| What is needed to get a marriage license? |
Both parties must provide proof of the following: Age: both parties must be at least 18 years of age. Identification: in the form of a valid driver's license, state ID, military ID or passport. U.S. citizens must provide their Social Security Number. Non-citizens may provide a Social Security Number or an Alien Registration Number issued by the Immigration and Naturalization Service. An application form must be completed. If either party has been previously married, you must note on the application how and when the marriage ended. The nonrefundable fee for the marriage license is $93.50. This fee is reduced to $61.00 for Florida residents who have completed a premarital preparation course.
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| What methods of payment may I use? |
The following methods of payment are acceptable : Cash Money order Traveler's check Personal Check (Name and current address must be imprinted on check and you must present a photo ID).
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| Do both parties have to be present at the Clerk's Office to apply for a license? |
Yes. Both parties must sign the application form and take an oath to the truthfulness of the information provided.
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| Is a blood test required? |
No. Blood tests are no longer required in Florida.
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| Is there a waiting period for the issuance of a license? |
There is no waiting period for Florida residents who have presented both of the following: Certificate of completion of premarital preparation course from a qualified registered course provider. Statement attesting they have taken a premarital preparation course and read the Family Law Handbook outlining the rights and responsibilities of parties to a marriage. Otherwise there is a 3 day waiting period. Please note: There is no waiting period for NON-RESIDENTS.
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| How long is the marriage license valid? |
Florida marriage licenses are valid for 60 days from the effective date. The marriage ceremony must be performed between the effective date and the expiration date on the license.
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| Must I apply for a marriage license in the county where I live? |
No. A marriage license may be applied for and solemnized in any Florida county.
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| Who may perform marriage ceremonies? |
The following individuals may perform marriage ceremonies: All regularly ordained ministers of the gospel, elders in communion with a church, or other ordained clergy. All judicial officers, including retired judicial officers, Clerks of the Circuit Courts, and public notaries of this state. "Quakers" or "Friends," may perform marriages in the manner and form used or practiced in their societies.
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| Who is a "regularly ordained minister"? |
He/she is a minister who has been recognized in the manner required by the regulations of the respective denomination to perform marriage ceremonies.
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| May we get married by a captain aboard a ship? |
Yes, if the captain is a notary and the ship is in Florida waters (within three geographic miles from the coastline) at the time of the ceremony.
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| May a marriage be solemnized without a license? |
No, Florida Statute 741.08 states that the party solemnizing the marriage shall require a properly issued license before performing the ceremony and within 10 days after the ceremony, he shall make a certificate thereof of the license, and shall transmit the same to the office of the county judge or clerk of the circuit court from which it issued.
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| Can I be married in the Clerk's Office? |
Yes. Deputy clerks are authorized and available during normal working hours, Monday through Friday, to perform ceremonies. No appointment is necessary. The fee for this service is $30.00.
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| How long does it take to get a copy of our marriage record and how much does it cost? |
You will receive a certified copy of your marriage certificate within 7 days after the officiator returns it to our office to be recorded. There is no charge for this copy. However additional certified copies cost $3.00 each.
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| Can people obtain a license to marry partners of their own gender? |
No. Florida Statute 741.04 specifies that one applicant must be male and the other female.
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| Can a person marry someone to whom they are related? |
Florida law prohibits a person marrying anyone to whom they are related by lineal consanguinity. The nearest degree of relations who may legally marry in the state of Florida is first cousins.
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| Do one or both of the applicants have to be U.S. citizens? |
No. There is no citizenship or resident requirement.
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| Do we need a license to renew our vows? How do we go about doing this? |
No. Speak to your clergyman, chaplain, or other advisor.
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| Under what circumstances may a license be issued to persons 16 or 17 years of age? |
Circumstances are as follows : Written consent of both parents or legal guardian. Parents are deceased. Minor has been previously married. The age requirement can be waived by a county judge for applicants who can prove they are parents or expectant parents.
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| Can an individual who is younger than 16 get a marriage license from the Clerk's Office with parental permission? |
No. With or without parental permission, a marriage license to anyone under age 16 can only be issued by a county judge.
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| Where can I view historical marriage license records online? |
Some historical marriage license records are available for viewing on the University of South Florida's website. Marriage License records from 1878 to 1893 are available online at Hillsborough County, Florida Marriage Records Guide. Once you come to the Hillsborough County Marriage Records page, click on the "Search this collection" link on the left side of the page. The search page displays which allows you to enter your search criteria to view marriage records. Indexes for Marriage Records from 1979 forward and images of recorded Marriage Licenses from 1990 forward are now available by accessing the Online Records Menu and then selecting the Official Records Public Search Screen.
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| Where can I view and obtain copies of marriage licenses? |
Copies of marriage licenses for Hillsborough County are available for viewing and purchase at the Records Library located at 419 Pierce Street Room #140. The charge for a copy is $1.00 per page and $2.00 to certify the document, if certification is needed. If you are going to use the copy for a legal purpose, you would want to have the copy certified. There is no charge to view a document. You may also send a written request for a copy. Please provide the bride's maiden name, the groom's name, and if known, date of marriage. Please make checks payable to Clerk of Circuit Court. The mailing address is Clerk of the Circuit Court, Attn: Marriage License Department, P.O. Box 3249, Tampa Florida 33601. Indexes for Marriage Records from 1979 forward and images of recorded Marriage Licenses from 1990 forward are now available by accessing the Online Records Menu and then selecting the Official Records Public Search Screen. |