Residency Requirement: Do not have to be a resident of Florida. The waiting period does not apply to non-Florida residents.

Waiting Period: No waiting period for Florida residents have both completed a state sanctioned marriage preparation course within the last 12 months. There is a three-day waiting period for Florida residents who have not taken the course.

If Divorced: If previously married, the date of divorce or date of spouse's death must be supplied. If the divorce or spouse's death occurred within the past 30 days, a certified copy of the divorce decree or death certificate is required.

Fees: $88.50 - cash only. Couples who have completed a state-sanctioned marriage preparation course within the past 12 months are entitled to a discount of $32.50.

Other Tests: No blood test requirement.

Under 18: If an individual is under 18 years of age, but older than 16 years of age, a marriage license can be obtained with parental consent. If a parent has sole custody or the other parent is dead, the permission of one parent is sufficient. If a person is under the age of 16, the marriage license has to be issued by a county judge, with or without parental permission. If a minor's parents are both deceased and there is not an appointed guardian, he/she may apply for a marriage license. A minor who has been previously married may also apply for a license. A minor who swears that they have a child or are expecting a baby, can apply for a license if the pregnancy has been verified by a written statement from a licensed physician. A county court judge may at his/her discretion issue or not issue a license for them to marry.

Proxy Marriages: Not allowed in Florida.

Miscellaneous: License is valid for 60 days.

Copy of Certificate of Marriage: Department of Children and Families
Division of Vital Statistics
P. O. Box 210
Jacksonville, FL 32231-0042
(904) 359-6955

Prospective brides and grooms are now required to read a 16-page booklet which describes situations such as how a court would divide their assets and information about child support payments.

The good side of all this is that licenses will be available for $56 rather than $88.50, if a couple attends a four-hour course to improve communication, financial and parenting skills before marriage.

Court Clerks are allowed by law to waive the three-day waiting period in the event of a "hardship" case.