Florida Marriage Paperwork Requirements

Introduction to Florida Marriage Paperwork Requirements

When planning to get married in the state of Florida, it’s essential to understand the necessary paperwork requirements. The state has specific laws and regulations that couples must follow to ensure their marriage is legally recognized. In this article, we will delve into the details of the required documents, the process of obtaining them, and other crucial information that couples should be aware of.

Required Documents for Marriage in Florida

To get married in Florida, couples need to provide the following documents:

• A valid government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, state ID, or passport
• A social security number or alien registration number
• Proof of age, which can be a birth certificate or a valid government-issued ID

It’s worth noting that some counties in Florida may have additional requirements, so it’s always best to check with the local county clerk’s office to confirm the necessary documents.

Marriage License Application Process

To apply for a marriage license in Florida, couples can follow these steps:

• Visit the county clerk’s office together, as both parties must be present
• Fill out the marriage license application form, which can usually be found on the county clerk’s website or obtained in person
• Provide the required documents and pay the license fee, which varies by county but is typically around 93.50</li> <li>Take a pre-marital course, which is optional but can reduce the license fee by 32.50

Once the application is submitted, the couple will receive a marriage license, which is valid for 60 days.

Waiting Period and Exemptions

Florida has a mandatory 3-day waiting period before the marriage ceremony can take place. However, there are some exemptions to this rule:

• If the couple takes a pre-marital course, they can waive the waiting period
• Non-Florida residents are exempt from the waiting period
• Members of the armed forces are also exempt from the waiting period

It’s essential to check with the county clerk’s office to confirm the waiting period and any possible exemptions.

Table of Marriage License Fees by County

The marriage license fees in Florida vary by county. Here is a table of some of the major counties and their corresponding fees:

County	License Fee
Miami-Dade	93.50</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Broward</td> <td>93.50
Palm Beach	93.50</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Hillsborough</td> <td>93.50
Orange	$93.50

Please note that these fees are subject to change and may not include additional costs for pre-marital courses or other services.

💡 Note: It's always best to check with the local county clerk's office for the most up-to-date information on marriage license fees and requirements.

Same-Sex Marriages in Florida

In 2015, the US Supreme Court ruled that same-sex couples have the right to marry, and Florida began issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples. The state recognizes same-sex marriages and provides the same rights and benefits as opposite-sex marriages.

Proxy Marriages in Florida

Florida does not allow proxy marriages, which means that both parties must be present to apply for the marriage license and participate in the ceremony.

Marriage Ceremony Requirements

The marriage ceremony in Florida can be performed by:

• A ordained minister or priest
• A judge or clerk of the circuit court
• A notary public

The ceremony must be witnessed by two adults, and the couple must provide their marriage license to the officiant before the ceremony.

In the end, getting married in Florida requires careful planning and attention to detail. By understanding the necessary paperwork requirements, waiting period, and other regulations, couples can ensure a smooth and stress-free marriage process. With the beautiful beaches, romantic atmosphere, and vibrant culture, Florida is an ideal destination for couples to tie the knot.