Search Florida marriage license records through county clerks, the Florida Department of Health, and the state Bureau of Vital Statistics. Florida keeps marriage records at both the county level and the state level.
County clerks issue the original licenses. The state Bureau of Vital Statistics stores certificates from June 6, 1927 to today. Anyone can order a certified copy for legal use or check a public record. This page explains how to find, get, and verify marriage records across all 67 Florida counties.
How Florida Marriage Records Are Stored
Florida marriage records live in two places at the same time. The county clerk files the original signed license. The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics then receives a copy for permanent storage. Each system serves a different purpose for people who need to search these records.
County Clerk Records
Each of Florida’s 67 counties has one Clerk of the Circuit Court. That clerk handles every marriage license issued in the county. The clerk also keeps the original signed license after the wedding takes place. A Florida marriage license search by name usually starts at the county level for recent records. Most county clerks keep a public index that anyone can check. You can walk into the clerk’s office during business hours. You can also search the clerk’s online records database from home. The clerk charges a small fee for printed copies of the license.
State Bureau of Vital Statistics
The Florida Department of Health runs the Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville. This office stores marriage certificates from June 6, 1927 forward. The state office does not keep records from before that date. For older marriages, you must contact the county clerk where the license was issued. The state office is the best place for a Florida marriage certificate search because it holds the longest history of records. You can order a Florida certified marriage certificate through the mail, online, or in person.
Why Two Systems Exist
Florida law requires the county clerk to send a copy of every signed marriage license to the state. This double system protects the record. If a courthouse loses a record, the state still has a copy. If the state has a delay, the county still has the original. Florida marriage records by county remain the official source for the paper license. The state copy is the official source for the certificate you use for legal proof.
Where to Apply for a Florida Marriage License
Florida marriage license application records are handled by the county clerk. Both people must show up in person at the same time. You can pick any county in Florida to apply. A license from one county works for a wedding held anywhere in the state.
Documents You Must Bring
Bring a valid photo ID for each person. A driver’s license, state ID, or passport all work. You also need each person’s Social Security number, but you do not need to bring the physical card. If either person was married before, write down the exact date the last marriage ended. The clerk will ask if it ended by divorce, death, or court annulment. Florida law does not require a blood test today.
Age Rules for Applicants
Florida Statute 741.04 sets the minimum age at 18. A 17-year-old can apply with written consent from both parents. The other person cannot be more than two years older in that case. People under 17 cannot get a marriage license in Florida. The clerk will check your ID against state records before issuing the license.
Reading the Family Law Handbook
Every applicant must read the Florida Bar Family Law Handbook before getting a license. The clerk’s office will ask you to confirm that you read it. The handbook is free online in English, Spanish, and Creole. Reading the handbook takes about 20 minutes for most people.
Florida Marriage License Costs and Fees
Florida marriage license fees are set by state law and cost the same in every county. Knowing the costs ahead of time helps you plan for the visit to the clerk’s office.
Standard License Fee
A standard Florida marriage license costs $86. This fee is set by Florida Statute 741.0305. It applies in every county without exception. Most clerk offices take cash, checks, and credit cards. Credit card payments often have a small service fee, usually around 3.5%.
Reduced Fee With a Course
Couples who complete a four-hour premarital course pay only $61 for the license. The course must come from a provider registered with the county clerk. Both people must complete the course to get the reduced fee. The course covers communication, money matters, and parenting skills. The clerk will not waive the fee if only one person takes the course.
Other Costs You May Face
Other charges show up based on what you need from the clerk. A courthouse ceremony costs $30 in counties that offer this service. A certified copy of a filed license costs about $3 each. A duplicate or replacement license runs about $30. Some counties add a $10 rush fee for same-day service on older records.
Where the Money Goes
Part of the $86 fee funds the Domestic Violence Trust Fund. Part goes to the State Courts Revenue Trust Fund. The clerk keeps a small share to cover office costs. These splits are set by the Florida Legislature and apply across all 67 counties.
Florida Marriage License Time Rules
Florida has clear time rules for marriage licenses. The 3-day wait and 60-day validity are two of the most common facts people ask about when they search for Florida marriage records.
The 3-Day Waiting Period
Florida has a 3-day waiting period for residents. The license is not valid until 3 full days pass after you apply. Out-of-state residents skip the wait. Couples who take a 4-hour premarital course also skip the wait. The clerk can give you exact dates when your license becomes valid.
The 60-Day Validity Period
Florida Statute 741.041 sets the license at 60 days. You must hold the wedding within 60 days of getting the license. If you miss the deadline, the license expires. You must apply again and pay the fee a second time. The ceremony can take place anywhere in Florida, not just the county where you applied.
After the Wedding
The wedding officiant must return the signed license to the clerk within 10 days. The clerk files the record and sends a copy to the state Bureau of Vital Statistics. The full process to the state takes about 60 days after the ceremony. Most people receive their first certified copy in 3 to 5 business days after the clerk files the record.
Who Can Perform a Florida Marriage
Florida law lists who can legally marry a couple. The list covers religious leaders, judges, and other officials who are allowed to sign the marriage license.
Approved Officials Under Florida Law
Florida Statute 741.07 names each type of person who can perform a marriage. Ordained ministers, church elders, judicial officers, county clerks, and Florida notaries can all marry couples. Retired judges also keep this power. Both religious and civil ceremonies work under Florida law.
Commemorative Certificates From the State
The Florida Department of Health sells commemorative marriage certificates. These are decorative copies of the standard certificate. They are not legal records. They make nice gifts or keepsakes. The state website shows sample designs and ordering steps for these decorative certificates.
Courthouse Wedding Ceremonies
Some county clerks perform weddings in their office. The fee runs about $30. Not every county offers this service. Call the clerk ahead of time to book a time slot. The clerk can also help with witness needs if your county requires them.
How to Get a Certified Florida Marriage Certificate
A certified marriage certificate is the legal proof of a Florida marriage. You need it for name changes, bank records, and insurance forms. The Florida Department of Health issues these certificates through its Bureau of Vital Statistics.
Records Available From the State
The state keeps marriage certificates from June 6, 1927 to today. Each request costs $5 for a 1-year search plus one certified copy. Extra copies cost $4 each. Records before 1970 cost an extra $10 rush fee for same-day service. Processing time for computer records takes 3 to 5 business days, not counting shipping time.
Ways to Order a Certificate
You can order in person at 1217 N Pearl St. in Jacksonville. You can mail a request to P.O. Box 210, Jacksonville, FL 32231-0042. You can also order online through VitalChek, the only state-approved vendor. VitalChek charges $15 for the first certificate plus a $7 processing fee. You can call VitalChek at 877-550-7330 to order by phone. The state does not recommend other online services for vital records.
What You Need for a Mail Request
A mail request must include a signed application form. Form DH-261 is the standard form. You must also include a copy of your photo ID. Payment by check or money order works best. The state office mails the certificate back through the postal service.
Records Before 1927
The state does not have marriage records from before June 6, 1927. You must contact the county clerk where the older license was issued. Some early records may also be in church files or local libraries. County historical societies sometimes hold indexes to older records.
Florida Marriage Records by County
Florida county clerk marriage records are the starting point for most local searches. Each of the 67 counties runs its own system. Below is a closer look at the largest counties and how their systems work.
Orange County Marriage Records
Orange County covers Orlando and the surrounding area. The Orange County Clerk of Courts handles all marriage license applications in the county. You can search Orange County Florida marriage records through the clerk’s online portal. The main office is at 425 N Orange Ave. in Orlando. The clerk office opens at 8 a.m. on weekdays. You can also use the MyFloridaCounty portal to look up older records online.
Miami-Dade Marriage Records
Miami-Dade County handles marriage records through the Clerk of Courts. The clerk office runs the Marriage License Bureau. You can search Miami-Dade marriage license records at the clerk’s office or through the online search tool. The main office sits at 73 W Flagler St. in Miami. Online searches cover records going back many years. Walk-in service runs Monday through Friday.
Broward County Marriage Records
Broward County covers Fort Lauderdale and nearby cities. The Broward County marriage records search runs through the Clerk of Courts. The clerk office is at 201 SE 6th St. in Fort Lauderdale. You can apply for a license or order a copy in person. The county also offers an online records search for older filings.
Hillsborough County Marriage Records
Hillsborough County covers Tampa and the surrounding area. The Hillsborough County marriage license records come from the Clerk of Circuit Court. The main office is at 800 E Twiggs St. in Tampa. You can apply for a license there. The clerk’s online search system covers records going back decades.
Duval County Marriage Records
Duval County covers Jacksonville. The Duval County marriage records search runs through the Clerk of Courts. The clerk office sits at 501 W Adams St. in Jacksonville. You can search records online or visit the office. Duval County also hosts the state Bureau of Vital Statistics office at 1217 N Pearl St.
Palm Beach County Marriage Records
Palm Beach County covers West Palm Beach and nearby cities. The Palm Beach County marriage records search runs through the Clerk of the Circuit Court. The main office is at 205 N Dixie Hwy in West Palm Beach. The county also has branch offices in other cities. Online record searches cover recent and older filings.
Online Florida Marriage License Lookup
Online tools make it easier to search Florida public marriage records from home. Several official portals offer search features with different coverage.
The MyFloridaCounty Portal
The MyFloridaCounty official records portal lets you search public records from any Florida county. You can search by name, case number, or document type. The portal pulls data from each county clerk’s system. You can view, print, or save records for personal use. The service charges a small fee for printed copies.
Florida Court Clerks Website
The Florida Court Clerks and Comptrollers website acts as a hub for all 67 county clerks. The site has a Find a Clerk tool that gives you the address, hours, and phone number for any county clerk. The site also lists registered premarital course providers in each county. This site is the best starting point for almost any marriage license question.
VitalChek Online Ordering
VitalChek is the only vendor approved by the Florida Department of Health for online vital record orders. The VitalChek Florida portal lets you order marriage certificates from any state in the country. You fill out the online form, pay the fee, and the certificate ships to your address. Rush options are available for faster delivery. The full Florida portal sits at vitalchek.com.
Florida Marriage License Verification
Florida marriage license verification helps employers, lawyers, and family members check if a marriage is real. Several legal steps make this process clear and reliable.
Why People Verify Marriages
Employers sometimes check marriage status for benefits or insurance plans. Lawyers check marriage records during divorce or estate cases. Family members check old marriages for genealogy or inheritance reasons. Insurance companies may ask for proof of marriage. Federal agencies also need certified copies for name changes on Social Security cards and passports.
What Counts as Proof
A certified copy of the marriage certificate is the strongest proof. The certificate shows the seal of the state Bureau of Vital Statistics. A regular photocopy or a printout from a website does not count as legal proof. Bank officials, court clerks, and passport agents all ask for the certified copy with the state seal.
How Long Verification Takes
Online searches take only a few minutes when the record is on file. Mail requests take 2 to 4 weeks for delivery. Walk-in orders at the Jacksonville office can be filled the same day for an extra rush fee. The state processes most routine requests within 3 to 5 business days once the office receives the application.
Florida Marriage Records Request Process
A Florida marriage records request follows a clear step-by-step process. Knowing the steps saves time and helps you avoid common mistakes when you search for marriage records.
Step 1: Pick the Right Office
Decide if you need a county clerk or the state office. Recent marriages are often easier to get at the county level. Older marriages are usually easier to get at the state level. The state office covers records from 1927 forward. The county clerk covers all records filed in that county.
Step 2: Gather the Right Details
You need the full legal names of both spouses. You also need the year of the marriage. The exact date and county help narrow the search. The state charges $5 for a 1-year search, so having the right year saves money. The clerk may also ask for your relationship to the people on the record.
Step 3: Submit Your Request
Submit your request in person, by mail, or online. In-person requests give you the fastest results at the Jacksonville office. Mail requests take longer but work for people who do not live near Jacksonville. Online requests through VitalChek are the most convenient for most people.
Step 4: Pay the Required Fee
Each method has its own fee structure. State office walk-in costs $5 plus extras for copies. Mail requests cost $5 per year searched plus copies. VitalChek costs $15 for the first certificate plus a $7 processing fee. County clerk fees vary by county for local searches.
Common Problems and Solutions
People run into a few common problems when they search for Florida marriage records. The list below covers the most common issues and how to fix them.
Records Before 1927
The state does not have records from before June 6, 1927. You must contact the county clerk where the older license was filed. Church records or family Bibles can also help. Some old records sit in local history libraries. The Florida State Archives also has some older indexes.
Name Changes on the Record
A name change after marriage can make searches harder. The clerk will search for the name listed on the original record. Common alternate spellings or maiden names can also cause search problems. The state search covers one full calendar year per $5 fee, so wider date ranges cost more.
Long Wait Times at Peak Seasons
Spring and early summer are the busiest times for marriage licenses. The clerk offices see longer lines during these months. Schedule your visit for the middle of the week to avoid crowds. Some counties let you set an appointment online to cut your wait time.
Lost or Missing Records
Fire, flood, or simple filing errors can cause lost records. The state copy usually fills the gap for records after 1927. The state copy also has the same legal power as the original. If both copies are lost, sworn statements from witnesses can sometimes help in court cases.
Florida Marriage License Archives and Indexes
Florida marriage license archives hold older records for research and legal use. These archives help genealogists, lawyers, and family members find records that are no longer in active files.
State Archives
The Florida State Archives in Tallahassee holds older county records. The archives also keep indexes of marriages from many counties. These records help people who search for Florida marriage index search results for genealogy work. Some records date back to the early 1800s in older Florida counties.
County Historical Records
Many county clerks transfer older paper records to local historical societies. These groups often keep their own indexes. Contact the local historical society in the county where the marriage took place. Some societies charge small fees for record searches.
Third-Party Genealogy Sites
Ancestry.com, FamilySearch, and other genealogy sites copy older Florida marriage records. These sites can help you find records faster. They are not official sources for legal proof. The state and county remain the only official sources for certified copies.
Florida Marriage License Search by Date
Florida marriage license search by date is a common method for people who know when the wedding took place. The state search system lets you search by year, and some county systems let you search by exact date.
Why Date Searches Work
Date searches narrow the results to a smaller group. This is helpful when the names are common. The state office charges $5 for each year you search. Knowing the exact year saves you from paying for extra search years. The clerk can also help you find a record if you only know the month and year.
What the Date Search Returns
The search returns the names of both spouses, the marriage date, and the county. The search also shows the license number for official use. You can then order a certified copy based on the search results. Each certified copy costs $4 more on top of the search fee.
Official Contact Details for Florida Marriage Records
Below are the official contact details for the main offices that handle Florida marriage records. These offices cover everything from license applications to certified copies.
Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics
Address: 1217 N Pearl St., Jacksonville, FL 32202
Phone: 904-359-6900
Website: floridahealth.gov
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 210, Jacksonville, FL 32231-0042
Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time
Florida Court Clerks and Comptrollers
Website: flclerks.com
Phone: 850-921-0808
Office: Tallahassee, Florida
VitalChek (State-Approved Vendor)
Phone: 877-550-7330
Website: vitalchek.com
Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for online orders
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to common questions about Florida marriage records. These questions cover searches, fees, and legal proof for marriage records in the state. The answers pull from current Florida law and state office rules.
How do I search Florida marriage records for free?
You can search Florida marriage records for free through the MyFloridaCounty official records portal. The portal lets you look at basic record details without paying. You pay only if you want to print or download a copy. County clerk websites also offer free basic searches. The state Bureau of Vital Statistics does not offer free searches. You must pay $5 for each year of records you want to check at the state level.
What is the difference between a marriage license and a marriage certificate?
A marriage license is the document that lets two people get married. The county clerk issues this paper before the wedding. A marriage certificate is the document that proves the marriage already took place. The state Bureau of Vital Statistics issues the certificate after the wedding. The license comes first. The certificate comes after the wedding and the filing process.
Can I get a Florida marriage record if I am not the spouse listed?
Florida marriage records are public records under state law. Any adult can request a non-certified copy for personal use. Certified copies have tighter rules. Authorized people can get certified copies. Authorized people include the spouses, their immediate family, and lawyers working on a case. You must show a valid photo ID when you order.
How long does it take to get a Florida marriage certificate after the wedding?
The officiant must return the signed license to the county clerk within 10 days of the wedding. The clerk files the record and sends a copy to the state. The state usually has the record on file about 60 days after the ceremony. You can order a certified copy 3 to 5 business days after the state files the record. Rush orders cut this time for an extra fee.
Are Florida marriage records available online from 1927 to today?
Florida marriage records are available online for most counties through their clerk websites. The MyFloridaCounty portal pulls data from all 67 counties. The state Bureau of Vital Statistics has records from June 6, 1927 forward. Some older records from 1927 to 1970 cost extra to search. Records before 1927 sit in county clerk offices and archives.
Can I use a Florida marriage certificate in another state?
Yes. A certified Florida marriage certificate works as legal proof in every U.S. state. It also works in most foreign countries for immigration and travel. You may need an apostille for some countries. The Florida Department of State issues apostilles for Florida documents. A regular photocopy does not work for legal use in other states or countries.
What if my Florida marriage record shows wrong information?
You can ask the county clerk for a correction if the record has a small error. The clerk can amend the record. You must show proof of the correct information. The state office also makes changes to the state copy. Major errors may need a court order. The amendment process takes 4 to 6 weeks in most cases.