Non-residents: no effective wait. Residents: complete 4-hr course to waive wait + save $25.
Florida Marriage License — State Rules
Florida's 3-day waiting period is automatically waived for out-of-state couples — no court order needed. Florida residents can waive the wait by completing a state-approved 4-hour premarital course, which also saves $25 on the fee. Florida has one of the most useful premarital education incentive programs in the country.
Requirements That Apply Statewide
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Who issues the license | County Clerk of Courts |
| Waiting period | 3 days (auto-waived for non-residents) |
| License validity | 60 days |
| Fee range | $86–$115 (varies by county) |
| Witnesses at ceremony | 2 required |
| Residency required? | No — Florida has no residency requirement |
| Both parties in person? | Yes — both applicants must appear together |
| Blood test required? | No — Florida does not require premarital blood tests |
What to Bring to the County Clerk of Courts
- Valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID — driver's license, state ID, U.S. passport, military ID, or foreign passport. Both parties.
- Social Security Number — required on the application for both parties. Physical card typically not required. Non-U.S. citizens without an SSN write "None."
- Prior marriage information — date and state the prior marriage ended (divorce or death). For divorces within the past 6 months, bring a certified copy of the divorce decree.
- Fee payment — $86–$115. Cash, card, or money order. Call your specific county to confirm accepted payment methods.
Florida County Guides
Select your county for the exact office address, hours, fee, appointment requirements, and county-specific procedural detail.
Fee: $115
Fee: $93.50
Fee: $93.50
Fee: $90
Fee: $86
County-by-county guides for all Florida counties are being expanded continuously. Use our checklist tool for a personalized document list based on your state while additional county pages are added.
Frequently Asked Questions — Florida
No. Florida has no residency requirement. You and your partner can apply for a Florida marriage license regardless of where you live. The license is valid for ceremonies performed anywhere in Florida.
The waiting period in Florida is 3 days (auto-waived for non-residents). This means you must wait this long after receiving the license before holding the ceremony. See our waiting periods guide for the complete statewide comparison and waiver procedures.
A Florida marriage license is valid for 60 days from the date of issue. If the ceremony does not occur within this window, the license expires and you must reapply and pay the fee again. Use our expiration calculator to find your exact deadline.
No. A Florida marriage license is valid only for ceremonies performed within Florida. If your ceremony is in a different state, you must apply for a license in that state. Your home state will recognize any legally performed marriage from another state.