Detailed Florida Wedding Law Notes
These notes summarize state marriage-license, ceremony, witness, and officiant guidance for the new map experience.
Requirements for the Couple
- Minimum Age: Generally 18 without special rules
- Residency: Not Required
- Marriage Equality: Yes
- Where to Apply: County court judge or clerk of the circuit court
Florida marriage licenses are issued by county court judges or clerks of the circuit court. Couples should provide required identification and complete any county application steps.
Marriage License Requirements
- License Validity: 60 days
- Waiting Period: 3 days for Florida residents unless waived by premarital course
- Nonresident Waiting Period: No general waiting period
- Where Valid: Florida
- Blood Test: Not Required
Florida law provides a 60-day license validity period. Florida residents generally have a three-day waiting period unless they complete an approved premarital preparation course.
Minister and Officiant Requirements
- Authorized Officiants: Ordained ministers, judicial officers, and Florida notaries among others
- Registration: No general state registration procedure for ministers
- License Required Before Ceremony: Yes
Florida law lists who may solemnize marriages, including regularly ordained ministers and Florida notaries. The officiant must require a valid marriage license before performing the ceremony.
Ceremony Requirements
- Ceremony Location: Must occur in Florida
- License Timing: Ceremony must occur before license expiration
- Witnesses: Not generally required by state law
Florida ceremonies can be personalized, but the ceremony must be performed by an authorized person while the marriage license is valid.
Final Steps
- Return Office: Issuing judge or clerk office
- Return Deadline: Within 10 days after solemnizing the marriage
- Responsible Party: Person who solemnizes the marriage
Florida law requires the person who solemnizes the marriage to certify the license and transmit it to the issuing office within 10 days after the ceremony.