Florida Marriage License Guide

Reviewed by Kristen Franzen, LMHC, a Florida-licensed counselor and approved Florida premarital course provider · Last updated October 2026

Quick answer

To get a Florida marriage license, both partners apply together in person at any Florida county Clerk of Court with a valid photo ID and their Social Security numbers. The fee is $86 in most counties, or $61 if you’ve completed a 4-hour premarital course from a state-registered provider. If either of you lives in Florida, the license doesn’t take effect for 3 days unless you’ve taken the course. Once issued, it’s valid anywhere in Florida for 60 days.

Florida marriage license at a glance

Fee	$86 in most counties; $61 with a premarital course certificate. Confirm the exact amount with your county clerk.
Waiting period	3 days if either partner is a Florida resident. Waived if you complete a premarital course. No wait if both partners live outside Florida.
How long it’s valid	60 days from the date it’s issued, anywhere in Florida.
Where to apply	Any Florida county Clerk of Court. You don’t have to apply in the county where you’ll marry.
What to bring	Valid photo ID for each partner, both Social Security numbers, and the date your last marriage ended if either of you was married before.
Premarital course	Optional. At least 4 hours, from a provider registered with the clerk, completed within the 12 months before you apply.

How to get your Florida marriage license

1. Decide whether you’ll take a premarital course. It saves $25 and removes the 3-day wait for Florida residents.
2. If you take the course, download your certificate when you finish. Bring it when you apply.
3. Check your county clerk’s hours and whether they offer an online pre-application or appointments.
4. Go to the clerk together with your IDs and Social Security numbers, sign the application, and pay the fee.
5. Hold your ceremony within 60 days with an approved officiant. Many clerks also perform courthouse ceremonies.

Common questions

Is the premarital course required in Florida?

No. It’s optional. Without it, Florida residents wait 3 days after the license is issued and pay the full fee.

Can we get married the same day we get the license?

Yes, if you’ve completed a premarital course or neither of you is a Florida resident. Then the license is effective immediately, and you can marry that day if an officiant or the clerk’s office is available.

Do we both have to be there?

Yes. Florida requires both partners to appear at the clerk’s office to apply.

Can we use a license from one county in another county?

Yes. A Florida marriage license is valid in every Florida county.

Florida guides

• Can You Get a Florida Marriage License and Marry the Same Day?
• Ultimate Guide: Skip Florida’s 3-Day Waiting Period & Save $25
• Courthouse Wedding in Florida: Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Start Your Florida Premarital Course for Free Today
• Can You Elope in Florida? (Yes—Here’s the Simple, Legal Way)
• Getting Your Florida Premarital Course Same Day Certificate: What to Know
• Premarital Class In Florida: What It Is and How It Affects Your Marriage License
• Florida Wedding License Requirements You Must Know
• Is a Premarital Course Required in Florida?
• What’s The Quickest Way to Get Married in Florida Today?
• How Far in Advance Do You Have to Get a Marriage License in Florida?
• How long does a Florida premarital course take?
• Changing Your Name After Marriage in Florida: The Correct Order to Follow
• Can you take a Florida premarital course online?
• What Happens in a Pre-marriage Course?
• Choosing the Right Premarital Preparation Program
• Florida Budget Wedding: Licenses, Fees, and Rules Explained
• How much does a premarital preparation course cost in Florida?
• How Much Is Premarital Counseling?
• Benefits of Taking a Premarital Preparation Course
• How to Get Your Florida Marriage License—Save $25 & Skip the 3-Day Wait

Florida marriage license guides by county