Who Issues Marriage Licenses in Broward County?
Marriage licenses in Broward County are issued by the Broward County Clerk of Courts at the Broward County Courthouse, 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. Hours are Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Broward County is one of Florida's most active marriage license offices, processing licenses for couples from across South Florida and for destination weddings. The Fort Lauderdale courthouse is accessible by Tri-Rail (Fort Lauderdale station) and Brightline.
The $93.50 Fee
The Broward County marriage license fee is $93.50. This is reduced to $68.50 for couples who complete a Florida-approved premarital preparation course (a $25 savings). Payment: cash, credit/debit card, or money order. No personal checks.
Required Documents — What to Bring
Both applicants must appear together and each bring:
- Valid government-issued photo ID: Driver's license, state ID, U.S. passport, military ID, or other government-issued photo ID. Must not be expired. Foreign passports accepted.
- Social Security Number: Required on the application. Physical card generally not required — just know your number.
- Prior marriage documentation: If either party has been divorced, provide the exact date and state of the divorce. For divorces within the past 6 months, bring a certified copy of the divorce decree.
Waiting Period
Florida law imposes a 3-day waiting period, but it is automatically waived in two situations requiring no court order: (1) if neither party is a Florida resident at the time of application, or (2) if both parties present a Florida-approved premarital course completion certificate. The majority of couples applying in Broward County — including all out-of-state destination wedding couples — experience no waiting period.
Broward County offers an online pre-application at browardclerk.org that allows couples to complete the application form before visiting. Both parties must still appear in person to submit the application and pay the fee, but pre-applying significantly reduces time at the counter.
License Validity — 60 days
Your Broward County marriage license is valid for 60 days from the date of issue, for ceremonies performed anywhere in Florida. Plan your application date carefully. Use our expiration calculator and Wedding Date Planner to find your exact window.
After the Ceremony
Your officiant must complete and return the signed marriage license to the Broward County issuing office within the timeframe required by Florida law (typically 10–30 days). After recording, certified copies of the marriage certificate are available for $10 each. Order at least 4–6 copies — you'll need them for Social Security, driver's license, passport, and bank account name changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Broward County Courthouse does not provide ceremony services through the clerk's office. For a civil ceremony, contact the Broward County courthouse to ask about available magistrates or judges. Many couples in Fort Lauderdale use professional officiants — the area has a large market of wedding officiants who handle elopements and small ceremonies.
No. A Florida marriage license is valid for ceremonies performed anywhere in Florida — but it must have been issued by a Florida county clerk. You can apply in Broward and get married in Miami-Dade, Orlando, or anywhere else in Florida.
Yes. All Florida counties issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples on identical terms and at the same fee since the federal Obergefell ruling in 2015.
Government offices change hours, fees, and appointment policies without always updating their websites. Call the Broward County office directly the day before your visit to confirm current hours, fees, and whether you need an appointment.
Planning Your Visit to the County Clerk of Courts
The County Clerk of Courts handles marriage license applications for Broward County. Florida fees vary by county ($86–$115). The premarital course reduces the fee by $25 and waives the wait for Florida residents. Online pre-applications are available in many Florida counties.
Florida's 3-day waiting period is automatically waived for non-Florida residents and for couples who complete a state-approved premarital preparation course. Indicate your out-of-state address on the application to receive the automatic waiver.
Step-by-Step: Application to Certified Copies
Here is the complete sequence for a Broward County marriage license, from the day you apply through receiving certified copies for name changes:
- Gather documents: Both parties need valid, unexpired photo IDs and their Social Security numbers. If either party has been previously married, have the divorce date and state ready (bring a certified decree if divorced within the past 6 months).
- Visit the office: Both parties appear together at the County Clerk of Courts. The application takes 15–25 minutes. Pay the $86–$115 fee.
- License issued: You receive a physical paper marriage license. Keep it safe — it is the document your officiant will sign after the ceremony.
- Waiting period: 3 days (auto-waived for non-residents) from the moment of issuance. Plan your ceremony date accordingly.
- Ceremony anywhere in Florida: Your license is valid for ceremonies performed anywhere in Florida within the 60 days validity window. Your officiant signs immediately after the ceremony.
- Return the license: The signed license must be returned to the issuing office within the timeframe required by Florida law (typically 10–30 days). Confirm responsibility — you or your officiant.
- Order certified copies: After the marriage is recorded (2–4 weeks post-ceremony), order certified copies from the County Clerk of Courts or through VitalChek. Order at least 4–6 copies at once.
- Name changes: Use certified copies for Social Security, DMV, passport, and financial accounts. Start with Social Security first — other agencies verify against SSA records. See our name change guide for the complete sequence.
Use our Wedding Date Planner to calculate the exact window for applying in Florida. Download the Day-Of Checklist PDF to bring to your appointment. Use the Cost Calculator to estimate your total expenses including certified copies and name change fees.