Premarital course in Miami-Dade County: A Complete Guide

Last updated: January 17, 2026

Expert Reviewer: Kristen Franzen, LMHC (Florida License MH22317), NCC

Scope note: This guide is for general educational purposes and covers premarital course and marriage license requirements specifically for Miami-Dade County, Florida. While state laws set the baseline, local fee structures and application procedures can shift. Always confirm current requirements directly with the Miami-Dade Clerk’s office before applying.

The Quick Answer

In Miami-Dade County, couples face a standard marriage license fee of $86.00. However, you can reduce this fee to $61.00 (a $25 savings) by presenting an original certificate of completion from an approved four-hour Florida premarital course at the time of your application.

Miami-Dade Marriage License Quick Facts (2026)

Requirement	Details to Know
Where to Apply	In person at a Miami-Dade Clerk location (online pre-application highly recommended).
Standard Fee	$86.00 (varies by payment method/processing fees).
Discounted Fee	$61.00 (requires an original 4-hour premarital course certificate).
Expiration Window	The license is valid for exactly 60 days from the issue date.
Return Requirement	The completed license must be returned within 10 days post-ceremony.

Step-by-Step: Getting Your Miami-Dade Marriage License

The timing of your application dictates when you can actually have your ceremony. Follow this sequence to avoid missing your wedding window.

1. Determine Your Timeline: Florida marriage licenses expire 60 days after issuance. Do not apply more than two months before your wedding date. If you apply too early and the license expires, you must start over and pay the fees again.
2. Complete an Approved Premarital Course: To save $25 on your application, complete a state-approved course from a qualified provider (like a Licensed Mental Health Counselor). The course must be a minimum of four hours.
3. Verify Your Certificate Details: Florida Statutes (F.S. 741.0305) require specific data on the certificate. Ensure it clearly states both of your names, the completion date, that it was at least four hours long, and the delivery method (e.g., electronic/online).
4. Gather Required Documents: Both applicants need a valid government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, passport) and their Social Security numbers. If either partner was previously married, you must know the exact date the last marriage ended (by divorce, death, or annulment).
5. Apply in Person at the Clerk’s Office: Complete the online pre-application on the Miami-Dade Clerk’s website to save time, but both applicants must appear in person to finalize it. Bring your original premarital course certificate with you—digital copies are often rejected.
6. Return the Executed License: After your officiant signs the license, it must be returned to the Miami-Dade Marriage License Bureau within 10 days so it can be officially recorded.

Common Mistakes (and What to Do Instead)

• Mistake: Assuming any online relationship quiz counts for the discount.
  Do instead: Ensure your instructor meets Florida’s legal requirements. Under F.S. 741.0305, qualified instructors include licensed mental health professionals, psychologists, and specific religious representatives.
• Mistake: Forgetting the original certificate.
  Do instead: Print your certificate. The Miami-Dade Clerk requires you to physically hand over the original certificate at the time of application to secure the fee waiver. You cannot email it to them later.
• Mistake: Guessing your divorce date.
  Do instead: Check your official divorce decree. The clerk requires the exact date (month, day, and year) the previous marriage legally ended.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the premarital course have to be to count?

Under Florida law (F.S. 741.0305), a premarital preparation course must be not less than four hours long to qualify for the fee discount.

What fee difference does the course make in Miami-Dade?

Couples who present a qualifying certificate at application see their marriage license fee reduced from the standard $86 to approximately $61.

How long is the Miami-Dade marriage license valid?

A Florida marriage license is valid for exactly 60 days from the date of issuance. The ceremony must be performed within this window.

What if one of us was previously married?

If either applicant has been married before, they must provide the exact date that their last marriage ended (whether by divorce, death, or annulment) when applying at the clerk’s office.