Do I need a Marriage License and where do I get it?
- To get legally married in Florida, you must obtain a Florida marriage license from ANY FL County Clerk of the Circuit Court.
- Marriage licenses from Marion County, Florida are issued by the (Click link for full instructions) Marion County Clerk of Court and Comptroller at the Clerk's Annex Building, located at 19 N. Pine Avenue, Room 126 Ocala, FL .
- Marriage licenses from Alachua County, Florida are issued at the( Click link for full instructions) Alachua County Family and Civil Justice Center located at 201 East University Avenue, Gainesville, FL.
How much does it cost?
- The standard state fee is $86.00.·
- If you complete a state-approved 4-hour premarital preparation course, the fee is $61.00.
Is there a waiting period?
- Florida residents: There is a 3-day waiting period before the license becomes valid, unless you complete an approved premarital preparation course, which waives the wait time.
- Out-of-state residents: There is no waiting period. Your license is valid the same day it is issued.
How long is the license valid?
- The license is valid for 60 days from the date of issuance. Your ceremony and the legal signing must take place within this window.
What happens to the license on the wedding day?
- Bring your physical marriage license packet to the venue and hand it to your licensed officiant (clergy, notary public, or judicial officer). After the ceremony, the officiant must sign it and return it to the issuing FL Clerk of Court within 10 days so it can be legally recorded.