What Are Florida Marriage Records?

Marriage records in Florida are official documentation of a couple's union. Registering and keeping these marriage-related documents began on June 6, 1927. Since then, various government authorities have maintained marriage records, including marriage certificates and licenses.

In Florida, a marriage certificate is a document that serves as proof that a marriage has occurred and is finalized. It is issued after the marriage license is returned to the court clerk following the ceremony.

It typically includes information such as the wedding location, date, couple's names, officiant, and witnesses.

On the other hand, a marriage license is an official documentation allowing a couple to marry. It must be acquired before the marriage ceremony and is valid for a specific period as outlined in the Florida Statutes Section 741.08.

The marriage license contains personal details such as names, birth dates, and parents' information.

These documents are necessary for various legal processes, such as applying for spousal benefits, changing names, or filing taxes. Additionally, these records are crucial for genealogical research and verifying family histories.

Are Marriage Certificates Public Records?

In line with the Florida Statute Section 119.01, marriage certificates in Florida are generally considered public records and are open to the public. However, there are some restrictions on the information available and how it can be accessed.

Anyone can obtain public marriage information by requesting it from the Florida Department of Health (DOH) and local county offices. However, while marriage certificates are public records, certain information is restricted or redacted.

Restricted information, such as Social Security numbers (SSNs), applicants' race, and history of previous marriages, is not included in public records or issued certificates.

SSNs collected during the marriage license application process are confidential and only released to the Department of Revenue for child support enforcement purposes.

Available information on issued certificates typically includes:

• County where the license was issued
• Date of marriage
• Names of both spouses
• Place of marriage

How To Look Up Marriage Records in Florida?

To search for marriage records in Florida, one must access various government agencies across the state, such as the Florida DOH's Bureau of Vital Statistics and the clerks of circuit courts.

The Bureau of Vital Statistics holds records from June 6, 1927, to the present. In contrast, the circuit court clerks maintain records before June 6, 1927, and have the most access to recent marriage records within their respective counties.

To inspect or request copies of marriage records in Florida, individuals generally need to provide the following information:

• Full names of both spouses before marriage
• Date of marriage
• Location of the marriage
• County where the marriage license was issued

Requests can be made in person, online, or by mail, depending on the agency involved. Fees are typically required for each request, and the cost may vary based on the method and the agency processing the search.

How To Search Marriage Certificates?

Searching for and obtaining marriage certificates in Florida varies based on the type of copy requested.

A certified copy of a marriage certificate is an official document issued by the state, complete with a seal and signature, and is legally valid for official purposes. In contrast, an informational copy is an uncertified copy containing the same information but is not legally valid for official use.

According to Florida Statutes Section 382.025, certified copies of marriage records, such as marriage certificates, will only be issued to:

• The registrant's spouse or parent
• The registrant's family member, if of legal age
• Any person acting on behalf of the registrant or their immediate family
• Any government agency for official purposes upon approval of the department
• Any court of competent jurisdiction, upon order

The following are the various ways how one can obtain certified copies of marriage certificates in the state:

In-Person

To search for marriage certificates in person, individuals can visit the Bureau of Vital Statistics office at 217 N Pearl Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202, during office hours.

Visitors must complete and submit the application form available at the office, along with a valid ID. The fee for the first copy is $15, with an additional $4 for each subsequent copy.

Alternatively, individuals can visit the circuit court clerk in the county where the marriage document was issued. Fees vary by county, so it is advisable to call the office beforehand to learn about the costs and other requirements.

Online

Interested parties can utilize the VitalChek website, the only contracted vendor for the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics.

Obtaining a certificate via VitalChek requires a fee of $15.

Additionally, a $7 VitalChek process fee is required to verify identity, obtain ordering information, and download the request directly to the Bureau of Vital Statistics. Each subsequent computer-generated certification costs $4. If the exact year is unknown, there is a $2 search fee per calendar year, with a maximum fee of $50.

For shipping, individuals can use UPS for an additional fee, which requires a signature upon delivery. Alternatively, regular mail can be selected at no extra cost.

By Mail

To obtain a copy of a marriage certificate by mail, individuals can send a request with the necessary information to the circuit court clerk in the county where the certificate was issued.

Since requirements vary by county, it is best to call the county clerk's office beforehand for specific instructions.

Alternatively, to request marriage certificates by mail from the Bureau of Vital Statistics, individuals must complete the Application for Marriage Certificate (DH261) and mail it along with a check or money order payable to Vital Statistics.

The request must be sent to Florida DOH's Bureau of Vital Statistics, Vital Records Section at P.O. Box 210 in Jacksonville, FL 32231-0042.

How To Search Marriage Licenses?

In Florida, marriage records, including marriage licenses, are maintained by the circuit court clerks at the county level. At the same time, the Florida DOH's Bureau of Vital Statistics holds records at the state level.

To obtain a copy of a marriage license, an individual must:

• Determine which office to request the copy from
• Provide the required information:
  • Full names of both spouses
  • Date of marriage
  • Place of marriage
  • Relationship to the persons named on the record
  • Reason for requesting the marriage license copy
• Pay the required fee

Marriage licenses can be searched online in addition to traditional methods like in-person requests and mail. Some county clerk's offices in Florida, such as the Broward County Clerk of Court, provide an online tool for this purpose.

How To Search Marriage Records Online?

In addition to the online services offered by the Florida DOH and some county clerk's offices, several other options are available for searching Florida marriage records remotely:

RecordsFinder

RecordsFinder is a commercial record retrieval service that allows users to search for various public records, including marriage records across Florida. Users can find marriage information, but certified copies must still be obtained through official channels.

FamilySearch

FamilySearch is a free genealogical website that provides access to Florida marriage records from 1830 to 1993. While not comprehensive, it can be a valuable resource for historical records.

Ancestry.com

Ancestry.com is a subscription-based service that offers Florida marriage records from 1823 to 1982, although the database is still incomplete for all counties and years.

While these resources typically do not offer certified copies of marriage records, they provide valuable information about whether a marriage occurred. For certified copies, individuals must follow the official request process of the circuit court clerks and the Florida DOH.

When Can You Access Confidential Marriage Records?

A confidential marriage allows couples to keep the details of their marriage private. They can choose this option primarily to maintain privacy, avoid publicity, or protect themselves from potential harassment.

Access to confidential marriage records is restricted and can only be granted to individuals with a court order.

In Florida, however, confidential marriages are not recognized. All marriage records in the state are considered public records, which allows anyone to inspect them without providing a reason or obtaining a court order.

While Florida does not offer confidential marriages, it protects sensitive information within marriage records. For example, SSNs are kept confidential and are not included in public records or issued certificates.

How Do You Apply for a Marriage License?

To apply for a marriage license in Florida, couples must meet specific requirements and follow certain procedures. Some counties, such as Lee County, offer an online application option.

Below is a detailed overview of the state's general requirements and eligibility criteria:

Identification Required

Both parties must present a valid government-issued photo ID, such as a U.S. driver's license, state identification card, passport, or Military ID.

Age Requirements

In Florida, the couple must be at least 18 years old to apply for a marriage license. However, in counties such as Sarasota, one applicant can be 17, provided the other applicant is no more than two years older than the younger party.

Applicants who are 17 years old must bring the following:

• Birth certificate for the underage applicant
• Proof of identification
• Notarized written consent from parents or guardians
• Both parents, with their own proof of identification and any relevant custody documentation

Residency Requirement

There is no residency requirement for obtaining a marriage license in Florida. Couples from out of state can apply for a marriage license in any county.

License Validity

Marriage licenses in the state are valid for 60 days from the date of effectivity. Couples must marry within this period or reapply for a new license.

Waiting Periods

In Florida, residents must observe a three-day waiting period between submitting their marriage license application and the license becoming effective.

However, in some counties, such as Lee County, this waiting period is not imposed if both applicants complete a Pre-Marital Counseling Course Provider and present a certificate of completion at the time of application.

For non-Florida residents, there is no waiting period. However, the waiting period still applies if one of the applicants is a Florida resident.

Officiants and Witnesses

In Florida, marriages can be solemnized by ordained ministers, elders, clerks of circuit courts, judicial officers, and notaries public.

Proxy Marriage

Proxy marriages are typically not allowed in Florida. Both parties must be present to apply for the license.

How Do I Correct a Mistake on My Marriage Certificate?

Marriage documents, including the marriage certificates issued by the state, can sometimes contain errors. Common errors that may occur on a marriage certificate include:

• Misspelled names
• Incorrect dates, including birth dates or marriage date
• Wrong place of birth
• Incorrect parental information
• Errors in personal information, such as address and occupation

One can correct these mistakes with the help of the local circuit court clerk where the marriage license was issued. To correct an error on a marriage certificate, one must:

Contact the Relevant Circuit Court Clerk

Reach out to the circuit clerk's office where the marriage license was issued. Interested parties can typically do this by calling their office.

Bring the Necessary Documentation

Gather supporting documentation to prove the correct information, such as a birth certificate and a government-issued ID. Depending on the type of correction, one may need to provide additional documentary evidence to support the amendment.

Submit the Application

To personally request the amendment, individuals must fill out and submit the necessary forms provided by the circuit court clerk's office.

Pay the Fees

When amending a marriage certificate, be prepared to pay a fee, which can vary depending on the case's specific circumstances. Additionally, there is a non-refundable processing fee for the amendment, typically $20, which includes one certified copy of the amended record.

Once the marriage certificate correction is processed, the requesting party will be notified in writing if an address is provided.

Are Marriage Records Under the Florida Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) Accessible?

Florida Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) protects victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking by concealing their addresses. Established under Florida Statutes Chapter 741, the program provides a substitute address for official use, helping survivors maintain privacy and safety while interacting with government agencies and public records systems.

Marriage records of Florida ACP participants are not publicly accessible. ACP participants use a state-provided substitute address on official documents, including marriage licenses. County clerk's offices implement special handling procedures to prevent unauthorized disclosure. Access to these records typically requires a court order or the participant's direct authorization.

Florida Marriage Statistics Trends

Recent statistics reveal that 53% of adults in the U.S. aged 18 and older are currently married, down from 58% in 1995. Meanwhile, the rate of cohabitation has risen, with 7% of Americans now living with a partner, up from just 3% nearly three decades ago.

Marriage trends in Florida differ from the national averages. The following table presents key marriage statistics for the state:

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