Marriage License Bureau - FAQ's

1. Who may apply for a Marriage License?

Any resident or non-resident may apply.

2. If either party is a minor, is the consent of both parents required?

• “Yes, there is a three (3) day waiting period for those Florida residents who opt not to take the (4 hour minimum) Premarital Course (you will receive your marriage license on the day you apply, but it will not become effective until after the three days, the effective date is always indicated on the marriage license next to the expiration date). As described by F.S. 741.01 which became effective on January 4, 1999.
  
  
• This does not apply to non-Florida residents.

4. What does the State of  Florida new Marriage Laws, as per F.S. 741.01 require?

The State of  Florida new Marriage Law, (F.S. 741.01) which became effective on January 4, 1999, requires all Florida residents applying for a Marriage License, to take a four(4) hour Premarital Course or wait three (3) days as of the date the Marriage License is issued in order for it to be effective.

5. Are any medical examinations required in order to apply for a Marriage License?

No. There are no medical exams or blood tests required in order to apply for a Marriage License. The law requiring these tests was abolished on October 1st, 1986.

6. How much does it cost to get a certificate record of my Marriage License?

Visit the fee schedule for a complete list of our current fees.

7. Who can provide Premarital Courses?

The following is a list of qualified Premarital Course providers:

• A psychologist licensed under chapter F.S. 490; or
  

• A clinical social worker licensed under F.S. 491; or
  

• A marriage and family therapist licensed under F.S. 491; or
  

• A mental health counselor licensed under F.S. 491; or
  

• An official representative of a religious institution which is recognized under F.S. 496.404(201), with relevant training.

8. If I need any further information in reference to the recent changes in the Marriage Laws in the State of Florida what can I do?

Please call the Marriage License Bureau at:  (305) 375-3019

9. Can I have a marriage ceremony without a Marriage License?

No, Section 741.08 F.S. states that the party performing the marriage ceremony shall require a properly issued license before performing the ceremony.

10. Where can I apply for a Marriage License in Miami-Dade County and what are the office hours and days of operation?

You can apply for a Marriage License in Miami-Dade County at any of the following locations, Monday to Friday during the hours of 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Caleb District Court 5400 NW 22nd Ave., Suite 205 Miami, Florida 33142 Telephone: (305) 275-1155	Coral Gables District Court 3100 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Suite 100 Coral Gables, Florida 33134 Telephone: (305) 275-1155
Hialeah District Court 11 E. 6th Street Hialeah, Florida 33010 Telephone: (305) 275-1155	Miami Beach District Court 1130 Washington Ave., Suite 224 Miami Beach, Florida 33139 Telephone: (305) 275-1155
Marriage License Bureau 140 West Flagler Street, Suite 1503 Miami, Florida 33130 Tel.: (305) 275-1155	North Dade Justice Center 15555 Biscayne Blvd., Suite 100 Miami, Florida 33160 Telephone: (305) 275-1155
South Dade Justice Center 10710 SW 211th St., Suite 1200 Miami, Florida 33189 Telephone: (305) 275-1155	Sweetwater Sub-Office 500 SW 109th Ave. 3rd. Floor Miami, Florida 33142 Telephone: (305) 275-1155 * Copies Only, no licenses or ceremonies are issued at Sweetwater.

11. What is the Fee for a Marriage License?

Visit the fee schedule for a complete list of our current fees. Payment is accepted in cash, cashier's check, money order, Visa or MasterCard. Personal checks are not accepted.

12. Once a Marriage License is issued, how long is it valid for?

A Marriage License is valid for sixty days from the date it was issued. The marriage must be solemnized within that time.

13. Who may perform my marriage ceremony?

14. After my marriage ceremony, when and who should return the Marriage License to the Clerk's Office?

A Marriage License should be returned to the Marriage License Bureau by the party who performed the wedding ceremony.

15. I do not have a marriage ceremony planned, can I be married at the Clerk's Office?

• If you would like, the Miami-Dade County Clerk's Office can perform your marriage ceremony. A brief civil ceremony can be performed at any of the Marriage License Offices. A small room has been designated as a Marriage Room and decorated by the clerks at each location for the purpose of holding marriage ceremonies. You may wish to bring family and friends, as well as flowers and a photographer or a camera.
  
  
• Visit the fee schedule for a list of our marriage ceremonial service fees.

16 Can I make an appointment for my marriage ceremony?

To schedule a marriage ceremony you may inquire at the time of application.

17. How can I get a certified copy of my Marriage License?1

• You can obtain a certified copy of a Marriage License in writing or in person.
  
  
• To request a certified copy of your Marriage License in writing you must send letter with the groom's name, the bride's maiden name and the date of the marriage along with a check, money order or certified check payable to: Miami-Dade County Clerk in the amount of the appropriate fees (described below) along with a self-addressed stamped envelope to: Marriage License Bureau Metro-Dade Flagler Building; 140 W Flagler Street, Suite 1503; Miami, Florida 33130.
  
  
• To request a certified copy of your Marriage License in person you must go in person to the Marriage License Bureau or any of the District Court Offices which provide Marriage License services. You must provide them with the information indicated above and the appropriate fees (described below).

18. I need special accommodations what do I need to do?

As per the AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT OF 1990: Anyone needing a special accommodation to access these services should contact the Clerk's ADA Coordinator at (305) 375-2006 (voice). TDD users may call (305) 375-2007 (voice) or (305) 375-6205 (fax) or the Florida Relay Service at (800) 955-8771.

If you need any further information please call (305) 275-1155.

19. I was previously married, what do I need in order to have a Marriage License issued?

If either or both of you were previously married, you will be required to provide the date when the last marriage ended, whether by divorce, annulment or death.