and payment by check or money order. The bureau charges $5 for the search and $3 for each certified copy. Mail orders take about 5 to 10 business days to process.
Order Online
The Florida Department of Health website has an online ordering system for vital records. You fill out the form, upload your ID, and pay by credit card. The system charges a processing fee on top of the base fees. Online orders ship through the U.S. mail and arrive in about 7 to 14 days.
Order in Person at the Clerk
Walk into the Leon County Clerk’s office at 301 South Monroe Street in Tallahassee. Bring a photo ID and payment. The clerk can issue a certified copy the same day for Tallahassee marriages. The fee is $3 for each certified copy plus a small service charge.
Florida Marriage License Application Records
Marriage license application records show the original paperwork filed before the wedding. These records include the application form, any divorce decrees, and premarital course certificates. The Leon County Clerk keeps application records for 50 years. After 50 years, older records move to the State Archives of Florida.
What the Application Records Show
Application records have the full legal names of both applicants, their dates of birth, Social Security numbers, and parents’ names. They also show whether either person was married before and how the prior marriage ended. The records show the date and time the application was filed and the name of the clerk who accepted it.
Who Can See Application Records
Florida law makes marriage application records public, but Social Security numbers are redacted. Spouses, adult children, and legal representatives can request full copies. Other requesters can see the records with personal details like Social Security numbers removed.
Verifying a Florida Marriage License
To verify a Florida marriage license, you can search the Leon County Clerk database for Tallahassee licenses or the state Bureau of Vital Statistics for any Florida license. Verification checks whether the license is real and whether the marriage was filed. Many employers and government agencies ask for verification during background checks.
License Number Lookup
Every Florida marriage license has a unique license number. The Leon County Clerk can look up a license by number in seconds. You can also use the online search tool on the clerk’s website. The search shows the names of both parties, the date of issue, and the current status of the license.
Status of a Marriage License
A Florida marriage license has three possible statuses: issued, valid, or recorded. Issued means the clerk gave out the license. Valid means the waiting period passed and the wedding can happen. Recorded means the signed license came back to the clerk and the marriage is on file.
Free Florida Marriage License Search Options
Some free search options exist for Florida marriage records. The Leon County Clerk offers free name searches on their website, though certified copies cost money. Many genealogy websites have free indexes that point to the right county. The State Archives of Florida also offers free access to older records at their research room in Tallahassee.
Public Marriage Records Lookup
The public lookup tool on the Leon County Clerk website shows basic record facts for free. You see the names, dates, and license number. To see the full record image, you pay a small fee per page. This tool works well for quick checks when you do not need a certified copy.
Free Genealogy Indexes
Websites like FamilySearch and Ancestry have free indexes of Florida marriage records. These indexes often go back to the 1800s for some counties. The indexes show the names, year, and county of the marriage. To see the full record, you may need a paid subscription or a visit to a library with free database access.
Florida Marriage Records Request by Mail
Mail requests work for both county and state marriage records. Send a written request with the full names of both spouses, the approximate year of marriage, and your contact information. Include a copy of your photo ID and a check or money order for the fees. The clerk or state office mails back the record or a “not found” letter if no record exists.
What to Include in a Mail Request
A good mail request has the full legal names of both spouses, the date or year of marriage, the county where the license was issued, and your relationship to the people in the record. Add a copy of your driver’s license or state ID. Include payment by check or money order made out to the correct office. Add a self-addressed stamped envelope for the return mail.
Processing Times for Mail Requests
Mail requests to the Leon County Clerk take about 5 to 7 business days. Requests to the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics take about 5 to 10 business days. Add extra time for mail delivery both ways. Plan ahead if you need the record by a specific date.
Official Contact Details for Tallahassee Records
The Leon County Clerk of Court handles all Tallahassee marriage license records. The office sits in downtown Tallahassee near the state capitol building. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern Time. The office closes on state holidays.
Leon County Clerk of the Circuit Court
301 South Monroe Street, Suite 100
Tallahassee, FL 32301
Phone: (850) 577-4060
Website: leonclerk.com
Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Frequently Asked Questions
The following questions cover common topics about Tallahassee marriage license records, Florida marriage records by name, and the marriage license database. Each answer gives clear facts based on Florida law and current clerk office practices in 2026. The answers help you decide which office to contact and what steps to take for your specific record need.
How Long Does the Leon County Clerk Keep Records?
The Leon County Clerk keeps marriage license records permanently. Paper records from 1970 forward sit in the clerk’s archives. Records older than 50 years move to the State Archives of Florida in Tallahassee. Digital copies of all records from 1970 forward stay in the clerk’s online system. The clerk’s office can pull up old records during normal business hours with a proper request.
Can I Search Florida Marriage Records by Name for Free?
Yes, you can search Florida marriage records by name for free through the Leon County Clerk’s online tool. The search shows basic facts like names, dates, and license numbers. The State Archives of Florida also offers free name searches for older records. Certified copies always cost a fee, but the basic name search itself is free at most county clerk websites in Florida.
What Is the Difference Between a Marriage License and a Marriage Certificate?
A marriage license is the paper that allows a couple to get married. A marriage certificate is the paper that proves the marriage took place. The license comes first, before the wedding. The certificate comes after, once the officiant files the signed license with the clerk. Banks and courts ask for the certificate, not the license, as proof of marriage.
How Do I Verify a Florida Marriage License Number?
To verify a Florida marriage license number, call the Leon County Clerk at (850) 577-4060 for Tallahassee licenses. For licenses from other counties, call the clerk in that county. You can also use the online search tool on the county clerk’s website. The search shows the names, date of issue, and current status of the license.
Can Out-of-State People Request Florida Marriage Records?
Yes, out-of-state people can request Florida marriage records by mail or online. The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics accepts mail requests from any state. The Leon County Clerk accepts mail requests for Tallahassee marriages from anywhere in the country. Include a copy of your photo ID and the proper fees with your request.
What Fees Apply to Florida Marriage Record Requests?
The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics charges $5 for a name search and $3 for each certified copy. The Leon County Clerk charges $3 for each certified copy of a Tallahassee marriage record plus a small service fee. Online orders through third-party vendors charge extra processing fees on top of the base fees. Mail orders require payment by check or money order.
How Soon After the Wedding Is the Marriage Record Filed?
Florida law requires the officiant to file the signed marriage license with the clerk within 10 days of the wedding. The Leon County Clerk then records the marriage and sends a copy to the state. The full process usually takes 2 to 4 weeks from the wedding date. You can check the status through the clerk’s online search tool.