Last updated: July 2026
Scope note: This guide is educational only (not legal advice). This guide covers applying for a marriage license through the Highlands County Clerk of Courts in Highlands County, Florida. Rules and fees can change, so confirm details using the official sources linked on this page.
Quick Answer: Getting a Highlands County Marriage License
- Location: Highlands County Clerk of Courts, 590 S. Commerce Ave (Room A225), Sebring, FL 33870.
- Standard Fee: $86.00 for Florida residents (includes a mandatory 3-day waiting period).
- Discounted Fee: $61.00 and zero waiting period if you complete an approved Florida premarital course.
- Time-Saving Tip: Couples can fill out the eMarriage online pre-application prior to arriving at the courthouse to drastically reduce their in-person wait time.
| Item | What to know |
|---|---|
| Where to apply (Highlands County) | The official Marriage License office is located at 590 S. Commerce Ave., Sebring, Florida 33870. Check the Highlands County Clerk for hours. |
| Fees in Highlands County | The base fee is $86.00. Completing a certified premarital course reduces the total to $61.00. |
| Effective date (waiting period) | Florida law requires a 3-day waiting period for residents. You can legally bypass this wait by submitting a valid premarital course certificate. |
| Required Identification | You will need government-issued photo ID (Driver’s License, Passport) and your Social Security number. |
| License Validity Window | Florida law states that a marriage license becomes void if the marriage is not performed within 60 days after issuance. |
Step-by-Step Explanation
- Complete the eMarriage Pre-Application (Optional but Recommended)
The Highlands County Clerk offers an online eMarriage application. Filling this out at home speeds up the process when you arrive at the clerk’s office. This pre-application stays valid in the system for 60 days. - Complete a Florida Premarital Course to Save $25
Florida residents face a mandatory 3-day wait before they can legally marry. However, taking the Cadenza Counseling Florida Premarital Course enables you to completely skip the waiting period and saves you $25 on your final license fee (dropping the cost from $86 to $61). - Gather Identification and Required Paperwork
Both applicants must appear together in person. Bring a government-issued photo ID (like a driver’s license or valid passport) and know your Social Security Number. - Provide Divorce Documentation (If Applicable)
If either applicant has been divorced within the last six months, Highlands County requires you to provide a physical copy of the Final Judgment. If the divorce was older than six months, you only need to provide the exact date the marriage ended. - Visit the Highlands County Clerk of Courts
Report to the Marriage License Division, Room A225 of the Government Center at 590 S. Commerce Ave., Sebring, Florida. Both parties must sign the required sworn affidavit under oath. - Pay the Application Fee
The clerk accepts cash, checks, and credit/debit cards. Expect to pay $86.00 if you did not take a course, or $61.00 if you present your Cadenza Counseling premarital course certificate. - Schedule the Ceremony Before the License Expires
Your marriage license is valid for exactly 60 days from the date of issuance. If the ceremony does not happen within this window, the license is voided and you must start over. - Return the Signed License for Recording
After the ceremony, the signed original license must be returned to the clerk’s office within 10 days for official recording. The clerk will mail you two certified copies.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Showing up without an appointment or the other applicant: Both parties must be present together before the marriage license clerk.
- Forgetting the 3-day wait: If you are a Florida resident and don’t take a Highlands County approved premarital course, you cannot get married the same weekend you get the license. Plan accordingly.
- Missing the 6-month divorce paperwork rule: Showing up without your Final Judgment papers for a recent divorce will stop the application process immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do both people have to go to the Highlands County Clerk of Courts?
Yes, both applicants must appear in person together at the Marriage License Division (Room A225) to sign the application in front of the clerk.
What does Florida law require on the marriage license affidavit?
Florida law requires a signed affidavit that includes verified identification numbers (usually a Social Security Number) and the legal ages of both applicants before the clerk can issue a marriage license.
Is there a waiting period for Highlands County marriage licenses?
Yes, Florida residents are subject to a mandatory 3-day waiting period. However, you can waive this waiting period entirely by submitting a certificate of completion from an approved Florida premarital preparation course. Non-residents do not have a waiting period.
What is the fee for a marriage license in Highlands County?
The standard fee is $86.00. If both parties are Florida residents and complete an approved premarital course, the fee is reduced by $25 to a total of $61.00.
How long is a Florida marriage license valid once issued?
A Florida marriage license becomes void if the marriage is not performed within 60 days after it is issued.
What if one person was divorced recently?
If either party was divorced within six months of applying for the new license, the Highlands County Clerk requires you to present a physical copy of the Final Judgment. If the divorce is older than six months, you simply need to provide the exact date the previous marriage ended.
