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1. What is needed to get a marriage license?

- All that is required for single adults to obtain a marriage license is for them to come in person to the Clerk's office, bring their driver's license or other acceptable Identification (Government issued I.D.) and be prepared to pay the fee for the License.
- Also required is for both applicants to provide a Social Security number. Applicants who are not citizens may provide an immigration registration card, passport or other Government issued I.D.
- Applicants are required to read the family law handbook and once completed sign an affidavit to that effect. F.S. 741.04(B).

2. How must I pay for the marriage license fee?

Cash, checks and credit cards are accepted for payment.

3. Do both parties have to be present at the Clerk's Office to apply for the marriage license?

Yes. There are no exceptions.

4. Is a blood test required for the applicants to apply for the marriage license?

No. A blood test for marriages in the state of Florida is no longer required.

5. How long does it take to get a marriage license?

Florida law requires a 3-day waiting period between application and the effective date of a marriage license. The waiting period can be waived if applicants show proof of having recently attended at least 4 hours of marriage counseling with a provider registered with the Clerk's Office. If both parties are out of state residents there is no waiting period.

6. What are the basic restrictions for obtaining a marriage license?

Pursuant to Florida Statute 741.04(1), the clerk of the circuit court may not issue a license to marry to any person younger than 18 years of age, unless:

• The person is at least 17 years of age and provides the written consent of his or her parents or legal guardian, which is acknowledged by an officer authorized by law to take acknowledgments and administer oaths; and
• The older party to the marriage is not more than 2 years older than the younger party to the marriage.
  
  

7. Can an individual who is younger than 16 get a marriage license?

No. Pursuant to Florida Statute 741.04(1), the clerk of the circuit court may not issue a license to marry to any person younger than 18 years of age, unless

• The person is at least 17 years of age and provides the written consent of his or her parents or legal guardian, which is acknowledged by an officer authorized by law to take acknowledgments and administer oaths; and
• The older party to the marriage is not more than 2 years older than the younger party to the marriage.

8. Is the signature of just one parent sufficient to qualify as a parental permission for a minor to marry?

Only if that parent has sole legal custody of the minor or if the other parent is deceased.

9. How long is the marriage license valid?

Florida marriage licenses are valid for 60 days from the effective date of the license. The marriage license form must be returned to the Clerk's Office for recording within 10 days after the marriage is performed.

10. How long does it usually take to get a certified copy of our marriage record?

Certified copies are normally received within 10 days after the completed marriage certificate is returned to the Clerk's office for recording in the official records.

11. How much does it cost for a certified copy of the marriage certificate?

1 certified copy is provided as part of the marriage license fee, there is no additional cost. Additional certified copies may be obtained for a fee of $3 each.

12. Does one or both of the marriage license applicants have to be an American citizen?

Neither applicant must be a citizen. There is no citizenship requirement to obtain a marriage license.

13. My spouse and I want to renew our vows. Do we need to get a marriage license for this?

No.

14. How do we renew our marriage vows?

Please consult your clergyman, chaplain, other religious adviser or personal counselor.

15. Do I need my divorce papers or the death certificate of my spouse in order to apply for a marriage license?

No. You do not need the documents. However, the application does require you to note how your last marriage ended (divorce, annulment or death) and the exact date (month, day and year).

16. Can people obtain a license to marry partners of their own gender?

Yes. In accordance with review by legal counsel and clarification received by the Clerk's Office through Judge Hinkle's order, effective January 6, 2015, the Clerk's Office will issue same-gender marriage licenses.