Brevard County marriage license records are official files showing when couples applied for and received a marriage license in Brevard County, Florida. These files are kept by the Brevard County Clerk of the Circuit Court and the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics.
People search these files to confirm a marriage, request a certified copy, or trace family history. This page covers who keeps the records, what fees apply, how to request copies, and how to search the public database.
Where Brevard County Marriage Records Are Kept
Marriage records in Brevard County are stored at two main offices. Each office has a different role. The Clerk of Court handles new applications and county-level records. The state Bureau of Vital Statistics handles statewide files and long-term archives.
Brevard County Clerk of Court
The Brevard County Clerk of the Circuit Court runs six branch offices across the county. This office issues new marriage licenses, performs courthouse ceremonies, and stores recorded marriage certificates. The Clerk sends a copy of each recorded license to the state Bureau of Vital Statistics for permanent filing. County records cover all events that took place within Brevard County borders.
People can visit any branch to request copies of older records. The Titusville main office is the central hub. Branch offices serve Palm Bay, Melbourne, Cocoa, Rockledge, Merritt Island, and Viera areas. The Clerk website at brevardclerk.us lists all six locations with phone numbers and hours.
Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics
The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics sits inside the Florida Department of Health. This state office holds every Florida marriage record filed since June 1909. The Bureau processes requests for certified copies of any Florida marriage certificate, including Brevard County events. State processing takes about 60 days after the ceremony before the file appears in the state system.
The Bureau office is located in Jacksonville. People can order copies online, by mail, or in person. The Bureau does not perform ceremonies or issue new licenses. It only stores and certifies existing records. The Bureau charges a different fee than the County Clerk for certified copies.
Florida Department of Health
The Florida Department of Health oversees the Bureau of Vital Statistics. This department runs the statewide vital records system. Marriage records, birth records, death records, and divorce records all pass through this agency. The Department website at floridahealth.gov offers online ordering for certified marriage certificates.
Records from the Department cover all 67 Florida counties. People who need a record from any Florida county can request it through the same statewide system. The Department also handles amendments to existing records if a name or date was filed wrong.
How to Apply for a Marriage License in Brevard County
Couples apply for a marriage license in person at any Brevard County Clerk branch. Both people must appear together at the same time. The Clerk cannot process the application if only one partner shows up. Plan to spend about 30 to 45 minutes at the office.
Required Documents
Each applicant needs a valid photo ID. Acceptable forms include a Florida driver license, state-issued ID card, military ID, or passport. Both people must know their Social Security number, though the actual card is not required. Out-of-state residents must show proof of their home state address.
Florida law under Statute 741.04 requires both applicants to be at least 18 years old. Applicants under 18 need parental consent and a judge approval. If either person had a prior marriage, the exact date that marriage ended must be provided. The date can refer to a divorce, death, or annulment.
- Valid photo ID for each person
- Social Security numbers
- Date any prior marriage ended
- Payment for the license fee
Application Process
The application starts at the Clerk counter. The Clerk reviews the documents and collects the fee. The Clerk then reads the Family Law Handbook published by the Florida Bar. This handbook explains the legal duties of marriage in Florida. The couple signs the application and receives the license.
After the license is issued, the Clerk explains the waiting period rules. The couple receives a printed copy of the license. The license is valid only within the State of Florida. The couple can marry in any Florida county, not just Brevard.
Online Marriage License Kiosk
The Brevard County Clerk offers an online pre-application tool called the Marriage License Kiosk. This tool lives on the Clerk website at brevardclerk.us. Couples fill in their details online before visiting the office. The tool creates an application number.
Couples bring the application number to the office. The Clerk pulls up the pre-filled data and finishes the process faster. The kiosk cuts down on time spent at the counter. The kiosk does not replace the in-person visit. Couples still must appear together to sign the official paperwork.
Brevard County Marriage License Fees
Marriage license fees in Brevard County follow state law. The standard fee covers the license itself. Extra fees apply for certified copies, ceremonies, and rush services. All fees are paid at the Clerk office or through the online system.
Standard License Fee
The standard fee for a Florida marriage license in Brevard County is $86. This fee applies to all applicants. Out-of-state residents pay the same amount. The fee covers the license and the filing of the marriage record after the ceremony.
Florida residents who complete a premarital course get a $25 discount. The reduced fee drops to $61. The course must come from a registered provider listed with the Clerk. Couples must bring the original completion certificate to the office to claim the discount.
Premarital Course Discount
Florida Statute 741.0305 allows the $25 discount for couples who complete a four-hour premarital course. The course must be from a registered Florida provider. Online courses qualify if the provider holds a state registration. Couples must show the original certificate of completion.
The discount applies only when both people complete the course. If only one partner takes the course, the standard $86 fee applies. The certificate must be presented at the time of application. The Clerk cannot refund the difference after the license is issued.
Additional Service Fees
The Clerk offers several paid services beyond the base license fee. Courthouse ceremonies cost $30. This covers the cost of the officiant, the room, and the witness. Certified copies of a recorded marriage license cost $2.50 each. Rush processing costs extra.
Special group ceremony events, like Valentine’s Day group weddings, have separate pricing. These events run at the Titusville office each February. Check the Clerk website in January for the event date, time, and fee.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard marriage license | $86.00 |
| License with premarital course | $61.00 |
| Courthouse ceremony | $30.00 |
| Certified copy of marriage record | $2.50 |
Waiting Period and License Validity
Florida law sets a waiting period and an expiration date for every marriage license. The rules apply statewide. Brevard County follows the same standards as every other Florida county. Out-of-state residents face different rules than Florida residents.
Three-Day Waiting Period
Florida residents must wait three days after the license is issued before the ceremony can take place. This rule sits in Florida Statute 741.04. The wait gives couples time to think about the decision. The wait does not apply to all applicants.
Couples who complete the premarital course skip the three-day wait. Couples who file a sworn hardship declaration can skip the wait. Out-of-state residents do not face the three-day wait. The wait period starts the day after the license is issued.
60-Day Validity Period
Every Florida marriage license is valid for 60 days from the issue date. The rule sits in Florida Statute 741.041. If the ceremony does not take place within 60 days, the license expires. The couple must apply for a new license and pay a new fee.
The 60-day clock starts on the issue date. The clock does not pause for any reason. Couples who travel or face delays should plan the ceremony date carefully. The Clerk cannot extend the validity period.
Exceptions to the Wait
Couples can skip the three-day wait under specific conditions. The premarital course waiver applies when both partners complete the course. The hardship declaration applies when one partner faces a job transfer, military deployment, medical emergency, or similar urgent need.
A non-resident waiver applies when neither partner is a Florida resident. The Clerk asks for proof of out-of-state residency. A driver license from another state or a state ID card serves as proof. The waiver does not apply if one partner holds Florida residency.
Marriage Ceremonies in Brevard County
Couples can choose any qualified officiant for the ceremony. Florida law lists who can perform a marriage. The Brevard County Clerk offers courthouse ceremonies for couples who want a simple option. After the ceremony, the signed license must be filed with the Clerk.
Who Can Officiate
Florida Statute 741.07 lists all people who can perform a marriage ceremony. The list includes ordained ministers, priests, rabbis, judicial officers, clerks of the circuit court, and notaries public. Each officiant must meet the state requirements before performing any ceremony.
Ordained ministers must show proof of ordination. Judicial officers include judges, justices of the peace, and federal judges. The Clerk of Court can perform ceremonies in any Florida county. Notaries public can perform ceremonies only within their official duties.
Courthouse Ceremony Details
The Brevard County Clerk performs courthouse ceremonies for $30. The ceremony takes place in a private room at the Clerk office. Two witnesses must be present. The Clerk provides the officiant. The whole process takes about 15 minutes.
Couples should book the ceremony in advance. Walk-in ceremonies may be available if the schedule is open. The Clerk office phone line at 321-637-5413 takes ceremony bookings. The Clerk does not perform ceremonies outside the office.
Recording the Marriage
After the ceremony, the officiant signs the license. Two witnesses sign the license. The signed license must be returned to the Brevard County Clerk within 10 days of the ceremony. The Clerk records the marriage and forwards a copy to the Florida Department of Health.
Once the Clerk records the file, the marriage becomes part of the public record. The record appears in the MyFloridaCounty online portal. State-level processing by the Bureau of Vital Statistics takes about 60 days from the ceremony date. Certified copies can be ordered once the state file is ready.
Searching Brevard County Marriage Records Online
Several online tools let people search Brevard County marriage records. The tools cover different time periods and data fields. The Clerk website offers recent records. The MyFloridaCounty portal covers older filings. Third-party sites offer genealogy data and bulk searches.
MyFloridaCounty Official Records Portal
The MyFloridaCounty Official Records portal at myfloridacounty.com/official_records holds recorded documents from all 67 Florida counties. Brevard County marriage licenses appear in this database after the Clerk records the file. Users can search by name, date, or document type.
Searches on the portal show the document image, the book and page number, and the recording date. Users can view the image for free. Certified copies cost a fee through the portal. The portal is the official source for Florida public records.
Records Search by Name
The Clerk of Court offers a records search by name through the Brevard County Clerk website. Users enter the full name of either spouse. The search returns matching records from the county database. The search covers marriage licenses, marriage certificates, and other recorded documents.
Users need to know the approximate year of the marriage. The search works best with a full legal name. Common names may return many results. The Clerk does not charge for basic name searches. Certified copies still cost $2.50 each.
Free and Paid Search Options
Free search options include the Clerk website and the MyFloridaCounty portal. These official sources let users view document images without paying. The Clerk charges only for certified copies. Free searches are great for people who need to confirm a marriage but do not need a certified file.
Paid search options include third-party genealogy sites and private record services. These sites charge subscription fees or per-record fees. Paid services often cover historical records, multiple states, and bulk data downloads. Pick a paid service only when the free tools do not have the record.
Ordering Certified Marriage Certificate Copies
Certified copies of a marriage certificate serve as legal proof of marriage. Banks, courts, immigration offices, and other agencies often require a certified copy. The Brevard County Clerk and the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics both issue certified copies. Each office has its own process and fee.
In-Person Requests at the Clerk
People can visit any Brevard County Clerk branch to order a certified copy in person. The Clerk searches the county database. The Clerk prints the certified copy on security paper with the official seal. The whole process takes about 15 minutes.
The Clerk charges $2.50 per certified copy. Payment methods vary by branch. Most branches accept cash, check, money order, and credit cards. Bring a valid photo ID when picking up a certified copy. Someone else can pick up the copy with a signed authorization letter.
Mail and Online Requests
Mail requests go to the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville. The request form lists the full names of both spouses, the date of the marriage, the county of the marriage, and the requester’s contact data. Include a check or money order for the fee.
Online requests go through the Florida Department of Health website or through approved third-party vendors. The Bureau charges $9 for the first certified copy and $4 for each extra copy. Online orders typically arrive within 5 to 10 business days. Mail orders take 2 to 4 weeks.
Data Needed to Order Copies
The Bureau needs specific data to find a marriage record. The requester must provide the full legal name of each spouse at the time of the marriage. The date of the marriage helps narrow the search. The county of the marriage confirms the right file.
People who do not know the exact date can provide a year range. The Bureau charges extra for searches that span many years. Social Security numbers help with common names. The requester’s own contact data and a signature must appear on the form.
Brevard County Clerk Office Locations
The Brevard County Clerk runs six branch offices. The main office sits in Titusville, the county seat. Branch offices serve the south end, the central area, and the beachside communities. Each office handles marriage license services.
Main Office in Titusville
The main Brevard County Clerk office is located in Titusville. The address is 400 South Street, Titusville, FL 32780. The office handles all county records, including marriage licenses, court filings, and property records. Phone: 321-637-5413.
The Titusville office opens at 8:00 AM Monday through Friday. The office closes at 4:30 PM. The office does not process marriage license applications after 4:00 PM to allow time to finish before closing. Plan to arrive early to avoid long lines.
Branch Office Locations
Branch offices sit in Palm Bay, Melbourne, Cocoa, Rockledge, and Merritt Island. Each branch offers marriage license services. The south county branch in Palm Bay serves the Palm Bay and Melbourne areas. The beachside branch in Merritt Island serves the beach communities.
All branches follow the same hours as the main office. Phone numbers and exact addresses are listed on the Clerk website at brevardclerk.us. The website shows a map of each location. Some branches require appointments for marriage license services.
Office Hours and Contact Data
All Brevard County Clerk offices open at 8:00 AM and close at 4:30 PM Monday through Friday. The offices close on weekends and state holidays. The phone line at 321-637-5413 answers questions about marriage license services. Email questions go to PublicRecordsRequests@BrevardClerk.us.
The Clerk website lists holiday closures at the start of each year. Major holidays like Christmas, Thanksgiving, and New Year’s Day trigger full office closures. Some state holidays trigger half-day closures. Check the website before visiting during holiday weeks.
Marriage Records for Genealogy Research
Genealogy researchers often need old marriage records. Brevard County records date back to the early 1900s. Older records sit in state archives, county storage, and online genealogy databases. Each source covers a different time period.
Historical Records Access
Historical Brevard County marriage records sit in the county archives and the state archives. Records from 1909 onward sit with the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics. Records before 1909 sit in county storage and may require in-person research.
The Brevard County Clerk can search for records going back to the formation of the county. Older records may have different formats, including handwritten entries. The Clerk charges a search fee for older records. Researchers should know the approximate year and full name of each spouse.
Florida State Archives
The Florida State Archives in Tallahassee holds historical vital records. Marriage records from early Florida counties sit in the archives. The archives offer in-person research and limited online searches. Researchers can visit the archives or send a written request.
The archives charge fees for copies and research time. Researchers should call ahead to confirm what records are available. The archives staff can guide researchers to the right file. Old handwritten records may be hard to read and require staff help.
Third-Party Genealogy Sites
Third-party sites like Ancestry.com, FamilySearch.org, and MyHeritage.com host Florida marriage records. These sites pull data from state archives, county files, and user submissions. Each site charges a subscription or per-record fee.
Third-party sites offer search tools the official sites do not have. Users can build family trees, attach records, and share data with other researchers. The official Florida sites remain the best source for certified copies. Use third-party sites for research and the official sites for legal proof.
Nearby Florida County Marriage Records
Florida marriage licenses work statewide. Couples can apply in any county and marry in any other county. People who live near county borders may use the closest office. Records from any Florida county sit in the same state system.
Orange County Marriage Records
Orange County sits next to Brevard County on the west side. The Orange County Clerk of Courts handles marriage licenses in Orlando. The Orange County office charges the same fees as Brevard County. The Orange County Clerk website at myorangeclerk.com offers online pre-applications.
Orange County marriage records from the last several decades sit in the Orange County Clerk database. Older records sit in the Orange County archives. The Florida Department of Health also holds Orange County files. Search any of these sources for Orange County data.
Miami-Dade County Marriage Records
Miami-Dade County sits in South Florida, far from Brevard County. The Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts handles marriage licenses. Miami-Dade has several branch offices across the county. The Miami-Dade Clerk website at miamidadeclerk.gov offers online services.
Miami-Dade marriage records sit in the county database and the state system. The Miami-Dade office has a large staff and processes many licenses each year. Search the MyFloridaCounty portal for Miami-Dade records. The state system covers all Florida counties.
Other Florida County Records
Broward County, Hillsborough County, Duval County, Palm Beach County, and Pinellas County all hold marriage records. Each county runs its own Clerk of Court office. Each county follows the same state laws on fees, waiting periods, and validity.
The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics holds files from all 67 counties. People who need a record from any Florida county can request it through the state system. The Clerk offices handle only their own county’s new applications. The state Bureau handles all certified copy requests.
Frequently Asked Questions
The questions below cover common topics about Brevard County marriage license records. Each answer gives clear, direct data to help you complete your task. People often have similar questions about fees, wait times, copies, and online searches. Review these answers before calling the Clerk office.
How Long Does a Marriage License Take in Brevard County?
The application process at the Brevard County Clerk office takes about 30 to 45 minutes. The premarital course can be completed online before the visit, which saves time. After the license is issued, Florida residents must wait three days before the ceremony. Out-of-state residents and couples with a hardship declaration can skip the wait. The license is valid for 60 days from the issue date. Plan the ceremony date within those 60 days to avoid reapplying.
Can I Get a Marriage License Online in Brevard County?
Florida law requires both applicants to appear in person at the Clerk office. The online Marriage License Kiosk only handles the pre-application. Couples must still visit a branch to sign the paperwork, show ID, and pay the fee. No fully online marriage license process exists in Florida. The in-person visit is a state requirement under Florida Statute 741.04. Out-of-state residents follow the same rule and must appear in person.
How Much Does a Certified Copy of a Marriage Certificate Cost?
The Brevard County Clerk charges $2.50 per certified copy when picked up in person. The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics charges $9 for the first certified copy and $4 for each extra copy when ordered by mail or online. The state fee covers search costs and processing. Third-party vendors charge more but offer faster delivery. Pick the official sources for the lowest fees and the most reliable copies.
How Do I Find Old Marriage Records in Brevard County?
Old Brevard County marriage records from 1909 onward sit with the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics. Records before 1909 sit in county archives and the Florida State Archives. The Brevard County Clerk can search older records for a small fee. Third-party genealogy sites also host old Florida records. The MyFloridaCounty portal covers recent records. Combine multiple sources for the best research results.
What Documents Do I Need to Apply for a Marriage License?
Each applicant needs a valid photo ID, such as a driver license, state ID, military ID, or passport. Both applicants must know their Social Security numbers. If either person had a prior marriage, the exact date that marriage ended must be provided. The premarital course certificate is required only for the $25 discount. Payment for the license fee must be ready at the time of application.
Can Out-of-State Residents Get a Marriage License in Brevard County?
Out-of-state residents can apply for a Florida marriage license in Brevard County. The fee is the same $86. Out-of-state residents skip the three-day waiting period. They must show proof of out-of-state residency, such as a driver license from another state. The Florida license allows the couple to marry anywhere in Florida, not just Brevard County. The Clerk can also issue a license to out-of-country residents with proper ID.
What Happens If I Lose My Marriage Certificate?
People who lose a marriage certificate can order a certified copy from the Brevard County Clerk or the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics. The certified copy serves as legal proof of marriage. The Clerk charges $2.50 per copy in person. The Bureau charges $9 for the first copy online or by mail. The replacement copy carries the same legal weight as the original. No time limit applies for ordering a replacement.