State guide
Florida
Florida marriage licenses are issued through the county court judge or clerk of the circuit court, and the statewide rules are largely statutory. Florida residents usually face a three-day wait unless they qualify for the premarital-course waiver; non-Florida residents do not have that delay.
Checked against official sources on October 4, 2026. Rules and links change; confirm with the office listed before you act.
- Who issues licenses
- county court judge or clerk of the circuit court
- Waiting period
- 3 days for Florida residents; none for non-Florida residents; waived with qualifying premarital course
- License valid for
- 60 days
- Witnesses
- not required for clerk civil ceremonies
- License fee
- $86.00 statewide; $61.00 with qualifying premarital course
Official resources in Florida
Official statewide marriage statutes covering issuance, validity, waiting period, and authorized officiants.
Statewide clerk guidance on applying, fees, and the premarital-course discount.
Official county page for license requirements, waiting-period details, and deputy-clerk civil ceremonies.
Official Broward page with ceremony availability, fees, and witness guidance for clerk ceremonies.
Key facts for Florida
- Licenses are issued by a county court judge or clerk of the circuit court.
- Florida marriage licenses are valid for 60 days after issuance.
- Florida residents must wait 3 days unless they present a qualifying premarital-course certificate.
- The statewide marriage-license fee is $86.00; qualifying premarital-course applicants pay $61.00.
- Florida clerks of court and their deputized employees are authorized to solemnize marriages.
- Official pages found did not show any one-day temporary officiant designation or self-uniting option.
Courthouse ceremonies in Florida
| County | Details |
|---|---|
| Miami-Dade | Deputy clerks perform civil ceremonies by appointment at the Central Marriage License Bureau and district courts. |
| Broward | Clerk offers civil marriage ceremonies after the license is effective. |
| Palm Beach | Clerk states marriage ceremonies are available by appointment. |
| Hillsborough | Clerk says Tampa, Brandon, and Plant City locations have wedding ceremony spaces available. |
What to do next
- If either applicant is a Florida resident, decide before applying whether to take an approved premarital course to waive the 3-day wait and reduce the fee.
- If you want a courthouse ceremony, confirm whether your chosen clerk location takes walk-ins or appointments before you go.
- Bring government photo ID and, if applicable, the original premarital-course certificate when applying.
Helpful guides
- How to get married at the courthouse
- What to bring when you apply for a marriage license
- Marriage license waiting periods and expiration dates
- Do you need witnesses for a courthouse wedding?