Florida State Marriage Laws 

Couples planning to tie the knot in Florida, also known as The Sunshine State, must be at least 18 years of age and must provide a valid photo ID, such as a driver’s license, along with a social security card and certified copy of their birth certificate.  Neither blood nor medical tests are required when applying for a marriage license in the state of Florida.  There is no waiting period for couples who have successfully completed a state-approved marriage preparation course within the last year but for those who have yet to complete the course, there is a three day waiting period.   

Individuals who are under the age of 18 and wish to be married in the state of Florida must have parental consent.  Anyone under the age of 16 who wishes to be married must seek, with or without parental consent, permission from the county judge.   

If either the bride or groom-to-be were previously married, the date of their divorce or of the death of their spouse must be provided.  In addition, a certified copy of the divorce decree or death certificate must be produced. 

The state of Florida does not have any residential requirements, which means you can exchange vows even if you are not a resident of the state.  Vacationers, former residents and all others are free to tie the knot in the sunshine state.  Once granted, a marriage license is valid for 60 days.  Application and/or marriage license fees may vary by county, which means you must check with the local courthouse regarding the actual cost and acceptable payment methods.  The average fee is $93.50 and applicants are urged to have cash on hand incase credit cards are not accepted.  Couples who have completed a state-approved marriage preparation course may be eligible for a discount.  

Same sex marriage is not permitted in the state of Florida.  Common law marriages, which are those that a state may acknowledge after a couple has lived together for a certain amount of time, are not recognized in the state.  A wedding can be conducted by an ordained or licensed clergyman, notary public and/or justice of the peace. 

Planning a wedding isn’t state law, but it certainly makes for a more memorable experience.  The official state flower, which is the orange blossom, would be ideal for a bridal bouquet, wedding decorations, etc.  There are a number of tranquil locations, resorts and tourist destinations that would make Florida a ‘sunny’ choice for an upcoming wedding. 

The information contained in this article is designed to be used for reference purposes only.  It should not be used as, in place of or in conjunction with professional legal advice.  Marriage laws and requirements can change, which means that you should check with your county courthouse regarding the application process for a marriage license, laws, fees and other requirements.   

To obtain a copy of an Delaware marriage certificate, send $5.00 to: Department of Health, Office of Vital Statistics, P.O. Box 210, 1217 Pearl St., Jacksonville, FL 32231-0042.  To verify current fees, call 904-359-6900.

Florida Family Code

Title 43, Chapter 741 provide information on Florida's marriage laws.