Expert Reviewer: Kristen Franzen, LMHC (FL License #MH22317), NCC (#1727660)
Last updated: July 22, 2026
Scope: This article is educational only and does not constitute legal advice. It covers the marriage license process for Lafayette County, Florida. Requirements are subject to change, so always confirm current details directly with the Lafayette County Clerk of Court & Comptroller before arriving.
Quick Answer: How to Get a Lafayette County Marriage License
To get a marriage license in Lafayette County, both applicants must appear in person at the Lafayette County Clerk of Court & Comptroller located at 120 W Main St, Mayo, FL 32066. You must bring valid photo identification, provide your Social Security numbers, complete the application under oath, and pay the fee. Florida residents are subject to a mandatory 3-day waiting period. However, you can skip the wait and save $25 on your application fee by completing an approved Florida premarital course online before you apply.
Lafayette County Marriage License Fast Facts
| Requirement | Details & Verified Information |
|---|---|
| Where to apply | Lafayette County Clerk of Court, 120 W Main St, Mayo, FL 32066. Phone: (386) 294-1600. |
| ID Requirements | Valid photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, passport) and Social Security Number for both parties. |
| Standard Fee | $86.00. Check with the clerk regarding 3.5% credit card transaction fees. |
| Reduced Fee | $61.00. You must present a valid Certificate of Completion from a qualified Florida premarital course to receive this discount. |
| Waiting Period | 3 days for FL residents. Zero wait time if the approved course is completed. |
| Validity Window | Valid for exactly 60 days after issuance. Can be used for a ceremony anywhere within the State of Florida. |
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying in Mayo, FL
- Complete your Florida Premarital Course (Optional but Recommended): If you want to avoid the 3-day waiting period and save $25, complete an approved course first. Our online Florida course is completely virtual, and you get your certificate immediately upon completion to take to the courthouse.
- Gather your required documents: Both applicants must bring an acceptable photo ID (driver’s license, passport, or state ID). You do not typically need your physical Social Security card, but you must know and provide the number for the application. If either party has been previously married, you must provide the exact date the previous marriage ended (via divorce, annulment, or death).
- Visit the Courthouse together: Head to 120 W Main St, Mayo, FL 32066. Both applicants must be present to sign the marriage license application and take an oath swearing to the truthfulness of the provided information. It is highly recommended to arrive before 4:30 PM.
- Pay the fee and receive your license: Pay $86.00 (or $61.00 with your course certificate). Make sure to thoroughly review the printed effective date and expiration date on the document before leaving the clerk’s desk.
- Hold your ceremony and return the license: Your ceremony must take place within 60 days of issuance. Following the wedding, your officiant must return the completed, signed license to the Lafayette County Clerk to be legally recorded.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying without your partner: Both individuals must be present together at the Lafayette County courthouse to apply.
- Ignoring the waiting period: If you are a Florida resident and do not take the premarital course, your license will not be valid for 3 days. Do not schedule your wedding for the same weekend you apply unless you have taken the course to waive the delay.
- Applying too early: Because the license explicitly expires in 60 days, applying months in advance will result in an expired document and require you to pay the fee again. Plan to apply 3 to 4 weeks before your ceremony.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a waiting period for a Lafayette County marriage license?
Yes, for Florida residents, state law requires a mandatory 3-day waiting period. However, this wait is completely waived, allowing you to marry immediately, if you complete an authorized premarital preparation course and present the certificate to the clerk. Non-Florida residents do not have a waiting period.
How much is a marriage license in Lafayette County, FL?
The standard fee is $86.00. This fee is reduced to $61.00 if you provide proof that you have completed a qualified Florida premarital preparation course.
Do both applicants have to go in person to apply?
Yes, both parties must appear in person at the Clerk of Court’s office in Mayo to provide identification, sign the application, and take a legal oath.
Can a Lafayette County marriage license be used in another Florida county?
Yes. A marriage license issued by the Lafayette County Clerk is valid for a ceremony performed anywhere within the State of Florida, as long as it happens within the 60-day validity window.
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