Last updated: July 16, 2026
Scope note: This guide is educational only (not legal advice). It covers marriage licenses issued through the Hardee County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller in Wauchula, Florida. Requirements and fees can change, so verify details with the official sources linked below.
Quick Answer: How to Get a Hardee County Marriage License
To get a Hardee County marriage license, both applicants must apply together in person at the Hardee County Clerk’s office. You must bring acceptable photo identification (like a driver’s license or passport) and your Social Security numbers. The standard marriage license fee is $86.00, and Florida law mandates a 3-day waiting period for state residents. However, couples can waive this 3-day wait entirely and reduce their license fee to $61.00 (saving $25) by completing an approved Florida Premarital Preparation Course before applying.
Fact Snapshot: Hardee County Marriage License Requirements
| Requirement | Hardee County Specifics |
|---|---|
| Where to apply | In person at the Hardee County Clerk of the Circuit Court, 417 West Main St, Suite 214, Wauchula, FL 33873. Both parties must be present. |
| Standard Fee | $86.00 (payable by cash or credit card; checks are not accepted). |
| Discounted Fee | $61.00 if you present a certificate of completion from a registered Florida premarital course. |
| Waiting Period | 3 days for Florida residents. Waived immediately if you complete the approved premarital course. No waiting period for out-of-state residents. |
| Validity Window | The license is valid for 60 days from the date of issuance and can be used anywhere in the State of Florida. |
| Required Documents | Valid photo ID (Driver’s License, State ID, Passport, or translated Birth Certificate) and Social Security Numbers (if US citizens). |
| Prior Marriages | Must provide the exact date (month, day, year) the last marriage ended by death or divorce. |
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Take the Florida Premarital Course (Optional but Highly Recommended): Before visiting the clerk, take the Cadenza Counseling Florida Premarital Course. Completing this online course allows you to skip the mandatory 3-day waiting period and lowers your clerk fee from $86.00 to $61.00. Print your certificate to bring with you.
- Gather Your Identification: Both applicants need a valid, government-issued photo ID. The Hardee County Clerk accepts a Driver’s License, State ID Card, Passport, or an English-translated Birth Certificate. You must also know your Social Security numbers.
- Collect Prior Marriage Details: If either applicant was previously married, you must provide the exact month, day, and year the marriage ended (via divorce or death).
- Visit the Hardee County Clerk Together: Both parties must appear in person at the courthouse located at 417 West Main St, Suite 214, Wauchula, FL 33873.
- Read the Family Law Handbook: Both applicants must review the Florida Family Law Handbook and sign a statement attesting to this fact at the clerk’s office.
- Pay the Fee: Pay the $61.00 (with course certificate) or $86.00 (without). The clerk accepts cash and credit cards, though a 3.5% processing fee applies to cards. Checks are explicitly not allowed.
- Schedule the Ceremony: Once issued (and after the 3-day wait, if applicable), you have exactly 60 days to have your wedding ceremony anywhere in the State of Florida. After the ceremony, the license must be returned to the clerk’s office.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Mistake: Applying the day before the wedding without a course certificate.
Do instead: If you are a Florida resident, the state imposes a strict 3-day waiting period. Either apply at least 4 days in advance, or take the premarital course to waive the wait instantly. - Mistake: Bringing a check to pay the fee.
Do instead: Bring cash or a credit/debit card, as the Hardee County Clerk does not accept checks for marriage licenses. - Mistake: Guessing the date of a past divorce.
Do instead: The clerk requires the exact month, day, and year your previous marriage ended. Look this up on your legal decrees before arriving at the courthouse.
When to Verify / Who to Contact
For Hardee County, Florida, the Hardee County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller is the final authority on the local marriage license process. You can verify current hours and procedures directly:
- Address: 417 West Main St, Suite 214, Wauchula, FL 33873
- Phone: (863) 773-4174
- Official Website: Hardee County Clerk — Marriage License
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do both applicants have to appear in person in Hardee County?
Yes, the Hardee County Clerk requires that both applicants appear together in person at the Wauchula courthouse to apply for a marriage license.
How much does a Hardee County marriage license cost?
The standard fee for a marriage license in Hardee County is $86.00. However, if you complete a registered Florida premarital preparation course, the fee is reduced to $61.00.
Is there a waiting period to get married in Hardee County?
If either applicant is a Florida resident, there is a mandatory 3-day waiting period before the license becomes valid. This waiting period can be entirely waived by completing an approved premarital course. Out-of-state residents do not have a waiting period.
How long is the marriage license valid?
A Florida marriage license issued in Hardee County is valid for 60 days from the date of issuance. The ceremony must be performed within this 60-day window, and the license can be used to get married anywhere in the state of Florida.
What identification do we need to bring?
You must bring a valid, government-issued photo ID. Acceptable forms include a Driver’s License, State ID Card, Passport, or an English-translated Birth Certificate. U.S. citizens must also provide their Social Security Numbers.
