How to Get Married in Florida (2026)
Reviewed by DocDraft Legal Team · Florida · Last updated 2026-05-18
Florida runs its marriage-license system on its own family-law code. On the timing side: 3 days from application; waived for couples who complete a registered premarital preparation course (Fla. Stat. § 741.04, § 741.0305). Once issued, the license is good for: 60 days from issuance (Fla. Stat. § 741.041). The state's common-law-marriage rule: Not recognized for marriages entered on or after January 1, 1968; common-law marriages entered before that date remain valid. This guide details what Florida requires from license application through return of the signed license to the clerk after the ceremony.
Key Considerations
Two date-driven Florida rules surround the marriage license. 3 days from application; waived for couples who complete a registered premarital preparation course (Fla. Stat. § 741.04, § 741.0305). 60 days from issuance (Fla. Stat. § 741.041). A ceremony performed inside the waiting period (where one applies) or after the validity window has lapsed is not lawful, and the parties would have to reapply.
Florida treats marriage formation as a two-part question. Can the couple skip the license and the ceremony entirely under a common-law doctrine? Not recognized for marriages entered on or after January 1, 1968; common-law marriages entered before that date remain valid. If a ceremony is required, who may perform it? Regularly ordained minister of any church or religious denomination; elder in communion with the Church; clerk of the circuit court; judicial officer; notary public of Florida (per Fla. Stat. § 741.07). The marriage code answers both.
Florida marriage-license applicants face two upfront filters: how much the license costs and whether both applicants meet the age requirement. Fee side: Statutory base fee under Fla. Stat. § 741.0306 plus county add-ons; reduced by $25 for couples completing a registered premarital preparation course (Fla. Stat. § 741.0305(2)). Specific dollar amount varies by county clerk. Age side: Must be at least 17 with written parental/guardian consent; the older party must not be more than 2 years older than the 17-year-old. No marriage under 17 permitted. The state marriage code, not local custom, controls each one.
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Relevant Documents
Florida couples typically present this stack at the clerk's office: the completed marriage-license application, valid government photo identification, and (where applicable) the premarital-course completion certificate. Yes; completion of a registered 4+ hour premarital preparation course within 1 year of application reduces the license fee by $25 AND waives the 3-day waiting period (Fla. Stat. § 741.0305). Florida issuing clerks collect the marriage-license fee at the application appointment.
Beneficiary Designation Forms
Documents that specify who receives assets from retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and other financial accounts upon your death.
Durable Power of Attorney
Authorizes someone to make financial and legal decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated, ensuring your affairs can be managed without court intervention.
Healthcare Power of Attorney
Designates someone to make medical decisions for you if you're unable to do so, ensuring your healthcare preferences are respected.
Prenuptial Agreement
A contract entered into before marriage that establishes rights to property and financial support in case of divorce or death. This document can protect pre-marital assets and outline financial responsibilities during marriage.
Updated Will
A legal document that specifies how your assets should be distributed after death. Marriage typically invalidates previous wills in many jurisdictions, making it important to create a new one that includes your spouse.
Relevant Laws
Florida Marriage License Requirements
Florida requires couples to obtain a marriage license before getting married. Both parties must appear together at a county clerk's office, present valid identification, and pay a fee (typically $86-$93.50). There's a 3-day waiting period for Florida residents unless they complete a premarital preparation course.
Premarital Preparation Course Discount
Couples who complete a premarital preparation course from a registered provider can receive a discount on their marriage license fee and avoid the 3-day waiting period. The course must be at least 4 hours long and completed within 1 year prior to applying for the license.
Marriage License Validity Period
In Florida, a marriage license is valid for 60 days from the date of issuance. The marriage ceremony must take place within this timeframe, or the couple will need to apply for a new license.
Marriage Ceremony Requirements
Florida recognizes marriages performed by ordained ministers, clergy members, judicial officers, notaries public, and clerks of the circuit court. The ceremony must have at least two witnesses present, and the officiant must complete and submit the marriage license to the clerk's office within 10 days after the ceremony.
Name Change After Marriage
While not required, Florida allows individuals to change their last name after marriage by using their marriage certificate as legal proof. This can be used to update identification documents like driver's licenses, Social Security cards, and passports.
Regional Variances
County-Specific Marriage License Requirements in Florida
Miami-Dade County requires both parties to appear in person at the Clerk's office to apply for a marriage license. The county offers a premarital course discount that reduces the license fee from $86 to $61 and eliminates the 3-day waiting period. The Clerk's office in downtown Miami offers extended hours on Wednesdays until 7 PM for marriage license applications.
Broward County requires identification in English or with certified translation. They offer marriage license services at multiple locations including the main courthouse in Fort Lauderdale and satellite offices. Couples who complete a premarital preparation course can receive a reduced fee and waiver of the waiting period, with the course certificate valid for one year.
In Orange County (Orlando area), marriage licenses are valid for 60 days from issuance. The county offers a unique service allowing couples to apply for their marriage license online before appearing in person to complete the process, potentially reducing wait times. Marriage ceremonies can be performed at the courthouse by appointment only.
Monroe County (including Key West) is a popular destination wedding location with specific requirements for non-residents. The Clerk's offices in Key West, Marathon, and Plantation Key all issue marriage licenses. Due to the tourism-focused nature of the area, they have staff experienced in helping out-of-state couples navigate Florida marriage requirements.
Hillsborough County (Tampa area) requires appointments for marriage ceremonies performed by the Clerk's office. They offer a unique online scheduling system for both license applications and ceremonies. The county provides a detailed marriage information packet that includes local venues and officiants, which is not commonly offered in other counties.
City-Specific Marriage Regulations in Florida
Key West has specific regulations for beach weddings, requiring special permits for ceremonies on public beaches. The city is known for its inclusive approach to same-sex marriages and has been a pioneer in this area even before statewide recognition. The city offers a unique 'Sunset Celebration' wedding package in coordination with the famous Mallory Square sunset festivities.
St. Augustine, as Florida's oldest city, has historic venue restrictions that may affect wedding planning. Ceremonies at historic sites like Castillo de San Marcos require federal permits in addition to city permits. The city has specific noise ordinances that affect reception planning, with outdoor music typically restricted after 10 PM in the historic district.
Naples has strict regulations regarding beach weddings, including limitations on decorations, structures, and attendance numbers. Permits must be obtained at least 30 days in advance for beach ceremonies. The city also has specific rules about photography permits for commercial wedding photography in public spaces and parks.
Orlando offers unique wedding opportunities at theme parks, but these venues have their own specific legal requirements and restrictions. For Disney property weddings, couples must work with Disney's wedding planners and follow their specific protocols. The city also has special event permits required for weddings in public parks that exceed certain attendance thresholds.
Palm Beach has some of the strictest regulations in Florida regarding beach weddings and outdoor ceremonies. Permits for beach weddings are limited and must be obtained well in advance. The town has noise ordinances that are strictly enforced, affecting reception planning. Non-resident fees for certain wedding venues may be substantially higher than resident fees.
Suggested Compliance Checklist
Submit the Florida marriage-license application in person at the issuing clerk's office
Before the ceremony days after startingStatutory base fee under Fla. Stat. § 741.0306 plus county add-ons; reduced by $25 for couples completing a registered premarital preparation course (Fla. Stat. § 741.0305(2)). Specific dollar amount varies by county clerk. Identification requirements typically include a current government-issued photo ID; some clerks also ask for a birth certificate or certified copy of any divorce decree.
Verify identification and any prior-marriage documents at the counter
Before the ceremony days after startingBoth applicants typically present current government photo ID; previously married applicants should bring a certified copy of the divorce decree, annulment order, or death certificate as proof the prior marriage has ended.
Plan the ceremony date around the statutory waiting period
Before the ceremony days after starting3 days from application; waived for couples who complete a registered premarital preparation course (Fla. Stat. § 741.04, § 741.0305). A ceremony performed before the waiting period runs is voidable; the couple should confirm the earliest lawful date directly with the clerk.
Consider completing a state-approved premarital preparation course if this state offers a discount or waiting-period.
Before applying days after startingYes; completion of a registered 4+ hour premarital preparation course within 1 year of application reduces the license fee by $25 AND waives the 3-day waiting period (Fla. Stat. § 741.0305). The certificate of completion must be presented to the clerk at the time of application, not later.
Confirm the license validity window before locking the ceremony date
Before the ceremony days after starting60 days from issuance (Fla. Stat. § 741.041). The license expires by operation of law at the end of the window; a ceremony performed after expiration is not lawful and the couple must reapply.
Complete the ceremony with an officiant who falls inside the Florida authorized-officiant list
At the ceremony days after startingRegularly ordained minister of any church or religious denomination; elder in communion with the Church; clerk of the circuit court; judicial officer; notary public of Florida (per Fla. Stat. § 741.07). An out-of-state officiant performing the ceremony inside Florida should be confirmed against the Florida list, since reciprocity is not automatic.
Make sure the officiant files the executed license back with the issuing office promptly after the ceremony
After the ceremony days after startingRecording converts the license into a recorded marriage on the state's vital-records system and is what makes a certified marriage certificate available.
| Task | Description | Document | Days after starting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Submit the Florida marriage-license application in person at the issuing clerk's office | Statutory base fee under Fla. Stat. § 741.0306 plus county add-ons; reduced by $25 for couples completing a registered premarital preparation course (Fla. Stat. § 741.0305(2)). Specific dollar amount varies by county clerk. Identification requirements typically include a current government-issued photo ID; some clerks also ask for a birth certificate or certified copy of any divorce decree. | - | Before the ceremony |
| Verify identification and any prior-marriage documents at the counter | Both applicants typically present current government photo ID; previously married applicants should bring a certified copy of the divorce decree, annulment order, or death certificate as proof the prior marriage has ended. | - | Before the ceremony |
| Plan the ceremony date around the statutory waiting period | 3 days from application; waived for couples who complete a registered premarital preparation course (Fla. Stat. § 741.04, § 741.0305). A ceremony performed before the waiting period runs is voidable; the couple should confirm the earliest lawful date directly with the clerk. | - | Before the ceremony |
| Consider completing a state-approved premarital preparation course if this state offers a discount or waiting-period. | Yes; completion of a registered 4+ hour premarital preparation course within 1 year of application reduces the license fee by $25 AND waives the 3-day waiting period (Fla. Stat. § 741.0305). The certificate of completion must be presented to the clerk at the time of application, not later. | - | Before applying |
| Confirm the license validity window before locking the ceremony date | 60 days from issuance (Fla. Stat. § 741.041). The license expires by operation of law at the end of the window; a ceremony performed after expiration is not lawful and the couple must reapply. | - | Before the ceremony |
| Complete the ceremony with an officiant who falls inside the Florida authorized-officiant list | Regularly ordained minister of any church or religious denomination; elder in communion with the Church; clerk of the circuit court; judicial officer; notary public of Florida (per Fla. Stat. § 741.07). An out-of-state officiant performing the ceremony inside Florida should be confirmed against the Florida list, since reciprocity is not automatic. | - | At the ceremony |
| Make sure the officiant files the executed license back with the issuing office promptly after the ceremony | Recording converts the license into a recorded marriage on the state's vital-records system and is what makes a certified marriage certificate available. | - | After the ceremony |
Frequently Asked Questions
Not recognized for marriages entered on or after January 1, 1968; common-law marriages entered before that date remain valid. Couples concerned about whether their relationship qualifies as a common-law marriage in Florida should confirm the current rule against the state marriage code; the law has changed materially in many states between 1990 and 2026.
Statutory base fee under Fla. Stat. § 741.0306 plus county add-ons; reduced by $25 for couples completing a registered premarital preparation course (Fla. Stat. § 741.0305(2)). Specific dollar amount varies by county clerk. Pricing is best confirmed against the issuing clerk's published fee schedule. In states with a premarital-course discount, the course-completion certificate is presented at the application appointment to claim the reduction.
3 days from application; waived for couples who complete a registered premarital preparation course (Fla. Stat. § 741.04, § 741.0305). Where the rule applies, the earliest the ceremony can lawfully take place is the issuance date plus the statutory waiting period; the issuing clerk can confirm the earliest lawful ceremony date at the application appointment.
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