Kendall City marriage license records are public documents filed with the Miami-Dade County Clerk of Courts. Even though Kendall is a community inside Miami-Dade County, all marriage paperwork goes through the county clerk’s office.
These records show who got married, when the license was issued, and when the marriage was recorded. Anyone can search the index, but only certain people can order a certified copy. This page covers how the records work, what you need to apply, how much it costs, and how to look up old records online or in person.
What Are Kendall Marriage License Records
Marriage license records are the official paper trail of a marriage in Florida. The file starts when a couple applies for a license. It ends after the ceremony, when the signed license is returned and turned into a marriage certificate. The whole file stays on record at the clerk’s office and the state health department.
Types of Records Available
There are three main record types tied to a Kendall marriage. The first is the marriage license application. The clerk keeps this on file. The second is the marriage license itself. This is the legal paper that lets a couple get married. The third is the marriage certificate. The certificate proves the marriage actually happened. Each of these records has a different role and a different way to request it.
Who Files These Records
The Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts files the original records at the county level. After the signed license comes back from the officiant, the clerk sends a copy to the Florida Department of Health in Jacksonville. That state office holds a master index of every marriage in Florida since June 6, 1927. The two systems work side by side. The county holds the local file. The state holds the long-term archive.
Miami-Dade Clerk Handles Kendall Licenses
Florida does not issue marriage licenses at the city level. Under Florida Statute 741.01, every marriage license in the state goes through the clerk of the circuit court in the county where the couple applies. For Kendall, that means the Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts. The clerk runs the process from start to finish for every couple in the community.
Main Office Location
The main Miami-Dade Clerk office sits at 73 West Flagler Street in downtown Miami. The building is easy to reach from Kendall by car or bus. Couples who want to apply in person can walk in during business hours. No appointment is needed at the main office. Both people must show up together. The clerk will not process the paperwork if only one person arrives.
Branch Offices Near Kendall
Miami-Dade County has branch clerk offices in different parts of the county. Not every branch processes marriage licenses. Some only handle court records or passport services. Couples in Kendall should call (305) 275-1155 before driving out to a branch to confirm the location handles marriage license applications. The branch offices that do process licenses offer the same forms, fees, and service as the main office.
Office Hours and Contact
The main clerk’s office in downtown Miami runs Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Branch hours vary. The general phone line for the clerk’s office is (305) 275-1155. The official website is miamidadeclerk.gov. The website has the most current hours, fee amounts, and printable forms. Calling ahead can save a trip if a couple needs to confirm a specific detail.
Requirements to Apply in Kendall
Florida law sets clear rules for who can apply for a marriage license and what they need to bring. Kendall follows the same rules as the rest of the state. The clerk’s office checks every detail before issuing the license. Missing a single document can delay the process, so it helps to prepare before the visit.
ID and Documents Needed
Both applicants must show up in person with a valid photo ID. A driver’s license, state ID card, passport, or military ID all work. Each person also needs to provide a Social Security number. The physical Social Security card is not required, just the number. If either person was born outside the United States, a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers may be needed. The clerk reviews the documents at the counter.
- Valid photo ID for each person
- Social Security number for each person
- Birth certificate or passport for non-U.S. citizens
- Divorce decree or death certificate if previously married
Age and Eligibility Rules
Florida Statute 741.04 sets the age rules. Both people must be at least 18 years old to apply without parental consent. A 17-year-old can apply if a parent or legal guardian gives written consent at the clerk’s office. The other person in that case must be within two years of age. There is no upper age limit. There is also no residency rule. A couple does not have to live in Kendall or even in Florida to apply in Miami-Dade County.
Prior Marriage Details
If either person was married before, the clerk will ask how the prior marriage ended. A divorce, annulment, or death of a spouse all end a marriage in the eyes of the law. The clerk needs the exact date the prior marriage ended. A copy of the divorce decree or death certificate is helpful but not always required at the time of application. The clerk verifies the basic facts on the spot.
Kendall Marriage License Fees and Costs
The marriage license fee in Florida is set by state law. It does not change from county to county. Miami-Dade County charges the same amount as every other clerk’s office in the state. The total cost covers the license itself and a few required trust fund contributions.
Standard License Fee
The standard fee is $86.00. The clerk accepts cash and credit cards at most office locations. This fee includes the cost of the license, processing, and a small contribution to two state trust funds. Part of the fee goes to the Domestic Violence Trust Fund. Part goes to the State Courts Revenue Trust Fund. The breakdown matters because it is set by law and not by the local clerk.
Fee Reduction With Course
Couples who complete a four-hour premarital preparation course can save money. Under Florida Statute 741.0305, the fee drops to $61.00 when both people show proof of completion. The course must be from a registered provider. The certificate of completion is valid for one year. The course also waives the three-day waiting period for Florida residents. The total savings is $25.00.
Extra Service Charges
Other services at the clerk’s office have separate fees. A courthouse ceremony performed by a clerk costs $30.00. A duplicate marriage license, if the original is lost before the ceremony, costs $30.00. Certified copies of the marriage certificate cost a few dollars each. The clerk’s office lists all current fees on the website. Couples should check the website before paying, as fees can change.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard marriage license | $86.00 |
| License with premarital course | $61.00 |
| Courthouse ceremony | $30.00 |
| Duplicate license (if lost) | $30.00 |
| Certified copy of certificate | $3.00 to $10.00 each |
Waiting Period and License Validity
Florida has a few time rules tied to a marriage license. The rules cover when the license becomes valid, how long it lasts, and what happens after the ceremony. Kendall couples need to know these rules to avoid paying for a second license.
Three-Day Wait for Residents
Florida residents face a three-day waiting period after the license is issued. The clock starts the day the clerk hands over the license. Three full calendar days must pass before the couple can hold the ceremony. The waiting period does not apply to non-Florida residents. A tourist or visitor from another state can apply in Miami-Dade and use the license right away. Taking the premarital course also waives the wait for residents.
Sixty-Day Expiration Window
Once the license becomes valid, it stays good for 60 days. Florida Statute 741.041 sets the deadline. The couple must hold the ceremony within that 60-day window. If the date passes without a ceremony, the license expires. A new license is required, and the fee has to be paid again. There are no extensions. The clock starts the day the license is issued and ends exactly 60 days later.
After the Ceremony
The person who performs the ceremony must sign the marriage license. That person is called the officiant. The officiant has 10 days to return the signed license to the clerk’s office. The clerk then files the record. A copy goes to the Florida Department of Health. The couple can request a certified copy of the marriage certificate after the filing is complete. This usually takes a few business days.
Who Can Officiate Weddings in Kendall
Florida law controls who can legally perform a marriage ceremony. The rules are the same across the state. Kendall couples can pick any location for the ceremony, but the person performing it must meet the legal requirements.
Authorized Officiants
Florida Statute 741.07 lists who can officiate a wedding. Judges, clerks of court, ordained ministers, and notaries public are all authorized. An online ordination is legal in Florida, but the person should check that the organization is recognized. The officiant does not need to live in Florida. A family member who is ordained can perform the ceremony in Kendall. The clerk’s office can answer questions about specific officiants before the wedding date.
Courthouse Ceremony Option
Couples who want a quick, no-fuss wedding can book a courthouse ceremony at the Miami-Dade Clerk’s office. The $30.00 fee covers the ceremony. The clerk or a deputy clerk performs the wedding in a small room. There is no guest list limit, but the space is small. The license and ceremony can be handled on the same day if the waiting period has passed. This is a popular option for couples who do not want a larger event.
Search Kendall Marriage Records Online
Old marriage records for Kendall can be looked up online through a few different systems. The Miami-Dade Clerk runs the local database. The state of Florida runs a separate archive. Both systems are open to the public for basic index searches.
Miami-Dade Clerk Online Portal
The Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts has a public records search tool on the website. The tool lets users search by name, date range, or case number. Marriage license records show up in the system after the signed license is filed. The portal is free to use for basic searches. Users can view record details but cannot order certified copies directly through the search tool. The website is miamidadeclerk.gov.
The clerk’s online portal gives a snapshot of each marriage record on file. The search results show the names of both parties, the date the license was issued, and the date the marriage was recorded. The image below shows the Miami-Dade Clerk homepage with the public records search option highlighted for Kendall users.
MyFloridaCounty Records System
MyFloridaCounty.com links to official records for all 67 Florida counties. The portal is run by the Florida Association of Clerks. It works as a single search point for marriage records, court records, and other public filings. Miami-Dade County records are part of this system. The site also lets users pull documents and images for a small fee. The portal is helpful for users who want to check multiple counties at once.
Florida Department of Health Archive
The Florida Department of Health keeps the master archive of marriage records. The state office holds records from June 6, 1927 to the present day. The archive is searchable by name and year. The Department of Health issues certified copies of marriage certificates for the entire state. The online ordering system is available 24 hours a day. Most orders ship within a few business days.
Order Certified Marriage Certificates
A search can confirm a marriage happened. A certified copy is the proof. A certified copy of a marriage certificate is a paper document with a raised seal or stamp. Banks, courts, and government agencies ask for it. There are three ways to order one in Florida.
Through Miami-Dade Clerk
The Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts issues certified copies of marriage certificates for events filed in the county. The request can be made in person at the main office or by mail. The clerk charges a small fee per copy. Payment by cash, check, money order, or credit card is accepted. Same-day service is often available for in-person requests. Mailed requests take longer to process.
Through State Office
The Florida Department of Health in Jacksonville issues certified copies of marriage certificates for events across the state. The office is the main archive for older records. Orders can be placed online, by mail, or in person. The state office keeps the master file, so it can issue a certified copy even if the local clerk’s office is closed. Most online orders process within 5 to 10 business days.
Processing Times and Costs
Processing times depend on the method and the office. In-person orders at the Miami-Dade Clerk are often ready the same day. Mail orders from the state office can take two to four weeks. Online orders from the state office usually ship within 5 to 10 business days. The cost for a certified copy ranges from $3.00 to $10.00 for the first copy, with smaller fees for extra copies ordered at the same time. Rush service is available for an extra charge at the state level.
Common Questions About Kendall Records
Couples and researchers often have similar questions about Kendall marriage records. The rules cover who can apply, who can see the records, and how far back the records go. The answers below cover the most common points.
Can Non-Residents Apply
Yes. Florida does not require either person to live in the state. A couple from another state or country can apply in Miami-Dade County if they want to get married in Florida. The clerk will issue the license the same way as for a resident. The license is valid for a ceremony anywhere in the state of Florida. Many couples travel to Florida specifically for a destination wedding.
Are Records Public
Yes. Marriage records in Florida are public records. Anyone can search the index and view the basic facts of a marriage. The names, dates, and locations are open to the public. Certified copies, however, are limited to the people named on the record, immediate family, or those with a court order. This protects the privacy of the people listed on the certificate while still keeping the index open.
How Far Back Records Go
The Florida Department of Health has marriage records from June 6, 1927 to the present. Older records may exist at the county level but are not always indexed in the state system. The Miami-Dade Clerk has historical records for the county going back many decades. Researchers looking for very old records may need to contact the county clerk or the Florida State Archives in Tallahassee.
Kendall Marriage License Office Contact Details
The main office for Kendall marriage license applications is the Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts. Below is the contact information for the office that handles all Kendall marriage records, applications, and certified copy requests. Call ahead to confirm hours and required documents before visiting.
- Office: Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts
- Address: 73 W. Flagler Street, Miami, FL 33130
- Phone: (305) 275-1155
- Website: miamidadeclerk.gov
- Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Frequently Asked Questions
The questions below cover the most common search queries about Kendall City marriage license records. Each answer gives a direct, detailed response based on Florida law, the Miami-Dade Clerk’s office rules, and the state archive system. These answers are written to help couples, researchers, and family members solve specific problems tied to marriage records in Kendall.
How Do I Get a Copy of My Kendall Marriage Certificate?
To get a copy of a marriage certificate filed in Kendall, contact the Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts if the marriage took place in recent years. The clerk can issue a certified copy in person or by mail. For older records or if the couple needs a copy from the state archive, the Florida Department of Health in Jacksonville also issues certified copies. The state office accepts online orders, mail-in requests, and walk-in requests at the Jacksonville office. The fee is between $3.00 and $10.00 for the first copy. Processing time ranges from same-day for in-person orders at the clerk’s office to two weeks for mail-in state orders. The couple, immediate family, or anyone with a court order can request a certified copy.
Are Kendall Marriage Records Available for Free Online?
Yes, the Miami-Dade Clerk offers a free online index search for marriage records. The search tool shows the names of the couple, the date the license was issued, and the date the marriage was filed. Users can run as many searches as needed at no cost. The state archive at the Florida Department of Health also has a free name search. The free search gives index data, not certified copies. To get a certified copy with the official seal, a fee applies.
Can I Search Marriage Records by Name in Kendall?
Yes. The Miami-Dade Clerk’s public records search lets users look up marriage records by name. The system accepts first name, last name, or both. A date range filter helps narrow the results. The MyFloridaCounty portal also supports name-based searches across all 67 Florida counties. The search works for marriages filed in Kendall and across Miami-Dade County. Results usually load within seconds.
What Is the Difference Between a License and a Certificate?
A marriage license is the document that gives a couple legal permission to get married. The couple gets this from the clerk before the wedding. A marriage certificate is the proof that the wedding happened. The officiant signs the license after the ceremony, and the clerk files it as a certificate. The license comes first, the certificate comes after. Both records are on file, but they serve different purposes in legal and personal matters.
How Long Does the Miami-Dade Clerk Keep Marriage Records?
The Miami-Dade Clerk keeps marriage records indefinitely. Older paper records are stored in the county archive. Newer records are kept in the digital system. The clerk’s office can pull records going back many decades. The Florida Department of Health has the master index from 1927 to the present. For records before 1927, researchers may need to check the Florida State Archives or local church records, as state law did not require statewide filing before that date.
Can I Apply for a Marriage License Online in Kendall?
No. Florida law requires both people to apply in person at the clerk’s office. Online applications are not accepted for marriage licenses in any Florida county. The clerk needs to verify the ID documents and collect signatures from both people. Some counties allow couples to fill out the application form online before the visit, but the in-person step is still required. After the license is issued, the rest of the process can be handled online.
Does the Premarital Course Waive the Waiting Period?
Yes, for Florida residents. Under Florida Statute 741.0305, the four-hour premarital course waives the three-day waiting period for couples who both live in Florida. The course also reduces the license fee from $86.00 to $61.00. Both people must complete the course and show the certificate of completion at the clerk’s office. The certificate is valid for one year from the date of completion. The course must be from a registered provider listed with the state.