How to Get Your Florida Marriage License—Save $25 & Skip the 3-Day Wait

One online course is all it takes to walk out of the clerk’s office with your license—no waiting, less money.

Florida Marriage License 101: The Basics

A marriage license is issued by any Clerk of the Circuit Court in Florida and is valid statewide for exactly 60 days from the effective date. The standard state fee for a marriage license is $86.00. If either party is a Florida resident, the state imposes a mandatory 3-day waiting period before the license can be used to perform a ceremony. Non-residents do not have a waiting period by default, but if one partner is a Florida resident and the other is not, the 3-day wait still applies.

Why an Approved Premarital Course Matters

Under Florida Statute §741.0305, completing a state-approved 4-hour premarital preparation course provides immediate financial and logistical benefits:

• Waives the 3-Day Wait: The mandatory 3-day waiting period for Florida residents is instantly waived, allowing you to get married the exact same day your license is issued.
• Reduces the License Fee: Presenting your valid certificate of completion reduces the standard $86 fee to $61, giving you a $25 net savings on your application. Non-residents are also eligible for this $25 discount.

To qualify for these legal benefits, the course must be taught by a qualified and registered instructor, such as a Florida Licensed Mental Health Counselor. At Cadenza Counseling, your course is developed and verified by Kristen Franzen, LMHC (MH22317) and National Certified Counselor (NCC #1727660), ensuring absolute compliance with Florida Clerk of Court requirements.

Step-by-Step: Claim Your Discount & Waiver

1. Enroll in the Course: Sign up for the official Florida Premarital Course for just $14.49 per couple.
2. Complete at Your Own Pace: Finish the required 4 hours of material entirely online from your desktop, tablet, or phone.
3. Print Your Certificate: Download and print your official certificate of completion immediately. It is valid for up to 1 year prior to your marriage license application date.
4. Apply at the Clerk’s Office: Present your printed certificate to any Florida clerk when both of you apply for your license in person. The clerk will automatically deduct $25 from the fee and waive the waiting period.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do both partners need to take the course?

Yes. Florida law requires both parties to participate in the minimum 4-hour course so that both names appear on the final certificate of completion.

Will every clerk recognize the certificate?

Yes. Because the course is developed by a fully licensed Florida Mental Health Counselor (LMHC MH22317), the certificate is recognized by all 67 County Clerks of the Circuit Court in Florida. Clerks are trained to apply the $25 discount and the waiver upon receiving the valid document.

How long does the process take?

Many couples complete the 4-hour course and file for their marriage license on the exact same day. Once issued, your Florida marriage license remains valid for 60 days, giving you ample time to hold your ceremony.

“We finished the Florida premarital course on our phones Saturday morning, walked into the Orange County Clerk at noon, and walked out 15 minutes later—$25 cheaper and no waiting. Couldn’t be easier!”

— Tia & Marco, Orlando

Start Your Marriage the Smart Way

Save money, skip the delay, and invest in your relationship. Enroll in the Florida Premarital Course today for just $14.49, instantly print your certificate, and walk into the clerk’s office with total confidence.