Marriage License in the State of Florida: A Couple’s Complete Guide
A marriage license in the state of Florida is the legal document that allows your wedding to be officially recognised. You apply at any county clerk’s office in Florida, pay a fee, and receive the license the same day. There is no waiting period for residents who complete a premarital course, and the license stays valid for 60 days.
What is a marriage license in the state of Florida and why do you need one?
A marriage license in the state of Florida is a legal authorisation issued by a county clerk that gives a couple permission to marry anywhere in Florida. Without it, your ceremony is not legally recognised — no matter how beautiful the vows or how authentic the officiant.
The license records both partners’ names, the date of issue, and the county where it was filed. Once your officiant signs and returns it after the ceremony, the clerk converts it into your official marriage certificate. Every couple marrying in Florida needs one — residents, out-of-state couples, and international visitors alike.
How do you apply for a marriage license in Florida?
You apply for a marriage license in Florida by visiting any county clerk’s office in person — together — with your identification, your Social Security numbers (if you have them), and the application fee. Most offices accept walk-ins, and many also offer online pre-filing to save time at the counter.
Both partners must show up. Florida does not allow proxy applications, and you cannot mail in your forms. You will need a valid government-issued photo ID — a driver’s license, state ID card, or passport works for everyone.
If either partner has been married before, you will need the date your previous marriage ended. A divorce decree or death certificate is not always required at the counter, but the date is. Couples under 18 face additional requirements involving parental consent. You can apply at any Florida county clerk’s office statewide — not just where you live or where the wedding will happen.
What does a marriage license cost in Florida?
A marriage license in Florida costs $93.50 for couples who do not complete a state-approved premarital preparation course, and $61.00 for couples who do. The fee is the same in every Florida county and is paid at the time of application.
The premarital course is a 4-hour class covering communication, conflict resolution, and the practical realities of married life. It is offered by approved providers in person and online. Completing it not only saves $32.50 — it also waives the 3-day waiting period that applies to Florida residents.
Most county clerks accept cash, debit cards, and major credit cards. The license itself is handed over the same day, ready for your officiant to sign on the wedding day.
How long is a Florida marriage license valid and is there a waiting period?
A Florida marriage license is valid for 60 days from the date of issue. There is a 3-day waiting period for Florida residents who do not complete the premarital course — meaning the wedding cannot legally take place until the fourth day after application. Out-of-state and international couples are exempt from the waiting period entirely.
If your wedding does not happen within 60 days, the license expires and you must apply again. This catches some couples out — particularly those who apply early thinking it gives them more time. Apply within two months of your ceremony date, not earlier. Out-of-state couples skip the waiting period automatically; Florida residents skip it by completing the premarital course before applying.
This is the point where most couples start asking: ‘who actually performs the ceremony, signs the license, and makes sure it gets filed properly?’ That is where we come in. At Orlando Wedding Officiants, we handle every legal and ceremonial detail of your wedding day — script, signatures, filing, and the personal touches that make it yours. Explore our Wedding Officiant Services or book a free consultation — we’d love to hear your story.
What happens with the license on your wedding day?
On your wedding day, your officiant performs the ceremony, signs the marriage license, and ensures both partners and any required witnesses sign as well. The signed license is then returned to the issuing county clerk’s office within 10 days, where it is recorded and converted into your official marriage certificate.
You do not file the license yourself — that is your officiant’s job. A professional officiant treats this as a non-negotiable part of the service. Mistakes at this stage (missed signatures, late filing, wrong county) are how couples end up legally unmarried weeks after their wedding.
For the full step-by-step on what the license looks like, what to bring on the day, and how the filing process works, our complete State of Florida marriage license guide walks through everything in plain language. If you are also wondering about the difference between the license and the certificate you receive afterwards, our explainer on the wedding license vs. marriage certificate clears it up.
Frequently Asked Questions About Marriage Licenses in the State of Florida
Do you need to be a Florida resident to get married in Florida?
No — you do not need to be a Florida resident to get married in Florida. Out-of-state couples and international visitors can apply for a Florida marriage license at any county clerk’s office, pay the $93.50 fee, and skip the 3-day waiting period entirely.
How long does it take to get a marriage license in Florida?
Getting a Florida marriage license usually takes 30 minutes to an hour at the county clerk’s office, and you walk out with the license the same day. Both partners must attend together with valid photo identification, and payment is taken at the counter.
Can you get married the same day you apply for your Florida marriage license?
Yes — out-of-state couples and international visitors can marry the same day they receive a Florida marriage license, with no waiting period. Florida residents face a 3-day waiting period unless they complete a state-approved premarital preparation course, which waives the wait and reduces the license fee from $93.50 to $61.00.
What documents do you need to apply for a Florida marriage license?
To apply for a Florida marriage license, you need a valid government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, or passport) for both partners, your Social Security numbers if you have them, and the date your previous marriage ended if either partner has been married before.
Where can you use your Florida marriage license once you have it?
A Florida marriage license can be used anywhere in Florida — not only the county where it was issued. You can marry on the beach in Cocoa Beach, in a Disney-area ceremony, at a Lake Mary venue, or anywhere else in the state. The license is statewide and valid for 60 days.
Ready to start planning your Florida ceremony? At Orlando Wedding Officiants, our Wedding Officiant Services cover everything from your marriage license signing to a fully personalised ceremony — wherever you are getting married in Florida. Book your free consultation and let’s make sure your wedding day feels exactly like you.