Riverview City marriage license records show who got married in this Florida community and when. These records help people check if a marriage took place, get copies of certificates, or trace family history.
Riverview sits in Hillsborough County, so most local records come from the Hillsborough County Clerk of the Circuit Court. Statewide records go through the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics, which keeps marriage files from June 1927 to the present day. This page explains how to search, order, and verify marriage records for Riverview residents and anyone who got married in Hillsborough County, Florida.
Where to Get Riverview Marriage License Records
Riverview is an unincorporated community in southeast Hillsborough County with a population near 108,000 people. Marriage licenses for this area come from the Hillsborough County Clerk of the Circuit Court. The clerk’s office runs all marriage filings under Florida Statute 741.01, which says only the circuit court clerk can issue marriage licenses in the state. No city office handles this work because Riverview is not an incorporated town. All records sit with the Hillsborough County Clerk and the state Bureau of Vital Statistics.
Closest Clerk Offices to Riverview
The Brandon Regional Service Center sits at 311 Pauls Drive in Brandon, about 10 minutes north of Riverview. This office serves many Riverview residents since it lies close to the community and offers shorter lines than the downtown Tampa office. The main Tampa office at 419 E. Pierce Street handles all marriage license work for the county, including certified copies and the civil ceremony. A third branch in Plant City at 301 North Michigan Avenue also takes applications for couples in the eastern part of Hillsborough County. The Hillsborough Clerk uses an appointment system called ClerkExpress, which helps cut wait times and gives couples a set time to come in.
| Office | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Brandon Regional Service Center | 311 Pauls Drive, Brandon, FL 33511 | (813) 276-8100 |
| Downtown Tampa Office | 419 E. Pierce Street, Tampa, FL 33602 | (813) 276-8100 |
| Plant City Office | 301 North Michigan Avenue, Plant City, FL 33563 | (813) 276-8100 |
Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics Office
The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics keeps statewide marriage records from June 1927 to the present day. This office sits at 1217 N Pearl Street in Jacksonville, Florida. The phone number is 904-359-6900. The Bureau charges $5 for a record search and $4 for each certified copy. People can order these records by mail, online through VitalChek, or in person at the Jacksonville office. The Bureau works under the Florida Department of Health, which oversees all vital records for the state. The office handles birth, death, marriage, and divorce records through the same system.
Florida Marriage License Requirements
Florida law sets clear rules for who can get married in the state. Both people must show up at the clerk’s office together. The clerk will not process an application if only one person comes in. Both people need a valid photo ID, like a driver’s license, passport, state ID, or military ID. Each person also gives their Social Security number, though the physical card is not required. The clerk uses the number to verify identity and check for prior marriages in the state database.
Age and Consent Rules
Florida Statute 741.04 says both people must be at least 18 years old to marry without parental consent. A 17-year-old can apply with parental consent, but the other person cannot be more than two years older. Anyone under 17 cannot get a marriage license in Florida. No blood test is needed, as Florida removed this rule back in 1986. There is no state residency rule, so anyone can apply for a Florida marriage license regardless of where they live in the United States or abroad. The same age and ID rules apply to all applicants, no matter the state or country of origin.
Prior Marriage Details
If either person was married before, the clerk needs the date that marriage ended. The applicant must know how the marriage ended, whether through divorce, death, or annulment. Florida law also requires both people to read the Family Law Handbook from the Florida Bar before applying for a license. This handbook explains legal rights and duties in a Florida marriage and takes about 15 minutes to read. Both people must sign a form that says they read the handbook. The clerk keeps the signed form on file as part of the marriage license application.
How to Apply for a Marriage License in Riverview
Couples in Riverview can apply for a marriage license in person at any Hillsborough County clerk location. The process takes about 20 to 30 minutes when both people arrive with the right documents. The clerk fills out the application, collects the fee, and hands the license to the couple. The license is printed right at the counter on standard security paper. Couples should book an appointment through ClerkExpress to avoid long wait times, especially at the Brandon office which serves a large area of eastern Hillsborough County.
Steps to Get a Marriage License
The first step is to book an appointment through the ClerkExpress system on the Hillsborough Clerk website. Next, both people show up at the chosen office with photo IDs and Social Security numbers. Then the clerk asks each person questions to fill out the application form. After that, both people sign the form and pay the fee. The clerk then issues the license right away and the couple can plan the ceremony based on the waiting period rules. The whole process at the counter takes less than 30 minutes when all documents are ready.
- Book an appointment at the Hillsborough Clerk website
- Gather photo IDs and Social Security numbers for both people
- Visit the chosen clerk office together at the appointment time
- Answer the application questions for the clerk
- Sign the completed application and the Family Law Handbook form
- Pay the required fee by cash, card, or money order
- Receive the marriage license from the clerk
Online Pre-Application Form
The Hillsborough Clerk lets couples fill out part of the application online before their visit. This online form saves time at the counter. The couple still must show up together to finish the process, sign papers, and pay the fee. Pre-applying online helps reduce the total time spent at the clerk’s window from 30 minutes down to about 10 minutes. The online form takes about 5 minutes to complete and asks for names, addresses, dates of birth, and Social Security numbers for both people.
Fees and Costs for Florida Marriage Records
The standard marriage license fee in Florida is $86. All Hillsborough County locations charge this same amount. This is a statewide fee set by Florida law. Couples who finish a four-hour premarital preparation course pay a lower fee of $61. This lower fee comes from Florida Statute 741.0305, which requires both people to complete the course and bring proof of completion to the clerk. Part of the fee goes to the Domestic Violence Trust Fund and the State Courts Revenue Trust Fund. The rest covers the cost of running the clerk’s office and processing the license.
Certified Copy Costs
Certified copies of a marriage certificate cost $3 each from the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics. The Hillsborough Clerk also issues certified copies at the same rate. A duplicate marriage license costs $30. People who need a quick copy can order through VitalChek, an online service that adds a processing fee on top of the state fee. Each certified copy has a raised seal or stamp that proves it is real for legal use. Banks, insurance companies, and government agencies require certified copies for name changes and other legal matters.
Civil Ceremony Costs
The Hillsborough Clerk performs civil ceremonies at all branch offices for $30. This fee covers a short ceremony with a clerk officer and a witness if needed. Many Riverview couples pick this option for a simple, low-cost wedding. The license fee and the ceremony fee are separate charges. Civil ceremonies are short, take about 10 minutes, and do not include any custom vows or decorations. The couple can bring up to four guests to the civil ceremony room at the clerk’s office.
Florida Marriage License Waiting Period Rules
Florida has a three-day waiting period for residents who apply for a marriage license. The clerk issues the license right away, but it does not become valid until three full days pass. The couple can hold the ceremony once the waiting period ends. Couples who finish the premarital course skip the three-day wait. Non-Florida residents also skip the waiting period and can marry right after the license is issued. The waiting period starts the day after the license is issued and runs for three full calendar days.
License Validity Period
A Florida marriage license stays valid for 60 days after it becomes active. Florida Statute 741.041 sets this time limit. If the couple does not marry within 60 days, the license expires. The couple must start over with a new application and pay the fee again. After the wedding, the officiant has 10 days to return the signed license to the clerk’s office for recording. The license becomes void if not used in 60 days, and the couple cannot get a refund on the original fee.
What Happens After the Ceremony
After the wedding, the person who performed the ceremony signs the license and returns it to the clerk. The clerk records the marriage in the county system and sends a copy to the Florida Department of Health. Once recorded, the marriage becomes part of the public record. People can then order certified copies from the clerk or the state vital records office. The recording process takes about 7 to 14 days from the date the officiant returns the license. The recorded marriage will then show up in online search tools.
How to Search Florida Marriage Records by Name
People can search Florida marriage records by name through several online tools. The MyFloridaCounty official records portal lets users look up marriage filings across all 67 Florida counties. The search works by name, date range, and county. Results show the names of both spouses, the marriage date, and the county where the license was issued. The portal covers records from 1972 to the present for most counties. Older records require a search through the county clerk’s office or the state Bureau of Vital Statistics.
County Clerk Records Search
Each Florida county clerk runs its own records search system. The Hillsborough Clerk website has a search tool that shows marriage records filed in the county. Users enter a last name, first name, and date range. The search returns a list of matching records with a document image number. People can view the record image for free or order a certified copy for a fee. The Hillsborough Clerk search covers all marriage filings since the county started keeping electronic records. Paper records from earlier years may require an in-person visit to the clerk’s office.
Florida Marriage License Number Lookup
People who know the marriage license number can look up the record directly through the county clerk search tool. The license number appears on the marriage license document and any certified copies. A direct lookup by number gives faster results than a name-based search. The lookup shows the full record, including the date filed and the official record number. This method works for people who already have a copy of an old license and need to verify the details. The license number is also called the marriage license number or the clerk’s file number.
Order Certified Copies of Marriage Certificates
Certified copies of a Florida marriage certificate serve as legal proof of marriage. Banks, insurance companies, and government agencies often need certified copies for name changes, benefits, and other legal matters. People can order certified copies from the county clerk where the marriage was filed or from the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics. Each certified copy has a security feature that makes it valid for legal use. The state recommends ordering several copies right after the marriage to avoid delays later.
Order by Mail
To order a certified copy by mail, the applicant must send a completed application form, a copy of a valid photo ID, and the correct fee. The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics accepts mail orders at their Jacksonville office. The form must include the full names of both spouses, the date of marriage, the county where the license was filed, and the applicant’s contact details. Processing takes about 5 to 10 business days. Mail orders should include a self-addressed stamped envelope for the return. The Bureau accepts checks, money orders, and cash by registered mail.
Order Online Through VitalChek
VitalChek is the official online ordering service for Florida vital records. People can order birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates through the VitalChek website. The service charges a processing fee on top of the state fee. VitalChek accepts credit cards and sends orders by mail. Online orders often process faster than mail-in requests and can be tracked through the VitalChek account system. VitalChek orders are processed within 5 to 7 business days. The service works in all 50 states and ships to U.S. and international addresses.
Order in Person
People who need a certified copy right away can visit the county clerk’s office in person. The Hillsborough Clerk issues certified copies at all three branch offices. The applicant fills out a request form, shows a photo ID, and pays the fee. Same-day service is often available when the record is on file at the office. The Brandon office serves Riverview residents who need quick copies without driving into Tampa. The in-person service is the fastest option for people who live near a clerk’s office.
Florida Marriage Records by County
Florida has 67 counties, and each county clerk keeps marriage records for that area. Marriage licenses must be issued by the county clerk, but the ceremony can take place anywhere in the state. People who move to a different county after marriage can still get copies from the county where the license was filed. Each county runs its own system for storing and searching records. The MyFloridaCounty portal brings all 67 county search tools into one website for easy access.
Major Florida Counties with Marriage Records
Some of the largest counties by population run high volumes of marriage applications each year. Miami-Dade County, Orange County, Broward County, Hillsborough County, and Palm Beach County handle the most marriage filings in the state. Each of these counties runs its own online search tool for marriage records. Smaller counties often share search tools through the MyFloridaCounty portal. The state portal covers all 67 counties in one place and lets users search by name, date, and document type.
| County | Clerk Office Location | Main Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Miami-Dade | 73 W Flagler Street, Miami, FL 33130 | (305) 275-1155 |
| Orange | 425 N Orange Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801 | (407) 836-2000 |
| Broward | 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 | (954) 831-6565 |
| Hillsborough | 419 E Pierce Street, Tampa, FL 33602 | (813) 276-8100 |
| Palm Beach | 205 N Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach, FL 33401 | (561) 355-2996 |
| Pinellas | 315 Court Street, Clearwater, FL 33756 | (727) 464-7000 |
| Duval | 501 W Adams Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 | (904) 255-2000 |
Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics Services
The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics sits under the Florida Department of Health. This office keeps birth, death, marriage, and divorce records for the entire state. The Bureau holds marriage records from June 1927 to the present day. Earlier marriage records from before June 1927 may be available through the county courthouse where the marriage took place, the State Archives of Florida, or church archives. The Bureau also handles corrections to existing records through a formal court process.
Florida Marriage Record Request Form
The Florida Department of Health has a standard form for marriage record requests. The form asks for the full names of both spouses, the date or year of marriage, the county where the license was filed, and the applicant’s contact details. The form must be signed and sent with a photo ID copy and the correct fee. The form is available on the Florida Department of Health website at floridahealth.gov. The form can be downloaded as a PDF and printed at home. The Bureau also accepts a written request that includes the same details if the form is not available.
Florida Apostille Marriage Certificate
People who need to use a Florida marriage certificate in another country often need an apostille. An apostille is a stamp that proves the document is real and can be used in countries that joined the Hague Convention. The Florida Department of State handles apostille requests in Tallahassee. The applicant sends the certified marriage certificate and the apostille form to the state office. The apostille process takes about 5 to 10 business days and costs $10 per document. The apostille is a separate paper attached to the certified marriage certificate with a staple and the state seal.
Online Search Options for Florida Records
Florida offers several online tools to search marriage records. The MyFloridaCounty official records portal covers all 67 counties in one search. Users can search by name, date, and document type. The portal shows record images, document numbers, and filing dates. People can view record images for free but must pay for certified copies. The portal updates daily with new filings from county clerks across the state. The website works on desktop and mobile browsers without any special software.
Free Public Records Search Tools
Many Florida counties offer free public access to marriage record images. The Hillsborough Clerk website has a free search tool that shows record images for marriages filed in the county. Users search by name, date range, or document type. Free search tools do not issue certified copies, so people who need legal proof must order a certified copy through the clerk or the state office. The free tools are useful for genealogy research, personal checks, and confirming a marriage took place. No account or login is needed to use the free search tools.
Florida Marriage Index Lookups
Florida keeps a statewide marriage index that lists marriages from 1927 to the present. The index is available through the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics and many county clerk websites. The index shows the names of both spouses, the marriage date, the county of issuance, and the official record number. Genealogists and family researchers use the index to trace family lines. The index is also available on microfilm at the State Archives of Florida in Tallahassee. The index covers millions of marriages filed across all 67 counties since 1927.
Florida Marriage Records Database
The Florida marriage records database combines records from all 67 county clerks and the state vital records office. The database goes back to June 1927 for most records. Some counties have older records in the database from the 1940s and 1950s. The database is searchable by name, date, and location. People can access the database through county clerk websites, the MyFloridaCounty portal, and the Florida Department of Health website. The database updates each business day with new filings from across the state.
Florida Marriage License Application Status
Couples can check the status of their marriage license application by calling the county clerk’s office. The Hillsborough Clerk can confirm whether a license was issued, when it becomes valid, and when it expires. After the ceremony, couples can check whether the officiant returned the signed license for recording. The recording date appears in the online search tools once the license is filed. Status checks take about 5 minutes by phone. Couples can also visit the clerk’s office in person to check the status of their application without an appointment.
Florida Marriage Archives Search
The State Archives of Florida in Tallahassee holds older marriage records and related documents. These archives include records from Florida’s territorial period and early statehood. The archives are open to the public for research. Researchers can visit the archives in person or request copies by mail. The archives website has a catalog search tool for finding specific records. The archives also hold divorce records, adoption records, and other historical documents. The mailing address is 500 S Bronough Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399.
Genealogy and Historical Marriage Records
People researching family history often need old marriage records. Florida marriage records from 1927 to the present are on file with the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics. Records before June 1927 may sit in county archives or church files. Many older records have been scanned and put online through genealogy websites. Researchers can also visit the State Archives of Florida in person for records that have not been digitized. Some county courthouses have bound volumes of old marriage records on site that go back to the 1800s.
Where to Get Old Marriage Records
Church records often hold the oldest marriage records in Florida. Many Florida churches kept marriage registers starting in the 1700s and 1800s. The Family History Library in Salt Lake City has microfilm copies of many Florida church records. The State Archives of Florida in Tallahassee also holds historical records. County historical societies can help with local records that did not get filed with the state. Some county courthouses have bound volumes of old marriage records on site that go back to the 1800s. Researchers should contact the county clerk before visiting to confirm the records are available.
Free Genealogy Search Tools
Several free websites help people search Florida marriage records. FamilySearch, run by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has a large collection of Florida marriage indexes. Find A Grave and Ancestry also have Florida marriage records, though some features require a paid subscription. The MyFloridaCounty portal offers free searches for recent records filed through county clerks. These free tools cover millions of records from across Florida. Researchers should check multiple sources because no single website has all Florida marriage records.
Florida Clerks and Comptrollers Website
The Florida Clerks and Comptrollers website at flclerks.com has general marriage license help for all 67 counties. This site explains the statewide marriage license process, fees, and rules. The site also links to each county clerk’s website for local details. The Florida Clerks and Comptrollers office works with county clerks to set standards for record keeping and customer service. The site has forms, fee schedules, and answers to common questions about marriage licenses and vital records across Florida.
Official Contact Details for Riverview Records
Riverview residents can contact the Hillsborough County Clerk of Court for marriage license records. The main office sits at 419 E. Pierce Street, Tampa, FL 33602. The general phone number is (813) 276-8100. Office hours run from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, except state holidays. The Brandon office at 311 Pauls Drive, Brandon, FL 33511, and the Plant City office at 301 North Michigan Avenue, Plant City, FL 33563, also handle marriage records during the same hours. The official website is hillsclerk.com.
For statewide records, the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics sits at 1217 N Pearl Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202. The phone number is 904-359-6900. Office hours run from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, except state holidays. The official website for statewide orders is floridahealth.gov. The VitalChek website for online orders is vitalchek.com. The Florida Clerks and Comptrollers website is flclerks.com. The State Archives of Florida website is floridamemory.com.
Florida Marriage License FAQ
People often have questions about how to get, search for, and order Florida marriage license records. The answers below cover the most common questions about Riverview marriage records, statewide searches, certified copies, and related topics. Each answer gives clear facts based on Florida law and current office rules. These answers reflect the rules in place as of August 2026. The details come from Florida statutes, the Hillsborough County Clerk, and the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Florida Marriage License?
The in-person application takes about 20 to 30 minutes when both people show up with the right documents. Florida residents then face a three-day waiting period before the license becomes valid. Couples who finish the four-hour premarital course skip the wait. Non-Florida residents also skip the waiting period. After the ceremony, the officiant has 10 days to return the signed license to the clerk’s office for recording. The recording process adds another 7 to 14 days before the marriage shows up in online search tools. Couples who need proof of marriage right after the wedding should ask the officiant for a signed statement or a copy of the license before it gets filed. The full process from application to recorded marriage can take 2 to 4 weeks for most couples. Couples planning a quick legal name change should factor in this timeline when starting the process. The wait time can stretch longer during peak wedding season from March to May.
Can I Search Florida Marriage Records for Free?
Yes, several free search tools exist for Florida marriage records. The MyFloridaCounty portal covers all 67 Florida counties at no cost and lets users search by name, date, and document type. The Hillsborough Clerk website offers a free search tool for marriages filed in Hillsborough County, which serves Riverview residents. These free tools let users view record images but do not provide certified copies. People who need legal proof of marriage for name changes, immigration, or insurance must pay for a certified copy through the clerk or the state vital records office. Free search tools are useful for genealogy research, personal checks, and confirming a marriage took place. The free tools do not require an account and can be used without registering. Results from free searches show the names, dates, and document numbers needed to order a certified copy. The free searches run as fast as paid services and return the same record data from the public database.
Marriage License vs. Marriage Certificate Difference
A marriage license is the legal document that allows a couple to get married in Florida. A marriage certificate is the document that proves the marriage took place and was recorded. The officiant signs the license after the wedding ceremony and returns it to the clerk’s office. The clerk then records the marriage in the county system and issues the marriage certificate. Certified copies of the marriage certificate serve as legal proof for name changes at the Social Security office, driver license updates, insurance, immigration cases, and other legal matters. The license itself becomes a public record once the marriage is filed. Couples often need the certificate for years after the wedding, so it is smart to order several certified copies right after the marriage is recorded. Each certified copy has a raised seal that makes it valid for legal use in Florida and other states. The two documents serve different legal purposes and are not interchangeable for most legal matters.
How Far Back Do Florida Marriage Records Go?
The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics keeps marriage records from June 1927 to the present day. Records before June 1927 may be available through county courthouses, church archives, or the State Archives of Florida. Many older records have been scanned and put online through genealogy websites like FamilySearch and Ancestry. The State Archives of Florida in Tallahassee holds historical records from Florida’s early territorial period, including some marriage records from the 1800s. The Family History Library in Salt Lake City has microfilm copies of many Florida church records dating back to the 1700s. Researchers should check county historical societies for local records that did not get filed with the state. The depth of older records varies by county, with some counties going back further than others based on when they started keeping official files. Older Spanish and British colonial records may exist in church archives and special collections at Florida universities.
Can I Get a Marriage License If I Live Outside Florida?
Yes, Florida does not have a state residency rule for marriage licenses. Out-of-state residents can apply at any Florida county clerk office. Non-Florida residents skip the three-day waiting period that applies to Florida residents. The couple can have the ceremony anywhere in Florida once the license becomes valid. Many couples travel to Florida for destination weddings because of the simple application process and the lack of a residency rule. The same documents are required for all applicants, regardless of where they live. Couples from other countries can also apply for a Florida marriage license, though they may need additional documents like a passport and a translation of any non-English records. The license is valid only in Florida, so the ceremony must take place in the state. After the wedding, the couple can use the Florida marriage certificate for legal matters in their home state or country through a process called apostille for international use.
Getting a Florida Marriage Certificate for Other Countries
For use in another country, the certified marriage certificate must have an apostille. The apostille comes from the Florida Department of State in Tallahassee, which sits at 500 S Bronough Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399. The applicant sends the certified marriage certificate, the apostille form, and the fee to the state office. Processing takes about 5 to 10 business days. The apostilled certificate can then be used in countries that joined the Hague Convention, which includes most European and Latin American countries. Countries that did not join the Hague Convention may need a different process called authentication through the U.S. Department of State. The apostille fee is $10 per document in Florida. The apostille is a separate document attached to the certified marriage certificate. People should check the specific rules of the destination country before requesting the a