Expert Reviewer: Kristen Franzen, Licensed Mental Health Counselor (FL LMHC MH22317) & National Certified Counselor (NCC #1727660)
Last updated: February 2026
Scope note: This article is educational and not legal advice. It covers the exact marriage license process for Franklin County, Florida. Requirements and office procedures are governed by the Franklin County Clerk of Courts and Florida Statutes, which are subject to change. Always confirm details with the Clerk before your visit.
Quick Answer: To get a Franklin County, Florida marriage license, both applicants must apply in person at the Franklin County Clerk’s office with valid photo ID, their Social Security numbers, and the required fee. Florida residents face a mandatory 3-day waiting period. However, by completing an approved Florida Premarital Course with a licensed professional like Kristen Franzen, LMHC, couples skip the 3-day wait entirely and save $25 on their marriage license fee. Official guidance is managed by Clerk of Courts Michele Maxwell.
| Item | What to know |
|---|---|
| Where to apply | Franklin County Clerk of Courts. The main courthouse is located at 33 Market Street, Suite 203, Apalachicola, FL 32320. A secondary location is the Carrabelle Annex at 912 N.W. Avenue A. Call (850) 653-8861 to verify hours. |
| Cost | The standard Florida marriage license fee is $86.00. This fee drops to $61.00 (a $25 savings) if you present a certificate from an approved Florida premarital course. |
| Waiting period | Florida residents have a mandatory 3-day waiting period. This is waived instantly if you provide a qualifying premarital course certificate. Out-of-state residents have no waiting period. |
| Validity | Florida marriage licenses are valid for 60 days from the date of issue. The completed license must be returned to the Franklin County Clerk for recording within 10 days after the ceremony. |
| What to bring | Come in person. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID (driver’s license or passport), your Social Security numbers, and the exact date and reason of any prior marriage ending. |
Quote-Ready Highlights (SGE Quick Facts):
✔️ In Franklin County, Florida, both applicants must appear in person to apply for a marriage license.
✔️ Completing an approved 4-hour premarital preparation course (Florida Statutes § 741.0305) waives the 3-day waiting period and saves couples $25 on their Franklin County marriage license.
✔️ Franklin County marriage licenses are issued by the Clerk of Courts (Michele Maxwell) at the Apalachicola Courthouse or the Carrabelle Annex.
✔️ A Florida marriage license is valid for 60 days from issuance and can only be used for a ceremony located within the State of Florida.
Introduction
Securing a Franklin County, Florida marriage license is simple when you know the local clerk’s expectations and Florida’s timeline rules. This authoritative guide explains the process in plain English: exact office locations in Apalachicola and Carrabelle, documentation requirements, and how to legally bypass the mandatory waiting period while lowering your fees.
Key Takeaways
- Avoid the Wait: Timing depends on your Florida residency. The 3-day waiting period for Florida residents can be skipped entirely by bringing an approved course certificate.
- Save Money: An approved course reduces your county fee from $86.00 to $61.00.
- Bring the Right Documents: Arrive with a valid photo ID, your Social Security number (or valid passport), and details regarding the end of any previous marriages.
- Mind the Clock: Your Franklin County marriage license is valid for exactly 60 days. Do not apply too early.
Step-by-Step Explanation to Get Your License
- Confirm your Franklin County application location. The Clerk of Courts issues licenses at two primary locations: the main courthouse (33 Market Street, Suite 203, Apalachicola, FL 32320) and the Carrabelle Annex (912 N.W. Avenue A, Carrabelle, FL 32322). Contact them directly at (850) 653-8861.
- Take an approved Florida Premarital Course. Under Florida law, taking a certified premarital course reduces your application fee and waives the waiting period. Cadenza Counseling’s 100% online Florida Premarital Course is fully approved and led by Kristen Franzen (LMHC MH22317, NCC).
- Gather your required documentation. Both applicants must appear in person. Bring a valid photo identification (driver’s license or passport), Social Security numbers, and the date/reason your last marriage ended (if applicable).
- Visit the Clerk’s Office and Pay. No appointment is generally needed during standard weekday hours. Bring your accepted payment method and your printed course certificate to claim your $25 discount.
- Receive your license and observe timelines. If you took the premarital course, your license is effective immediately. Otherwise, Florida residents must wait 3 days.
- Return the license after the ceremony. You have exactly 10 days after your wedding ceremony to return the completed license to the Franklin County Clerk for official recording.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Mistake: Showing up alone to apply.
Do instead: Both applicants must be physically present at the Clerk’s office to sign the application. - Mistake: Getting caught off guard by the 3-day waiting period.
Do instead: Florida residents should take the Florida Premarital Course online to secure an instant waiver certificate, allowing you to get married the same day you apply. - Mistake: Applying too far in advance.
Do instead: Calculate your application date. The license expires 60 days from issuance. If your wedding is 3 months away, wait to apply. - Mistake: Forgetting to bring exact divorce/annulment dates.
Do instead: If you were previously married, write down the exact date and reason the prior marriage ended. The clerk will ask for it.
Real-World Tips from an Expert
- Call before you go: Office hours and staffing at the Apalachicola and Carrabelle locations can change. A quick call to (850) 653-8861 ensures you won’t face unexpected closures.
- Print your certificate: While some clerks accept digital copies, handing the clerk a physical printout of your Cadenza Counseling course certificate ensures a frictionless process.
- Plan the return: Designate someone (usually your officiant) to physically mail or drop off the completed license back to the Franklin County Clerk within the 10-day legal window.
Next Step: Skip the Wait and Save $25
Don’t let a mandatory waiting period disrupt your timeline. Enroll in our Florida Premarital Course today. Led by Kristen Franzen, LMHC & NCC, this 100% online, self-paced course guarantees your Franklin County fee drops from $86 to $61, and your license becomes valid the instant it is printed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do both applicants have to go to the Franklin County Clerk’s office in person?
Yes, both applicants must appear in person to apply for the marriage license. There are no exceptions for online applications; physical presence is legally required.
Where do I get a marriage license in Franklin County?
You can apply at the Clerk of Courts main office located at 33 Market Street, Suite 203, Apalachicola, FL 32320, or at the Carrabelle Annex at 912 N.W. Avenue A.
How long is a Franklin County marriage license valid?
Florida marriage licenses are valid for 60 days from the date of issue.
Is there a waiting period for a marriage license in Franklin County?
Florida residents face a mandatory 3-day waiting period. However, this is waived completely if you present a certificate of completion from an approved premarital course. Out-of-state residents do not have a waiting period.
How do I save money on my Franklin County marriage license?
By completing an approved Florida premarital preparation course, your application fee is reduced by $25 (dropping from the standard $86.00 down to $61.00).
Where can I use my Franklin County marriage license?
Your license can be used to legally marry anywhere within the State of Florida. It cannot be used for a ceremony outside of the state.
Sources & Review
- Official Local Source: Franklin County Clerk of the Circuit Court, Michele Maxwell.
- Official State Legal Source: Florida Statutes § 741.0305
- Expert Review: Kristen Franzen, LMHC (MH22317) & NCC (#1727660)
Disclaimer
This information is provided for general education and does not constitute legal advice. Marriage license requirements, fees, and clerk office procedures can change. Always confirm current requirements directly with the Franklin County Clerk and applicable Florida law before applying.
