🌴 Sunscreen, Sandals, and "I Do": Your Ultimate Guide to Getting Hitched in Florida as a Non-Resident ☀️
Listen up, future newlyweds! So you’ve decided to ditch the drab hometown courthouse and instead chase the sunset for your "big day," right? And the Sunshine State, Florida—land of theme parks, gators, and endless beaches—is calling your name. Good call! But now you're sweating the small stuff: "Can a non-resident even get married here?"
The short answer is a resounding, air-conditioned YES! It's easier than trying to navigate the traffic in Miami during rush hour, I promise. Florida is super chill about residency. They don't care if your ID says you hail from the snowy peaks of Colorado or the concrete jungle of New York; they just want to make sure you're legally ready to tie the knot. Think of it as a super-easy passport to marital bliss. You just need to follow a few simple steps, and you’ll be shouting "We’re married, y’all!" faster than you can say, "Pass the margarita."
Let's break down this process like a pro wedding planner spilling the tea.
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| Can I Get Married In Florida If I Live In Another State |
Step 1: Secure That Golden Ticket (The Marriage License)
This is the most important piece of paper you’ll deal with, short of the check you’ll write to your caterer. You need a marriage license, and you need it from a Florida Clerk of the Circuit Court office. You can grab this beauty in any county, no matter where you plan to say your vows within the state.
1.1 Show Up, Look Sharp, and Bring the Docs
The rule is simple, folks: both of you have to show up in person. No sending your maid of honor or your future mother-in-law to do the heavy lifting. This is a "power couple" requirement.
The ID Check: You both need a valid, non-expired photo ID issued by the government. Think driver's licenses, state ID cards, passports, or military IDs. They need your correct legal name, date of birth, and signature. Don't be a scrub; make sure that photo still vaguely looks like you.
The Number Crunch: You'll need to provide your Social Security Number (SSN). Don't need the actual card, just the digits, but for non-U.S. citizens who haven't been issued an SSN, other forms of ID like an Alien Registration Number or passport number are typically accepted.
The Paper Trail (If Applicable): If either of you has been married before, you’ll need to know the exact date your last marriage ended (by divorce, death, or annulment). You don't usually need to bring the actual decree or certificate, but knowing the precise date is mandatory. Get that date locked down, or you'll be doing a walk of shame out of the Clerk's office.
The Mandatory Read: You'll both sign an affidavit swearing you've read or accessed the Florida Family Law Handbook. It’s not exactly a beach read, but it’s the legal lowdown.
1.2 Shell Out the Dough (The Fee)
Tip: Skim only after you’ve read fully once.
The fee for the license is typically around $93.50 (always check your specific county clerk's website because fees can fluctuate, but that's the ballpark).
Pro Tip: Florida residents can get a discount (and waive the waiting period, more on that in a sec) if they complete a premarital preparation course. Since you’re out-of-staters, you generally skip the waiting period anyway, so unless you really want the course, you don't need to stress over this step for the discount. You're already getting a sweet deal!
Step 2: High-Five! You Skipped the Waiting Line!
This is where being a non-resident gives you a major edge. You're basically getting the VIP pass.
2.1 The Awesome Exemption (The Waiting Period)
For residents of Florida, there's a mandatory three-day waiting period between the issuance of the license and when they can actually get married. It’s like a cooling-off period to make sure you really want to do this.
But guess what? If both parties are non-residents, you are totally exempt! That's right. You can pick up your license and get married the same day! Talk about fast-tracking your happily ever after. This makes it super easy for couples flying in just for the occasion.
2.2 The Expiration Date (Use It or Lose It)
Once the Clerk hands over that precious license, the clock starts ticking like a Hollywood movie countdown. Your Florida marriage license is valid for 60 days. Your ceremony has to be performed within that 60-day window. If you're a little flaky on time management, put a reminder on your phone now. If it expires, you’ll be starting over from scratch, and nobody has time for that.
QuickTip: A quick skim can reveal the main idea fast.
Step 3: Find Your Officiant and Get It Done
Okay, you’ve got the license—now you need the person who has the legal chops to make it official. Who’s going to be the one to say, "By the power vested in me by the State of Florida..."?
3.1 Who Can Seal the Deal? (The Officiants)
Florida is pretty generous with who can officiate a marriage.
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Clergy: Any ordained minister, priest, rabbi, or other ordained clergy.
Judicial Officers: Judges and retired judicial officers.
Clerks of the Circuit Court: Yes, the same folks who gave you the license can often perform a civil ceremony right there in the courthouse (for an additional small fee). It's a convenient, no-frills option!
Notaries Public: This is the big one. Any public notary in the State of Florida is authorized to solemnize the marriage. This opens up a world of possibilities, from your bestie who got notarized online (seriously, it's a thing) to professional wedding notaries.
3.2 The Ceremony Countdown
You can get married anywhere in the State of Florida—from a tiny beach town to the bustling streets of Orlando—regardless of which county issued your license. Just make sure the officiant and the witnesses (if you want them, though they aren't legally required) are all on board.
Step 4: The Final Legal Hustle (Filing the Paperwork)
You’ve said your vows, you've kissed the person, and maybe a little sand got in your fancy shoes. You’re married! But wait, the paper isn't done yet.
Tip: Check back if you skimmed too fast.
4.1 Off to the Races (Returning the License)
It is the responsibility of the person who performed your ceremony (your officiant) to sign the original marriage license and get it back to the Clerk's office that issued it. The deadline is usually within 10 days of the ceremony. Make sure your officiant isn't a total ding-dong and knows to mail it in or drop it off ASAP. Until it is recorded, it ain't officially official in the eyes of the law.
4.2 Proof of Purchase (The Certified Copy)
Once the Clerk's office receives and records the license, they'll send you an official certified copy. This is your proof that you actually did the thing. Keep this document safe! You’ll need it for changing your name, updating insurance, and all that fun married-person jazz.
Congrats! You're officially hitched, and you didn't even have to change your driver's license to do it. Go grab a piña colada and enjoy that beautiful Florida sun! You earned it, boss.
FAQ Questions and Answers
How long does a Florida marriage license last?
A Florida marriage license is valid for 60 days from the date of issuance. The wedding ceremony must be performed within this 60-day window.
Tip: Don’t rush — enjoy the read.
What documents do non-residents need to apply for a marriage license?
Both parties need to appear in person with a valid government-issued photo ID (like a driver's license or passport) and their Social Security Number (SSN), or other accepted ID number for non-U.S. citizens.
Is there a waiting period for out-of-state couples getting married in Florida?
No, if both applicants are non-residents of Florida, the mandatory three-day waiting period is waived. You can get married on the same day the license is issued.
Do I need to get a marriage license in the specific Florida county where the wedding will be held?
No, a Florida marriage license can be obtained from any County Clerk of the Circuit Court office and is valid for a ceremony in any of Florida's 67 counties.
How much does a Florida marriage license cost?
The standard fee for a Florida marriage license is generally around $93.50, payable at the time of application.
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