How do I get a marriage license?

County Clerk of Court (county level - each of Florida's 67 counties)

Step by Step

How to do it

Both parties visit any Florida County Clerk of Court in person (license valid statewide regardless of which county issues it)
Complete the online pre-application if offered by your county (many counties offer this to speed up the in-person visit); Florida residents must read the Family Law Handbook (available at the clerk's office or online)
Both parties present valid government-issued photo ID
Provide Social Security numbers; if previously married, provide exact date the marriage ended and how (divorce, death, or annulment)
Pay the fee and receive your license
WAITING PERIOD for Florida residents: license is valid 3 days after issuance (day of issuance does not count); can be WAIVED if both parties complete a 4-hour Florida Premarital Preparation Course from a registered provider BEFORE applying (must present certificate at time of application - reduces fee by $25)
NON-FLORIDA RESIDENTS: No waiting period - can marry the same day
Get married within 60 days - license expires after 60 calendar days
Officiant returns the signed license to the Clerk's office for recording (typically within 10 days of ceremony)

Details

What you need to know

Required Docs

Valid government-issued photo ID for both parties (driver's license, passport, military ID)
Social Security numbers for both parties
If previously married: exact date and how prior marriage ended (county/state usually not required)
If 17 years old: notarized consent form from both parents (or parent with sole custody); certified long-form birth certificate; must not be more than 3 years younger than their partner; if sole custody, bring court order
Must be 18+ without parental consent; minimum age 17 with parental consent

Fee

$86 standard (Florida residents without premarital course); $61 (Florida residents WITH completed premarital course certificate - $25 discount); $86 (non-Florida residents - no discount); credit/debit card surcharge of ~3.5% at many offices; cash/check often preferred; verify with your county

Waiting Period

3 days for Florida residents (waived with premarital course certificate); NO waiting period for non-Florida residents (if BOTH parties are non-residents) LICENSE VALIDITY: 60 calendar days from date of issuance

Online Option

No - must appear in person; many counties offer online pre-application to streamline the visit

Where to Go

Any Florida County Clerk of Court; license valid statewide

County-specific variations apply

Fees vary slightly by county ($86-$93.50 in most counties). Payment methods vary - some counties accept cash/check/card; others cash/check only. Some counties offer civil ceremony appointments for an additional fee (~$30). Miami-Dade requires completed online pre-application before visiting. Miami-Dade returns signed license within 10 days. Premarital course providers must be registered with the Florida Department of Health - directory available at county clerk offices or online. Verify your county's specific procedures before visiting.

Florida Notes

Important state-specific details

Florida has a 3-day waiting period for residents - but it can be WAIVED with a 4-hour premarital course (also saves $25). This is one of the most practical incentives for premarital education in any state.
No blood test required.
No residency requirement - non-residents may obtain a Florida marriage license; no waiting period applies if BOTH parties are non-Florida residents.
Two witnesses are NOT required by Florida statute for most marriages (some religious ceremonies require witnesses per religious tradition; confirm with your officiant).
Florida is a community property-adjacent equitable distribution state.
Certified copies of marriage certificate: available from the county Clerk of Court where the license was obtained; also searchable through the Official Records system.

Official Source

State office contact

State Office

Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics (for certified marriage record copies) - floridahealth.gov | (904) 359-6900; County Clerk of Court (varies by county)