Marriage License FL: Fast Answers for Couples Getting Married Soon
Marriage license FL applications are processed at any of Florida’s 67 county clerk offices. Out-of-state couples can walk in, apply, and use the license the same day for around $86. Florida residents pay the same fee but face a 3-day waiting period unless they complete a 4-hour premarital course. The license is valid statewide for 60 days.
Where do you go to get a marriage license in FL?
You go to any county clerk’s office in Florida. There are 67 to choose from, and you do not have to apply in the county where you live or where you plan to marry.
In the Orlando area, the most-used offices are the Orange County Clerk in downtown Orlando, the Seminole County Clerk in Sanford, and the Osceola County Clerk in Kissimmee. All three offer same-day processing for non-residents.
Couples flying in for beach ceremonies often head straight to Brevard County Clerk in Titusville or Pinellas County Clerk in Clearwater. Both are quick, both are walk-in friendly, and both will hand you the license that morning.
The licence itself is identical no matter which county issues it. So pick whichever office is closest to where you are landing or staying.
How fast can you get a marriage license in FL?
Out-of-state couples can get a Florida marriage license the same day, often within 30 minutes of walking into a clerk’s office. There is no waiting period for non-residents. You can apply in the morning and marry that afternoon.
Florida residents face a 3-day (72-hour) waiting period from the moment the license is issued. Apply Monday, the license is valid Thursday.
Two ways to skip the 3-day wait as a Florida resident: complete a state-approved 4-hour premarital preparation course before applying, or get a hardship waiver from a judge. The course is the practical option — most couples do it online in an evening.
Worth knowing: clerk offices typically close by 5pm and most do not open weekends. If your ceremony is on a Saturday, plan to apply by Friday morning at the latest.
What do you need to bring for a marriage license in FL?
You both need to bring a valid government-issued photo ID, proof of your social security number if you have one, and the application fee. That is the full list.
Acceptable photo IDs include a US driver’s license, a US state ID card, a passport, or a foreign government ID. Out-of-state and international couples are fully supported.
If either of you has been previously married, bring the date the previous marriage ended — divorce, annulment, or death of a spouse. You don’t need the certified document, but bring it if you have it.
Both partners must apply in person, together. There are no proxy applications, no online-only filing, and no postal options. Plan the visit together.
Once the licence is sorted, the next question is usually ‘who’s marrying us?’. At Orlando Wedding Officiants, we run ceremonies on the same timeline as your license — same-day elopements, beach ceremonies, and full Disney-area weddings. Take a look at our wedding officiant services or book a free consultation — we’ll match the ceremony to your timeline.
How much is a marriage license in FL right now?
A FL marriage license costs $86 in 2026. Florida residents who complete a state-approved premarital preparation course pay the reduced fee of $61, and the same course also waives the 3-day waiting period.
Most clerk offices accept cash, debit, and credit cards. A small handful add a $1–$3 administrative surcharge for card payments. Cheques are not usually accepted.
There are no county-by-county price differences worth worrying about. The fee is set by Florida statute, so a license in Orange County costs the same as one in Brevard, Lake, or Pinellas.
The fee is non-refundable. If you change your mind or your license expires, you’ll pay the full fee again to reapply.
Can you marry in any FL county with the same license?
Yes. A Florida marriage license issued in any one of the 67 counties is valid for a ceremony anywhere in the state. The license is statewide, not county-specific.
This matters for destination couples. You might apply in Orange County in the morning, drive to Cocoa Beach for a sunset ceremony, and the license is fully valid. The clerk’s office that issued it will receive the signed license back from your officiant after the ceremony.
The same applies to Disney-area weddings, beach ceremonies along the Gulf, and elopements in St. Augustine, Mount Dora, or the Keys. One license, anywhere in Florida.
The licence cannot be used outside Florida. If you marry in another state, you need that state’s licence — even if you applied for the FL one first.
Frequently Asked Questions About Marriage License FL
Can you get a marriage license in FL on a Saturday?
No — Florida county clerk offices are closed on Saturdays and Sundays in almost every county. To get a marriage license for a weekend wedding, plan to apply Monday through Friday during regular office hours, usually 8:30am to 4:30pm. A few counties offer extended Friday hours, but never standard weekend service.
Do you have to live in FL to get a marriage license there?
No — Florida has no residency requirement for a marriage license. Out-of-state and international couples can apply at any county clerk’s office on arrival, the same day, with valid photo ID and the $86 fee. Many destination couples apply the morning of their ceremony in Orlando, Cocoa Beach, or Clearwater.
How early should you get your marriage license in FL?
Florida residents should apply at least 3 days before the ceremony to clear the 3-day waiting period, or sooner if completing the premarital course. Out-of-state couples can apply the same day as the ceremony. Either way, do not apply more than 60 days before the wedding — the license expires after 60 days.
Can you apply for a FL marriage license online?
No — you cannot complete a Florida marriage license application fully online. Some county clerks let you fill out the form online to save time at the counter, but both partners must still appear in person at the clerk’s office to sign, present photo ID, and pay the fee. There is no postal or remote option.
What ID is accepted for a FL marriage license?
A valid US driver’s license, US state-issued photo ID, US military ID, US passport, or foreign government-issued passport are all accepted for a FL marriage license. Both partners must present current, unexpired photo ID. Expired IDs, photocopies, and non-photo identification are never accepted by Florida county clerks.
Ready to plan the ceremony itself?
The licence is the legal step — quick, mechanical, and over in under an hour. The ceremony is everything else. At Orlando Wedding Officiants, we build the actual moment around your timeline, your story, and the place you’re marrying. Whether it’s a same-day elopement on Cocoa Beach or a full Disney-area celebration, our wedding officiant services cover personalised vows, full ceremony coordination, and license filing afterwards. Book a free consultation — we’ll make sure your day feels exactly like you. For the longer legal walk-through, see our complete Florida marriage license guide, and if you’re eloping, our pick of the best elopement spots in Central Florida is a great place to start.