Broward County marriage license records are public files held by the Broward County Clerk of the Circuit Court and the Florida Department of Health. These records show who applied for a license, who got married, and when the marriage took place.
Anyone can search older records by name, order a certified copy, or apply for a new license at one of four clerk offices in Broward County.
Broward County Clerk Marriage License Offices
The Broward County Clerk of the Circuit Court handles all marriage license work in the county. Four offices serve different parts of Broward County. Each office accepts new applications, performs civil ceremonies, and helps people search old records. All four offices follow the same rules, fees, and hours set by state law.
Office Locations Across the County
Broward County has one main office in Fort Lauderdale and three regional offices. The Central Courthouse sits in downtown Fort Lauderdale. The North Regional Courthouse serves the Deerfield Beach area. The South Regional Courthouse covers Hollywood and nearby cities. The West Regional Courthouse serves Plantation and western communities. All four offices process marriage licenses under Florida Statute 741.01.
| Office | Address |
|---|---|
| Central Courthouse | 540 SE 3rd Avenue, Room 02460, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 |
| North Regional | 1600 W. Hillsboro Blvd., Room 160, Deerfield Beach, FL |
| South Regional | 3550 Hollywood Blvd., Room 160, Hollywood, FL |
| West Regional | 100 N. Pine Island Road, Room 180, Plantation, FL |
Office Hours and Contact Details
All four Broward County clerk offices open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The phone number for all offices is (954) 831-7283. Visitors should arrive early because the office may stop taking new applications before 3:30 p.m. Processing times can run long near closing.
Services Available at Each Location
Each office handles the full set of marriage services. People can apply for a new license, perform a search of old records, request certified copies, or hold a civil ceremony at any of the four Broward County locations. The services match across all branches, so residents can pick the office closest to home.
Marriage License Requirements in Broward
Florida law sets the basic rules for marriage licenses. Broward County follows the same rules as every other Florida county. Both people must appear in person, show valid photo ID, and meet the age rules. The clerk checks the paperwork before issuing the license.
Age and Identification Requirements
Both people must be at least 18 years old to apply without special conditions. A valid government-issued photo ID is required. Accepted forms include a U.S. driver’s license, a passport, a U.S. military ID, a state identification card, or an alien registration card. Applicants must know their Social Security number, but the actual card is not required.
Documents You Need to Apply
Couples should bring valid photo ID for both parties. If either person was married before, the exact date the prior marriage ended must be shared. This includes the date of divorce, death, or annulment. No residency proof is needed. People from any state or country can apply at a Broward County clerk office.
- Valid photo ID for both applicants
- Social Security numbers for both applicants
- Exact end date of any prior marriage
- Payment for the license fee
Special Cases for Minors and Prior Marriages
Florida law allows people under 18 to marry only under specific court conditions. A parent or guardian must appear with the minor, and a judge must approve the license. People who were married before must share the exact date the prior marriage ended. The clerk will record this on the application.
Family Law Handbook Requirement
Florida law requires all marriage license applicants to read the Family Law Handbook. The handbook comes in English, Spanish, and Creole. The clerk will ask each applicant to confirm they read the book before issuing the license. The handbook covers rights, responsibilities, and resources for married couples in Florida.
Fees and Costs for Marriage License Services
The Broward County Clerk charges set fees for each marriage service. The base fee covers the license itself. Other fees apply for ceremonies, certified copies, and amendments. Florida law sets the base fee, but local clerk offices may charge service fees for extra work.
Standard License Fee Structure
The standard marriage license fee in Broward County is $86.00. This fee covers the cost of the license and the statewide filing process. Payment is due at the time of application. Accepted payment methods may vary by office, so check ahead before visiting.
Premarital Course Fee Reduction
Couples who complete a registered premarital preparation course pay a reduced fee of $61.00. Florida Statute 741.0305 sets the $25 reduction. The course takes at least four hours. Both people can take it together or separately. The original certificate of completion must be shown when applying for the license.
Other Service Fees and Charges
The Broward County Clerk charges extra fees for several services. These fees cover ceremony work, copy requests, and record changes. Each service has a set cost listed in the clerk’s fee schedule.
- Marriage ceremony performed by clerk: $30
- Duplicate marriage license: $30
- Amendment with court order: $30
- Certified copy of marriage record: $3
- Administration of oath: $3.50
Payment Methods Accepted
Most Broward County clerk offices accept cash, money orders, and major credit cards. Some offices may add a small card processing fee. Personal checks are often not accepted for marriage license fees. Call the clerk’s office before visiting to confirm payment rules.
Waiting Period and License Validity
Florida law sets a waiting period for marriage licenses. The waiting period rules differ for Florida residents and out-of-state visitors. License validity is also set by state law and does not vary by county.
Three-Day Waiting Period for Florida
Florida residents face a three-day waiting period after the license is issued. The license cannot be used until three full days pass. This rule applies to anyone who lists a Florida address on the application. The waiting period starts the day after the license is issued.
How to Skip the Waiting Period
Couples who complete a registered premarital course skip the waiting period. The license becomes valid the same day it is issued. Out-of-state visitors also skip the waiting period. Visitors do not need to be Florida residents to apply for a license in Broward County.
License Expiration and Renewal
A Florida marriage license stays valid for 60 days from the effective date. After 60 days, the license expires. No ceremony can take place with an expired license under Florida Statute 741.041. Couples must apply again and pay the full fee if the license expires before use.
How to Search Marriage Records Online
Broward County offers online tools for searching marriage records. These tools let users look up filed licenses by name. The clerk’s website also links to the statewide official records portal. Online searches are free for basic record lookups.
Broward Clerk Online Search Tool
The Broward County Clerk runs a free online marriage license search tool. Users can search by name, license number, or date range. The tool returns basic record details for filed licenses. Full certified copies must be ordered separately.
MyFloridaCounty Official Records Portal
The MyFloridaCounty official records portal covers Broward County and all other Florida counties. Users can search official records, including marriage documents. The portal shows public index data and links to recorded documents filed with the county clerk.
Statewide Florida Records Search
The Florida Department of Health keeps the statewide marriage record index. This index goes back many decades and covers all 67 Florida counties. Users can request a search through the state vital records office. Certified copies from the state office are accepted for legal use.
Requesting Certified Copies of Records
Certified copies of marriage records are legal documents. They are needed for name changes, passport applications, and legal proof of marriage. Certified copies can be ordered from the Broward County Clerk or the Florida Department of Health.
In-Person Certified Copy Requests
Walk-in requests for certified copies can be made at any Broward County clerk office. Applicants should bring valid photo ID. The clerk searches the records and prints the certified copy. The fee for each certified copy is set by state law.
Mail and Online Copy Requests
Mail requests for certified copies can be sent to the Broward County Clerk’s office. The request must include a signed application, a copy of valid ID, and the correct fee. Online requests can also be placed through the clerk’s website or the Florida Department of Health vital records system.
Florida Department of Health Records
The Florida Department of Health Bureau of Vital Statistics holds the original marriage records for the state. Records filed in Broward County are forwarded to the state office after the ceremony. The state office issues certified copies for the entire state of Florida, including older Broward County records.
Marriage Ceremonies in Broward County
Broward County offers civil ceremonies at all four clerk offices. Couples can also hire a licensed officiant for a private ceremony. The license must be valid on the day of the ceremony. The signed license goes back to the clerk after the wedding.
Clerk Office Wedding Ceremonies
The Broward County Clerk performs civil ceremonies at all four office locations. The ceremony fee is $30. Couples must bring a valid marriage license, valid photo ID, and any witnesses required by their faith. The ceremony takes only a few minutes. Vow renewals are also available with proof of the original marriage.
Authorized Officiants in Florida
Florida law allows several types of people to perform marriage ceremonies. Ordained ministers, rabbis, priests, and other clergy can officiate. Judicial officers and notaries public can also perform the ceremony. Florida Statute 741.07 sets the full list of authorized officiants. The officiant must sign the marriage license after the ceremony.
After the Ceremony Filing Process
The signed marriage license must go back to the clerk’s office within 10 days of the ceremony. The clerk records the marriage and sends the original to the Florida Department of Health. The state office files the record in the permanent statewide index. Certified copies are then available from the clerk or the state office.
Cities and Communities in Broward County
Broward County covers many cities and towns. All residents apply for a marriage license at one of the four clerk offices. Fort Lauderdale is the county seat. The regional offices serve the north, south, and west sides of the county.
- Fort Lauderdale
- Pembroke Pines
- Hollywood
- Miramar
- Coral Springs
- Pompano Beach
- Davie
- Plantation
- Sunrise
- Deerfield Beach
- Lauderhill
- Tamarac
Other Broward County communities include Weston, Coconut Creek, Margate, North Lauderdale, Oakland Park, and Hallandale Beach. All use the same four Broward County Clerk locations for marriage license applications.
Nearby Florida Counties
Broward County sits in southeast Florida. Palm Beach County lies to the north and Miami-Dade County lies to the south. A marriage license from any Florida county works in every other Florida county. Couples can apply in Broward County even if they live in a nearby county.
- Palm Beach County
- Miami-Dade County
- Collier County
Official Contact Information
The Broward County Clerk of the Circuit Court handles all marriage license work in the county. The main office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Phone support is available during business hours.
Official Website: https://www.browardclerk.org/Divisions/Marriage
Phone Number: (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.
Frequently Asked Questions
People often have questions about marriage licenses in Broward County. The answers below cover the most common topics. Each answer reflects current Florida law and Broward County Clerk rules. Always check the official clerk website for the latest updates before applying.
How much does a marriage license cost?
The standard marriage license fee in Broward County is $86. Couples who finish a registered premarital preparation course pay a reduced fee of $61. Florida law sets these fees statewide. Extra fees apply for ceremonies, certified copies, and amendments. The clerk accepts cash, money orders, and credit cards at most offices.
Can I apply for a license online?
Broward County does not allow fully online marriage license applications. Both applicants must appear in person at one of the four clerk offices. The clerk checks the IDs and signs the application in person. Some paperwork can be filled out ahead of time through the clerk’s website.
How do I get a certified copy?
Certified copies of Broward County marriage records can be ordered in person, by mail, or online. The fee per certified copy is set by state law. Walk-in requests are processed the same day at any clerk office. Mail and online orders take several business days to arrive.
Do I need to be a Florida resident?
Florida does not require residency for a marriage license. Anyone can apply at a Broward County clerk office regardless of where they live. Out-of-state visitors skip the three-day waiting period that applies to Florida residents. This rule helps couples plan destination weddings in Broward County.
What is the waiting period for non-residents?
Non-Florida residents have no waiting period. The marriage license becomes valid the same day it is issued. Florida residents face a three-day waiting period unless they complete a registered premarital course. The waiting period does not change based on the county where the license is issued.
How long are marriage records kept?
Florida keeps marriage records permanently. The Broward County Clerk keeps local copies for current use. The Florida Department of Health keeps the permanent statewide file. Older records from past decades are still available through the state vital records office and the county clerk.
Can I search records by name for free?
Yes. The Broward County Clerk offers a free online search tool for marriage licenses filed in the county. The Florida Department of Health also provides a statewide index for older records. Basic searches are free, but certified copies cost a fee per copy.