Florida Marriage License Requirements

To receive a Florida marriage license, the parties must apply for the license at any county clerk’s office. The license is issued by a county court judge or clerk of the circuit court under their seal. You can get married in Florida in any county you choose, regardless of where it was issued.  To meet Florida marriage license requirements, both parties will need:

• Identification -(picture ID such as driver’s license, state ID card, valid passport, social security numbers)
• Fees -$86.00

The two parties have an opportunity to participate in a voluntary premarital preparation course, which reduces the fee to $61.00.  Participation in the voluntary premarital marriage course allows the parties to waive the otherwise mandatory three-day waiting period between the license being issued and the actual ceremony.

While some states still require blood tests, Florida doesn’t require blood tests or medical exams to receive a marriage license.

Ceremony Requirements for Florida Marriages

In Florida, there must actually be a ceremony, which can be elaborate or limited. The license is good for sixty days after issuance, and the ceremony must occur within that sixty-day time period. A ceremony requires an ‘officiant’ (the person who conducts the ceremony), witnesses, and an exchange of promises between the parties.

The officiant may be a member of the clergy or a public official (such as a notary) authorized to give an oath, while the witnesses attest that the parties exchange promises. The officiant generally ensures the license is sent or brought to the county clerk’s office, where it is officially recorded. A copy of the license is sent to the new couple.

The Duties of Married Parties

The parties have several obligations to meet Florida marriage license requirements. For example, the parties have an obligation (a duty) to support each other and also have an obligation for sexual exclusivity. However, being joined in marriage does not minimize either party in a legal sense. The individual legal identity of each is maintained, and each is individually liable for contracts and torts. This means there is no vicarious liability between spouses. Also, spouses can sue each other, as there is no interspousal tort immunity.

In Florida, the wife can adopt her husband’s name or keep her own name. Or she can pursue an alternate name change through a court order (such as if she wants a hyphenated name or if the husband wants to take her name).

Ensure that Your Marriage License will be Valid

Consulting a legal expert before marriage protects and educates both parties. Consultation details all rights and responsibilities that come with a major life change. Hunter Law will help you work through any questions and concerns about marriage license requirements in Florida as you prepare to embark on a new life with your partner. Please feel free to contact us today.