Monroe County marriage license records are official papers that prove a couple got married in the Florida Keys. These records cover weddings in Key West, Marathon, Key Largo, Islamorada, and every other spot in Monroe County.
The Clerk of the Circuit Court in Key West keeps all of these records. The same office also issues new marriage licenses, handles the wedding paperwork, and stores the files after the ceremony. This page covers how to get a license, what the records look like, where to search old files, and how to order certified copies.
What Are Monroe County Marriage License Records
Monroe County marriage license records are legal papers that show two people got married in this part of Florida. They are public records. Anyone can look at them. They include the names of both people, the date of the wedding, and the name of the person who performed the ceremony. The records also show the date the license was issued and the date it was filed with the court. A unique license number ties the record to the right couple. That number helps the clerk pull the file fast when someone asks for a copy.
Who Keeps These Records
The Monroe County Clerk of the Circuit Court handles all marriage license records. The clerk’s office sits at 500 Whitehead Street in Key West. The clerk works under Florida law to keep the records safe. The office holds the original license, the signed marriage certificate, and any other paperwork tied to the wedding. The clerk also sends a copy of each new record to the Florida Department of Health in Jacksonville. That office keeps the statewide database. You can ask either office for copies of the records. Both offices work together to make sure every marriage in Monroe County shows up in the right file.
What These Records Show
A marriage license record has a few key facts. Both full names appear on the record. So do the birth dates, the city of birth, and the county or state where each person lives. The record shows the date the license was issued and the date the couple got married. The officiant’s name and title also appear. If either person was married before, the date that marriage ended is on the record too. Each license has a unique number. The clerk uses that number to find the file fast. The record also lists the date the clerk filed the license with the state.
Florida Laws That Cover These Records
Florida state laws tell the clerk how to handle marriage records. Florida Statute 741.01 says only the clerk can issue a license. Florida Statute 741.04 lists the age rules for couples. Florida Statute 741.0305 covers the lower fee for couples who take a premarital course. Florida Statute 741.07 lists who can perform a wedding. Florida Statute 741.041 covers the time limit for the license and the 10-day filing rule. All Monroe County records follow these laws. The clerk cannot change the rules for one couple.
How to Apply for a Marriage License in Monroe County
Couples who want to marry in Monroe County must apply in person at the clerk’s office. Both people must show up at the same time. The clerk will not give a license to one person alone. The whole process takes about 20 to 30 minutes if you bring all the right papers. The clerk checks your IDs, asks some questions, and collects the fee. You can start a pre-application online to save time at the counter, but you still must finish the form in person.
Where to Apply in Person
The only place to apply in Monroe County is the clerk’s office in Key West. The address is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040. The office sits in the main courthouse building. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The office is closed on weekends and on state holidays. Because Monroe County covers the whole Florida Keys, some couples drive a long way to reach the office. Plan for travel time if you live in Marathon, Key Largo, or any of the other Keys.
What Documents You Need
Both people must bring a valid photo ID. A driver’s license, state ID card, or passport all work. You also need to know your Social Security number. You do not need to bring the Social Security card itself. The clerk uses the number to confirm your identity. If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport and any green card or visa papers. The clerk will scan or copy your IDs and return them right away. The clerk also asks for your home address and date of birth.
Age Rules for Applicants
Both people must be at least 18 years old under Florida law. A 17-year-old can apply only with a parent’s written consent. The other person cannot be more than two years older in that case. If either person is 16 or 17 and the other is no more than two years older, a judge can approve the license. People under 16 cannot get married in Florida. Bring a birth certificate if you are under 21 and your photo ID does not show your birth date. The clerk checks the age on every application.
Information for Previously Married Couples
If you were married before, the clerk needs the date that marriage ended. You also need to know the state and county where the divorce or death happened. The clerk will not finish the application without this data. If you were widowed, bring the death certificate. If you divorced, the clerk trusts your word on the date. The clerk writes this on the application. You sign the form to confirm it is true. False statements on a marriage application are a misdemeanor in Florida.
Marriage License Fees in Monroe County
The clerk charges a fee for every marriage license. The fee is the same for everyone in Florida. Monroe County does not add extra charges. The fee covers the cost to issue the license, file the record, and send the data to the state. Part of the fee also goes to state trust funds. The clerk will tell you the split when you ask.
Standard License Cost
The standard marriage license fee in Monroe County is $86.00. This is set by Florida law. All Florida counties charge the same amount. The fee includes $32 for the Domestic Violence Trust Fund and $7.50 for the State Courts Revenue Trust Fund. The rest covers the clerk’s work. You pay this fee at the time of application. The clerk will not refund the fee if the wedding does not happen. So make sure you are ready before you apply.
Reduced Fee With Premarital Course
Couples can pay less if they complete a 4-hour premarital preparation course. The fee drops from $86.00 to $61.00. You save $25.00. Florida Statute 741.0305 sets this discount. The course must be led by a registered provider. Many churches, counseling centers, and online schools offer approved courses. You must bring the original certificate of completion to the clerk’s office. The clerk will not give the discount without the original paper. The certificate must show the date, the provider’s name, and the course length.
Accepted Payment Methods
The clerk’s office in Key West accepts cash, checks, and credit cards. Debit cards work too. Some card payments include a small processing fee. The fee is set by the payment company, not the clerk. Checks must be from a Florida bank and made out to the Monroe County Clerk of Court. The clerk does not accept money orders for license fees. Plan to pay when you arrive. The clerk will not run a tab or send a bill. The whole fee is due before the clerk prints the license.
| Fee Type | Amount | What It Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Standard License | $86.00 | License, filing, state copy |
| With Premarital Course | $61.00 | Same as standard, $25 discount |
| Domestic Violence Trust Fund Portion | $32.00 | State fund share |
| State Courts Revenue Trust Fund Portion | $7.50 | State fund share |
| Certified Copy of Record (Clerk) | $3.00 | First printed copy |
| Extra Copies of Same Record | $2.00 | Each extra copy |
| State Online Certified Copy | $9.00 | First copy via state portal |
Waiting Period and License Validity
Florida has rules about when you can use a marriage license. The rules cover a waiting period and an expiration date. These rules apply to every county in Florida, including Monroe County. The rules are the same no matter where you apply in the state.
Three-Day Wait for Florida Residents
Couples who live in Florida face a 3-day waiting period. The clock starts the day the clerk issues the license. You cannot have the ceremony during the 3 days. So if the clerk issues the license on a Monday, you can marry on Friday at the earliest. The 3 days count calendar days, not business days. Weekends and holidays count. The wait is the same in every Florida county. The clerk prints the date the license becomes valid on the form.
No Wait for Out-of-State Couples
Couples who live outside Florida do not face a waiting period. They can get the license and get married the same day. This is a big reason why people travel to the Keys to marry. Many couples fly in, visit the clerk’s office in the morning, and have the wedding that afternoon. The no-wait rule applies to anyone whose home state is not Florida. You do not need a Florida ID to use the rule. The clerk asks for a home address and checks it on the application.
60-Day Validity Window
A marriage license is good for 60 days. The 60 days start on the issue date. The license expires at the end of the 60th day. If no wedding happens before that, the license is no longer valid. You cannot renew an expired license. You must apply again and pay the fee a second time. The 60-day rule applies to everyone, no matter the home state. The ceremony can take place anywhere in Florida, not just in Monroe County, as long as the license is still valid.
After the Wedding Ceremony
The wedding is not the last step in the process. The person who performs the ceremony has duties too. The couple also needs to think about getting a certified copy of the marriage certificate. This copy is the proof you will use for name changes, insurance, and other legal matters. The officiant’s role is to make sure the paperwork reaches the clerk on time.
Officiant Duties and Filing
The officiant must sign the marriage license after the ceremony. The officiant then sends the signed license back to the Monroe County Clerk’s office. The deadline is 10 days after the ceremony. The clerk files the original license and records the marriage in the county system. The clerk also sends a copy to the Florida Department of Health. That state office takes about 60 days to update the statewide record. After that, you can order a certified copy of the marriage certificate. The officiant keeps a copy for their own files too.
Getting Your Certified Marriage Certificate
A certified marriage certificate is a copy of the filed record. It has the clerk’s raised seal or stamp. Banks, courts, and government agencies ask for this copy. You can order it from the Monroe County Clerk’s office or from the Florida Department of Health. The state office can send copies to anywhere in the United States. The county office handles in-person and mail requests for Monroe County records. The certificate shows the full names, the date, the county, and the license number.
Who Can Perform Marriages in Monroe County
Florida law lists who can perform a marriage. The list includes ordained ministers, priests, rabbis, and other religious leaders. Judicial officers, clerks of the circuit court, and notaries public can also perform weddings. A couple can ask any person on the list to perform the ceremony. The officiant must sign the license and the marriage certificate. The signature is what makes the marriage legal in the records. The officiant’s title and address must also appear on the form.
- Ordained ministers of any faith
- Priests, rabbis, and religious leaders
- Judges and judicial officers
- Clerks of the circuit court
- Notaries public in Florida
How to Search Old Marriage Records
Many people want to look up old marriage records. The reasons include genealogy research, legal proof, and family history. Monroe County keeps records going back many decades. Some older records sit at the courthouse. The newer records sit in the clerk’s computer system. Statewide records are kept by the Florida Department of Health. The state office is the best place to start for most searches.
Using the Monroe County Clerk’s Office
You can search records at the clerk’s office in Key West. The office has public computer terminals. You can search by name, year, or license number. The clerk’s staff can help you find what you need. There is no fee to look at the records in person. You only pay if you want a printed or certified copy. The office also has older paper records stored in the basement of the courthouse. You can ask to see those by appointment. The clerk pulls the files the day before your visit.
Florida Department of Health Records
The Florida Department of Health keeps the statewide marriage database. The office sits in Jacksonville. The department has records from all 67 Florida counties starting in 1927. You can order copies of these records online, by mail, or in person. The state’s Office of Vital Statistics handles all marriage certificate requests. This is the best place to look for records from many years ago. The state office also issues apostille copies for use in other countries. An apostille is a special stamp that makes the record legal in foreign countries.
Online Public Records Portals
Several online portals let you search Florida marriage records. The MyFloridaCounty portal has official records for many counties. You can search by name and year. The Florida Department of Health website also has a search tool. Some third-party sites offer searches too. Be careful with paid sites. The official state and county sites have the most accurate data. Free searches work for many recent records. Older records may need a formal request by mail or in person.
Genealogy and Historical Records
People who research family history often need old marriage records. The Monroe County Clerk’s office has records from the 1800s in some cases. The Florida State Archives in Tallahassee also has older records. The Family History Library in Salt Lake City has microfilm copies of many Florida records. You can order microfilm loans through any local Family History Center. The records show names, dates, and sometimes the parents of the bride and groom. These older files help build family trees.
Getting Certified Copies of Marriage Records
A certified copy of a marriage certificate is a legal paper. It has the clerk’s seal. You need it for many legal tasks. You can get certified copies in person, by mail, or online. The cost and time depend on how you order. The clerk can also issue an apostille for use in other countries through the Florida Department of State.
In-Person Requests at the Clerk’s Office
You can walk into the Monroe County Clerk’s office and ask for a certified copy. The staff will search the records and print the copy. The cost is $3.00 for the first copy and $2.00 for each extra copy of the same record. You can pay cash, check, or card. The copy is ready the same day in most cases. Bring a photo ID to confirm your identity. You do not need to be the person on the record. Anyone can order a certified copy of a Florida marriage record under state law.
Mail-In Requests
You can send a letter to the clerk’s office to order a copy. The letter must include the full names of both people on the record. It must include the year of the marriage. Send a check or money order for the amount. Include your return address. The clerk will mail the certified copy to you. Mail requests take about 5 to 7 business days. You can also use the US Postal Service or a private courier like UPS or FedEx. The clerk suggests using a trackable mail method.
Online Requests Through State Portal
The Florida Department of Health runs an online ordering system. You can go to the state’s vital records page and fill out a form. The cost is $9.00 for the first copy. The state accepts credit cards online. The system lets you order copies from any Florida county. The state office will mail the certified copy to your home. Online orders take about 5 to 10 business days to arrive. The state office also offers rush processing for an extra fee.
| Request Method | Cost Per Copy | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| In-Person at Clerk’s Office | $3.00 first copy | Same day |
| Mail Request to Clerk | $3.00 first copy | 5-7 business days |
| Online State Portal | $9.00 first copy | 5-10 business days |
| Extra Copies (same record) | $2.00 each | Same as first copy |
| Rush State Order | $9.00 + rush fee | 2-3 business days |
Monroe County Clerk Office and Contact
The Monroe County Clerk of the Circuit Court is the main office for all marriage license records in the Florida Keys. The office is easy to reach by phone, mail, or in person. Here are the key facts you need to contact the office or visit in person. The clerk’s office is the only place in Monroe County to apply for a license, file the paperwork, or get a certified copy of a local record.
Office Location and Hours
The clerk’s office is at 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040. The office sits in the main Monroe County Courthouse. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The office closes for lunch from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. each day. The office is closed on weekends and on state holidays. You can park in the county lot next to the courthouse. Parking costs a small fee during business hours. The lot is on Whitehead Street, one block south of the courthouse.
How to Reach the Clerk’s Office
The main phone number for the clerk’s office is (305) 292-3417. The office staff can answer questions about marriage licenses, fees, waiting periods, and records. You can also send an email through the county website. The website address is www.monroecounty-fl.gov. The site has forms, fee schedules, and contact details. You can also follow the Monroe County Clerk on social media for updates on office hours and holiday closures. The office is part of the 16th Judicial Circuit of Florida.
Monroe County Marriage License Questions
Here are answers to the most common questions about Monroe County marriage license records. These cover applications, fees, old records, and certified copies. Read through these before you visit the clerk’s office or place an order. The answers match the current Florida laws and Monroe County rules. The clerk updates these rules when state law changes.
How long does it take to get a marriage license?
The application itself takes about 20 to 30 minutes. You fill out the form, show your IDs, and pay the fee. The clerk gives you the license the same day. You do not need to make an appointment. Walk in during business hours and the clerk will help you. Florida residents must wait 3 days before the wedding. Out-of-state couples can marry the same day they get the license. The license stays valid for 60 days from the issue date. Plan your wedding date before you apply so the license does not expire.
Can I apply for a marriage license online?
No. Florida law requires both people to apply in person at the clerk’s office. You can fill out a pre-application online to save time at the counter. The official site for the Monroe County Clerk lets you start the form. You then finish the form in person and sign it. The clerk will not issue a license without both people present. You cannot use a power of attorney for this process either. The clerk must see both people face to face before issuing the license.
What if I was married before?
The clerk needs the date your previous marriage ended. You also need the state and county where the divorce, death, or annulment happened. The clerk will not finish the application without this data. You do not need to bring the divorce decree, but it can help. If you were widowed, bring the death certificate if you have it. The clerk writes this data on the application. You sign a paper saying the data is true. False statements on a marriage application are a misdemeanor in Florida.
How do I get a certified copy of my marriage certificate?
You have three main options. You can go to the Monroe County Clerk’s office in Key West and order a copy in person. The cost is $3.00 for the first copy. You can mail a request to the clerk with the names and year of the marriage. You can also order online through the Florida Department of Health for $9.00. The state office can send copies anywhere in the United States. All certified copies have the official seal and are legal proof of the marriage. You can use them for name changes, insurance, and other legal tasks.
Do I need to be a Florida resident to marry in Monroe County?
No. Anyone can marry in Monroe County no matter where they live. Many couples travel to the Florida Keys for destination weddings. You do not need a Florida ID. Your home state ID or passport works fine. Out-of-state couples also skip the 3-day waiting period. The license fee is the same $86.00 for everyone. The reduced fee of $61.00 with a premarital course also applies to out-of-state couples. The same rules apply for same-sex marriages under Florida law.
How can I find marriage records from many years ago?
Start with the Florida Department of Health in Jacksonville. The state office has records from 1927 to today for all 67 counties. You can search the online database or order a copy by mail. For records before 1927, contact the Monroe County Clerk’s office. The clerk may have paper records in storage. The Florida State Archives in Tallahassee also has older records. The Family History Library has microfilm copies of many Florida marriage records. These older files help with family history research.
What should I do if my marriage license expires?
If your license expires before the wedding, you must apply again. There is no way to extend an expired license. You pay the full fee a second time and fill out a new application. Both people must appear in person again. The 3-day waiting period starts over for Florida residents. Out-of-state couples can marry the same day they get the new license. To avoid this, plan your wedding date before you apply for the license. The 60-day window gives most couples plenty of time to plan the ceremony.