It can be difficult to plan a wedding with services to arrange, reservations to books, and guests to coordinate.The legal requirements for marriage in Florida are easy to understand.You don't have to live in the state.A marriage license with a few basic documents can be obtained for less than $100.It takes a little more work to have a legal marriage ceremony.
Step 1: Call your county's clerk of court.
A clerk of court is an employee of the county.You can get a license from any county in the state.It's usually easiest to get one yourself.You can get in touch with the Clerk of Court by phone or in person.There is a list of offices in the state.Explain your situation to the Clerk of Court.Ask if there are any special requirements to get a marriage license.The rest of the steps are true for the entire state.Specific requirements can vary from county to county.
Step 2: Present a valid identification.
If you want to get a marriage license, you will need to go to the Clerk of Court or the county court building.These are often the same.You will need to be with your spouse in person.One form of government-issued ID is required of both parties.Driver' licenses, U.S. passports, and birth certificates are examples.Both parties will need to give their Social Security number.Unless required by your county, you don't need to bring your Social Security card.Provide your alien registration number if you are a non-citizen.Provide the best ID you can if you don't have one.W-2 forms are used.
Step 3: Provide proof of divorce or death of previous spouse.
If either party has been married before, you need to prove that their previous marriage has ended.The official report of the divorce is kept by the Clerk of Court in the country where the marriage was dissolved.The Clerk can usually find this information if you are applying in the same county.Death certificates can be ordered from the Florida Health Department.
Step 4: The license fee is paid.
Florida marriage licenses cost.Credit/debit card payments can be made at many county offices.It is wise to bring a check book.If you took a state-sanctioned marriage prep course, your fee will be reduced by up to $32.50.
Step 5: If you took a prep course, you will get your license immediately.
The license is effective immediately if both parties present a certificate of completion for a marriage prep course.The application fee will be discounted.Instructing spouses in communication skills, conflict management, parenting responsibilities, and financial issues relating to marriage is part of the premarital course.Be administered by a licensed psychologist, social worker, marriage and family therapist, mental health counselor, or religious figure.Any other court-appointed individual can teach it.It should last at least four hours.There are many ways to take the course.There are options for both in-person and remote learning.You can take it online.
Step 6: The waiting period is three days.
If you didn't take the premarital course, your marriage license will not take effect until you note the date on the marriage certificate.There should be a reflection on the waiting period.You can't get married during this time.
Step 7: You have 60 days to get married.
There is a 60-day expired period for marriage licenses in Florida.You will have to pay the fee again if you don't get married within this time frame.
Step 8: Administering the marriage can be done by an Officiant.
To be legally binding, a marriage must be presided over by someone who has the authority to grant marriages.All priests, ministers, and other religious personnel, as well as all judicial officers, including retired ones, are included.
Step 9: The marriage can be administered by a notary public.
The rites of marriage can be performed by anyone with a license.In Florida, most city and county clerks are notaries.You can get a list of local notaries from the courthouse that issues the marriage license.This is the best option if you want a friend or relative to speak at your wedding.The process for becoming a notary can be done online.Instructions can be found in the governor's office.If you're getting married in a state park, at a private estate, or on a boat, you may want to ask about notaries on-site.
Step 10: The ceremony should be done by an escort.
During the ceremony, the officiant will guide the spouses as they say their vows, exchange rings, and affirm their marriage.Depending on the venue, number of guests, and whether the ceremony is religious, the specifics of a marriage ceremony can vary.You can find wedding articles for specific guides.All that's important is that the officiant is there to witness the wedding and confirm your intention to marry.The governor's office has "scripts" for very simple wedding ceremonies in English and Spanish.If you were to get married at a county court building, you would have these ceremonies.
Step 11: The marriage certificate should be registered by the notary within 10 days.
A pre-adressed envelope is usually provided with the form.This is not the responsibility of either spouse, but you may want to check in with the officiant to make sure your marriage is processed quickly.A certified copy of the Marriage Record will be sent to the newly-weds.At this point, you are married.
Step 12: As soon as possible, reserve space.
This is a concern for a lot of weddings.It's important if you want to reserve a historic Florida location or have a large reception.
Step 13: You need a permit for outdoor weddings.
With Florida's warm climate, outdoor weddings are very popular.If your wedding is on public land, make sure you have valid permission and documentation.A permit is required for a ceremony at Florida's public beach parks.Some of the permits are free.For beach weddings in Florida, inquire at city hall.You can contact the park headquarters or the ranger station for government-run parks.
Step 14: When planning a ceremony, consider the weather.
Florida has a hot, subtropical climate.Many visitors don't know that it has a rainy season for much of the year.It's important to know if you're having an outdoor ceremony.The dry season lasts from October through April for most of the state.Most of the state has a wet season from May to October.