To get a marriage license in Florida, both partners apply together at any county clerk’s office with valid photo ID. The license costs around $86, is valid statewide for 60 days, and has no waiting period for non-residents. Florida residents wait three days unless they complete a premarital course.
How do you get a marriage license in Florida?
Getting a Florida marriage license starts at any county clerk’s office — and you can pick any county, not just the one where you’ll marry. Both partners apply together, in person.
There’s no blood test and no residency requirement. The clerk issues your license the same day, often in under an hour.
From the moment it’s issued, the 60-day clock starts. You’ll hand the license to your officiant on the wedding day, and they sign and return it for recording.
What do you need for a Florida marriage license?
You need valid photo ID, and both partners must apply together in person at a county clerk’s office. Florida keeps the list refreshingly short.
- A government-issued photo ID for each partner — driver’s license, state ID, or passport.
- Your Social Security number if you have one (the physical card isn’t required).
- The date your previous marriage ended, if either of you was married before.
- Both partners present — Florida requires you to apply together.
There’s no blood test and no witnesses needed for the license itself. Bring the basics, and you’ll be out the door quickly.
What is the Florida 3-day waiting period, and how is it waived?
The Florida 3-day waiting period is a short delay between when your license is issued and when it becomes effective — and it only applies to Florida residents.
If you both live in Florida, your license takes effect three days after issue. Here’s the good news: that wait disappears if you complete a state-approved premarital preparation course.
Finish the course, show the certificate, and your license is effective immediately — plus you’ll pay a lower fee. Non-residents skip the waiting period entirely.
How much does a Florida marriage license cost, and how long is it valid?
A Florida marriage license costs around $86, and it stays valid for 60 days from the day it’s issued. Complete a registered premarital course and the fee often drops to about $61.
Fees vary slightly by county, so confirm the current amount with your local clerk. Once issued, the ceremony has to happen inside the 60-day window — miss it, and you’ll apply and pay again.
After the wedding, your officiant signs the license and returns it to the clerk to be recorded as your official marriage record. If you’re wondering how that differs from a marriage certificate, our Florida marriage license vs certificate guide explains it clearly.
With your license sorted and a 60-day clock running, the next step is choosing someone to actually marry you. That’s where we come in — we handle the ceremony, the script, and every personal touch, wherever you’re saying ‘I do’ in Florida. Ready to talk it through? book a free consultation.
Can out-of-state and international couples get married in Florida?
Yes — out-of-state and international couples can get married in Florida, and they skip the three-day waiting period entirely. Florida has no residency requirement, which is exactly why it’s such a popular destination-wedding state.
Fly in, apply at any county clerk’s office with photo ID, and your license is effective immediately. International couples are welcome too — bring a valid passport, and check ahead in case a non-English ID needs a certified translation.
Planning a Florida wedding from afar takes a little coordination, and our guide for out-of-state and overseas couples walks through the timing. The license is the easy part — we’ll help with the rest.
Frequently Asked Questions About Florida Marriage Licenses
How do I get a marriage license in Florida?
To get a marriage license in Florida, both partners apply together in person at any county clerk’s office with valid photo ID. The license is issued the same day, costs around $86, and is valid statewide for 60 days.
What is the Florida 3-day waiting period?
The Florida 3-day waiting period means residents must wait three days after their license is issued before it takes effect. It’s waived if you complete a state-approved premarital course, and non-residents are exempt from it entirely.
How much does a Florida marriage license cost?
A Florida marriage license costs around $86, though the fee drops to roughly $61 if you complete a registered premarital preparation course. Fees vary slightly by county, so confirm the current amount with your local county clerk’s office before you apply.
How long is a Florida marriage license valid?
A Florida marriage license is valid for 60 days from the date it’s issued. Your ceremony must take place within that window. Afterward, your officiant signs the license and returns it to the clerk’s office to be recorded as your official marriage record.
Can out-of-state couples get married in Florida?
Yes. Out-of-state and international couples can marry in Florida with no residency requirement and no waiting period. Simply apply at any county clerk’s office with valid photo ID, and your license is effective immediately — one reason Florida is a top destination-wedding state.
Ready to turn that license into a wedding? At Orlando Wedding Officiants, we craft personalised ceremonies right across Central Florida — from beach elopements to full celebrations, written around your story. Explore our wedding officiant services, and we’ll make sure your ceremony feels exactly like you.