Tamarac City marriage license records are public files that show who got married in Tamarac, Florida, and across Broward County. These records include the names of both spouses, the date of the marriage, the location, and the license number.
People search these records for many reasons, such as checking their own marriage history, doing family tree research, or proving a name change. The city of Tamarac sits in Broward County, so all marriage licenses for Tamarac residents come from the Broward County Clerk of the Circuit Court. After the wedding, the records also get filed with the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville.
This page covers how to get, search, and request copies of Tamarac marriage license records. It also explains the rules, fees, and waiting periods that apply in 2026. Whether you need a new license, an old certificate, or a genealogy search, the steps below will help you move forward.
How Tamarac Marriage License Records Work
Tamarac marriage license records start with an application at the county clerk’s office. Once the clerk approves the license, a couple has a set time to hold their wedding. After the wedding, the person who performs the ceremony signs the license and sends it back to the clerk. The clerk then files the record and sends a copy to the state office in Jacksonville. From that point on, the record stays on file with both Broward County and the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics.
What Tamarac Marriage License Records Include
Each Tamarac marriage record holds specific facts about the couple and the event. The record shows the full legal names of both spouses, their dates of birth, and their addresses at the time of marriage. It also shows the date the license was issued, the date the wedding took place, and the county where the license was issued. The license number sits on the record as a unique ID. The signature of the officiant and the witnesses appear on the filed document.
Why These Records Matter for Residents
Marriage records serve many practical needs. Banks, insurance companies, and government agencies often ask for a certified copy of a marriage certificate to update a name or add a spouse. Lawyers use these records in court cases. Family members use them to trace their family history. People also search marriage records to confirm a past marriage ended before they start a new one. These records carry legal weight because they prove a legal change in status.
Broward County Clerk Marriage License Services
Tamarac residents get their marriage licenses from the Broward County Clerk of the Circuit Court. This office handles all marriage license duties for the county, including applications, filings, and certified copies. The clerk’s office also performs civil ceremonies in some locations. The main office sits in Fort Lauderdale, and there are branch offices across the county. Tamarac residents often visit the closest branch for faster service.
Office Location and Hours for Tamarac Residents
The main Broward County Clerk’s office for marriage licenses sits at 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. The office opens at 7:30 AM and closes at 4:00 PM on weekdays. Many branch offices also handle marriage licenses with similar hours. The clerk’s website lists all branch locations and their hours. Some branches need an appointment, while others accept walk-ins. Check the website before you visit to save time.
How to Apply for a Marriage License in Tamarac
To apply for a marriage license, both people must show up at the clerk’s office at the same time. You cannot apply by mail or by proxy. The clerk will give you a form to fill out, or you can fill it out online ahead of time on the clerk’s website. The form asks for your full name, date of birth, Social Security number, and address. You also need to say whether you have been married before. If yes, write down the exact date your last marriage ended and how it ended.
You will sign the form in front of a clerk. The clerk will check your ID and process your payment. The whole visit usually takes 30 to 60 minutes. If you pre-apply online, the visit moves faster.
Required Documents and ID for Tamarac Applicants
Both people must bring a valid photo ID to the clerk’s office. A driver’s license, state ID card, or passport all work. You also need to know your Social Security number, but the actual card is not required. If you were married before, bring the exact date the marriage ended. For divorce, the date the court signed the final judgment matters. For the death of a spouse, the date of death matters. For annulment, the court date matters. The clerk will use this date to make sure enough time has passed since the last marriage ended.
- Valid photo ID such as a driver’s license, state ID, or passport
- Social Security number, though no physical card is required
- Date and type of last marriage ending, such as divorce, death, or annulment
- Payment for the license fee, which may include a small card processing fee
Marriage License Fees in Tamarac and Broward
A standard Florida marriage license costs $86 in 2026. This fee stays the same across all 67 counties in Florida. If both people finish a four-hour premarital course, the fee drops to $61. The clerk’s office accepts cash, checks, and most major credit cards. A small processing fee of around 3.5% may apply for card payments. The fee covers the license itself, plus the cost of filing the record after the wedding. A first certified copy of the marriage certificate comes with the license fee.
| Fee Type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard License | $86 | Required for all Florida applicants |
| Reduced License | $61 | Both people must complete a 4-hour course |
| Certified Copy | $3 | Each extra copy after the first |
| Courthouse Ceremony | $30 | Only at select clerk locations |
| Duplicate License | $30 | If the original gets lost |
Florida Marriage License Rules That Apply in Tamarac
Florida sets the rules for all marriage licenses in the state. Tamarac follows these same rules because Broward County falls under Florida law. The rules cover age, waiting periods, and license validity. They also cover who can perform the wedding. These rules come from Florida Statute Chapter 741. Both partners and officiants must follow them for a valid marriage.
Age Requirements and Parental Consent
Both people must be at least 18 years old to marry in Florida without permission. A 17-year-old can apply with written consent from both parents or a legal guardian. The consent form must be signed in front of a notary or two witnesses. The older partner cannot be more than two years older than the 17-year-old. People under 17 cannot marry in Florida, even with parental consent. The clerk will check IDs to confirm ages before issuing the license.
The 3-Day Waiting Period and How to Skip It
Florida has a 3-day waiting period for marriage licenses. The waiting period starts the day after the clerk issues the license. The license cannot be used until the waiting period ends. Couples can skip the waiting period if both people complete a 4-hour premarital course from a registered provider. The course must be approved by the clerk in the county where you apply. You must bring the original certificate of completion to the clerk’s office when you apply. The license becomes valid right away if both people have the certificate.
License Validity Period After Approval
A Florida marriage license stays valid for 60 days from the date of issue. If the wedding does not happen within those 60 days, the license expires. A new application and fee are required if the couple still wants to marry. The wedding can take place anywhere in Florida, not just in the county where you got the license. The officiant must return the signed license to the clerk’s office within 10 days after the wedding. The clerk then files the record and sends a copy to the state.
Blood Test Requirements in Florida
Florida no longer requires a blood test for marriage licenses. This rule changed in 1985. Couples do not need to get any health tests or medical exams before they get a license. The clerk will not ask for any medical proof. The application form has no questions about blood type or health status.
Who Can Officiate a Wedding in Tamarac Florida
Florida law lists the people who can perform a legal wedding. The list covers religious leaders, judges, and certain public officials. The person who performs the ceremony is called the officiant. The officiant must sign the marriage license after the wedding and send it back to the clerk. Without this signature, the marriage is not legally recorded.
Approved Officiants Under Florida Statute 741.07
Florida Statute 741.07 lists who can officiate a wedding. The list includes ordained ministers, elders in communion with a church, all judicial officers whether active or retired, clerks of the circuit court, and notaries public. The ordination can come from any religious group. Online ordinations are also accepted as long as the group is a legal religious organization. The officiant does not need to live in Florida. A friend or family member can become an ordained minister online to perform the ceremony.
Courthouse Wedding Options in Broward County
Some Broward County clerk locations offer civil ceremonies for a $30 fee. The ceremony is short and takes place in a private room at the clerk’s office. The clerk or a deputy clerk performs the ceremony. You need to have a valid marriage license before the ceremony. Call the clerk’s office ahead of time to book a slot. Not every branch performs weddings, so check the local list first.
How to Search Tamarac Marriage Records Online
People search Tamarac marriage records online for many reasons. Some want to confirm their own past marriages. Some work on family history projects. Some need to check if a marriage took place in a certain year. Florida has several online tools that help with these searches. Some tools are free, while others charge a fee.
Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics Online Search
The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics runs an online search for marriage records. This tool covers marriages from June 6, 1927, to the present. You can search by name, year, and county. The tool shows you whether a record exists, but you must pay for a certified copy if you need proof. The online search is part of the VitalChek system. The search itself costs $5 for one calendar year. The Florida Department of Health website explains the full process.
Broward County Official Records Portal
Broward County runs an online records portal through MyFloridaCounty. This portal covers official records filed in the county, including marriage licenses after the wedding. You can search by name, document type, and date range. Many records show up as free image previews. The site charges a small fee for certified copies. The portal works well for recent records but may not show older marriages from the 1920s to 1950s.
Third-Party Search Tools and What to Know
Many third-party websites offer Florida marriage record searches. These sites pull data from public sources. Some charge a fee for full reports. Some offer free basic searches but charge for detailed records. Be careful with these sites. Some are not updated regularly. Some charge high fees for information you can get from the state for less. The Florida Department of Health lists VitalChek as the only approved online vendor for certified copies. Use state and county sites for the most accurate results.
Getting Certified Copies of Tamarac Marriage Certificates
A certified copy of a marriage certificate is a printed copy with a raised seal or stamp that proves it is real. Banks, courts, and government agencies accept certified copies. A regular photocopy is not accepted. You can get certified copies from the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics or from the Broward County Clerk’s office. The cost, wait time, and process differ based on where you order.
Walk-In Service at the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics
The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics office in Jacksonville handles walk-in orders for marriage certificates. The office sits at 1217 N Pearl St, Jacksonville, FL 32202. The office opens at 8:00 AM and closes at 4:30 PM on weekdays. You can order a certified copy in person and pick it up the same day for some records. Bring a valid photo ID and the details of the marriage, such as the full names of both spouses and the year of marriage. The cost is $5 for a one-year search plus $3 per certified copy.
Mail-In Request Process
You can mail a request to the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics. The mailing address is P.O. Box 210, Jacksonville, FL 32231-0042. Your letter must include the full names of both spouses, the date or year of marriage, the county of marriage, and your current mailing address. Include a check or money order for the search fee and copies. A standard search costs $5 for each calendar year. Each certified copy costs $4. A $10 rush fee applies if the marriage happened before 1970 and you need same-day service.
Online Ordering Through VitalChek
VitalChek is the only state-approved online vendor for Florida marriage certificates. The site lets you order certified copies 24 hours a day. The cost is $15 for the first certificate, which includes the $5 search fee and a $10 rush fee. VitalChek adds a $7 processing fee on top. You can pay by credit card or debit card. The certificate ships by mail or overnight delivery. Normal processing takes 3 to 5 business days, not counting shipping time. The VitalChek Florida portal is at vitalchek.com.
Phone Orders and Processing Times
You can order Florida marriage certificates by phone through VitalChek. The phone number is 877-550-7330. Phone orders cost the same as online orders, plus the $7 processing fee. The agent will help you fill out the request and take your payment over the phone. Phone orders usually ship within 5 to 7 business days. You can ask for overnight shipping for an extra fee.
Older Tamarac Marriage Records and Genealogy Research
Family history researchers often look for old marriage records in Tamarac and Broward County. Older records can show maiden names, parents’ names, and where a couple lived. These details help build a full family tree. The state started keeping marriage records in 1927, but county clerk records go back much further. Old records may need a special search method.
Records Before June 6, 1927
The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics only has marriage records from June 6, 1927, onward. For marriages before that date, you must contact the Broward County Clerk’s office. The county clerk keeps the original records from the time the license was issued. Many of these old records have been scanned and are available online. Some still sit in physical ledgers at the clerk’s office. You may need to visit in person to see the oldest records.
Genealogy Search Tips for Tamarac Families
Genealogy research in Tamarac works best with a clear plan. Start with the names of the couple and an approximate year of marriage. Check the Broward County records portal first for any scanned images. If the record is not online, contact the clerk’s office by email or phone. The clerk’s genealogy staff can help point you to the right ledger. Local libraries in Tamarac and Fort Lauderdale also keep family history collections. The Broward County Historical Commission holds marriage records, church records, and newspaper announcements that can help.
Apostille and Authentication for Tamarac Marriage Records
An apostille is a special stamp that proves a Florida document is real for use in another country. Many countries require an apostille on a marriage certificate before they accept it. The apostille goes on the certified copy, not the original. Florida uses the state apostille process for this. The Florida Department of State handles all apostille requests in 2026.
When You Need an Apostille
You need an apostille when a foreign government, foreign employer, or foreign court asks for proof of your Florida marriage. Common cases include immigration, name changes, property purchases, and dual citizenship. Countries that follow the Hague Apostille Convention accept Florida apostilles. Countries outside the convention may need a different process called authentication. Check the rules of the country where you will use the certificate before you order an apostille.
How to Get an Apostille in Florida
The Florida Department of State issues apostilles in Tallahassee. You must first get a certified copy of your marriage certificate from the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics or the Broward County Clerk. Then you submit the certified copy to the Department of State with a request form and a $10 fee per document. You can mail the request or visit in person. The office sits at the R.A. Gray Building, 500 S Bronough St, Tallahassee, FL 32399. Processing takes 5 to 10 business days by mail. Same-day service is available for an extra fee.
Contact Info for Tamarac Marriage Records
Below is the contact info for the main offices that handle Tamarac marriage records. The Broward County Clerk’s office issues licenses and files records. The Florida Department of Health keeps state records. VitalChek handles online and phone orders. Call ahead to confirm hours before you visit.
| Office | Address | Phone | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Broward County Clerk of Court | 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 | 954-831-6525 | Mon-Fri 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics | 1217 N Pearl St, Jacksonville, FL 32202 | 904-359-6900 | Mon-Fri 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Florida Department of State Apostille | 500 S Bronough St, Tallahassee, FL 32399 | 850-245-6500 | Mon-Fri 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| VitalChek Customer Service | Online at vitalchek.com | 877-550-7330 | 24 hours, 7 days |
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are common questions people ask about Tamarac marriage records. The answers cover searches, copies, fees, and other key details. These questions reflect what users search for most often in 2026. Each answer is based on current Florida law and state office rules.
Can I get a Tamarac marriage license online?
You cannot get a full marriage license online, but you can fill out the pre-application online through the Broward County Clerk’s website. Both people must still visit the clerk’s office in person to show ID, sign the form, and pay the fee. The online pre-application saves time at the counter but does not replace the in-person visit. The state of Florida does not allow fully remote marriage licenses in 2026.
How long does it take to get a certified copy of a Tamarac marriage certificate?
Walk-in orders at the Jacksonville office can be ready the same day for some records. Mail-in orders take 2 to 4 weeks. Online orders through VitalChek take 3 to 5 business days plus shipping. The exact time depends on the record year and the shipping method you choose. Rush fees are available for faster service on older records.
Are Tamarac marriage records public?
Yes, Tamarac marriage records are public records under Florida law. Anyone can search the county records portal or the state online system. The records show the names, date, and location of the marriage. Certified copies require a small fee. Some older records may have restricted access for living persons, but most historical records are open to the public.
What if I do not know the year of my parents’ marriage in Tamarac?
If you do not know the year, start with a 5-year search range. The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics charges $5 for each calendar year searched, so a 5-year search costs $25. You can also check church records, family Bibles, and newspaper archives for the date. The Broward County Historical Commission can help with local newspaper searches. Family members may also have a copy of the original marriage certificate at home.
Can I use a Tamarac marriage certificate in another state?
Yes, a certified copy of a Florida marriage certificate works in all U.S. states. You do not need an apostille for use within the United States. You only need an apostille for use in a foreign country. Some states may ask for a raised seal or an apostille for certain legal matters, but a standard certified copy is accepted in most cases.
What is the difference between a marriage license and a marriage certificate?
A marriage license is the legal document that allows a couple to get married. The clerk issues it before the wedding. A marriage certificate is the record that proves the wedding took place. The officiant signs the license after the wedding, and the clerk files it as a certificate. The certificate is what you use for legal matters like name changes, insurance, and immigration.
Do I need an appointment to get a marriage license in Tamarac?
It depends on the branch office. The main Broward County Clerk’s office in Fort Lauderdale often accepts walk-ins, but some branch offices require an appointment. Call the office ahead of time to check the local rules. Appointments can usually be booked through the clerk’s website. Walk-in lines can be long during peak wedding season, so an appointment saves time.