Official Florida Marriage Application Template

How long is a Florida marriage license valid?

A Florida marriage license is valid for 60 days from the date it is issued. If your wedding date is more than 60 days away, you must wait to apply for the marriage license.

Can we use our Florida marriage license to get married in another state or country?

No, a Florida marriage license is only valid for marriages that are solemnized within the state of Florida. If you plan to get married outside of Florida, in another state or country, you must obtain a marriage license from that specific jurisdiction.

What personal information do we need to provide on the marriage application form?

You will need to provide your first name, middle name, last name, place of birth (state or foreign country), date of birth, residence information (city, county/parish, state), and maiden name if it differs. Additionally, statistical information like race, social security number, the number of this marriage, and how your last marriage ended (if applicable) are required.

Why do we need to provide our Social Security numbers?

Pursuant to the federal Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, both parties are required to provide their Social Security numbers. The disclosure of these numbers is primarily for the administration of the Title IV-D program for child support enforcement.

Is there any educational course we need to complete before getting married in Florida?

Yes, couples have the option to complete a pre-marital preparation course. If completed, this could provide certain benefits, such as a discount on your marriage license fee or waiving the mandatory 3-day waiting period for Florida residents. You must attest on the application form whether you have or have not completed this course separately or together.

What is the Family Law Statement on the application form?

The Family Law Statement is a section on the application where both the groom and bride must swear or affirm that they have obtained and read the handbook of rights and responsibilities of marriage as specified in Florida Statute 741.0306. This includes signing the statement before a notary public or a designated official.

Where do we provide our future mailing address?

You are required to provide your future mailing address in the section labeled for statistical purposes. This information will not appear on the marriage certificate and will not be officially recorded beyond statistical needs.

How does the application process handle information for second or subsequent marriages?

If either party has been married previously, you will need to indicate the number of this marriage and the date and manner in which your last marriage ended (divorce, death, or annulment) on the application form. This information helps in maintaining accurate records and ensuring eligibility for remarriage.

1. Not waiting for the appropriate time frame can trip up eager couples. The form clearly mentions that if the wedding date is more than 60 days in the future, applying for a license should be postponed. Ignoring this can lead to the inconvenience of reapplying, as marriage licenses in Florida are only valid for 60 days after issuance.

2. Planning a destination wedding can be exciting, but forgetting that a Florida marriage license is only valid within the state is a common oversight. Those dreaming of nuptials outside of Florida need to arrange for a marriage license applicable to their chosen location, or they may face a last-minute scramble to legally seal their union.

3. Errors with personal information, especially with names and dates, can occur easily but have tedious repercussions. Ensuring first, middle, and last names are filled out exactly as they appear on legal documents will help avoid delays. Also, accurately providing birth dates in the MM DD YYYY format is crucial for both parties.

4. Forgetting to discuss and check the appropriate box regarding the Pre-Marital preparation course could not only mean missing out on a valuable experience but also on potential benefits like discounts on the marriage license fee. It's essential to be clear about whether the course has been completed, together or separately.

5. Failing to provide social security numbers can stall the process. As required by the federal Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, these numbers are used exclusively for administrative purposes related to child support enforcement and must be included on the form.

Completing a Florida Marriage Application is a significant step for couples planning to tie the knot. However, it's essential to understand that this form is just one part of a series of documents that might be necessary for the marriage process in Florida. To ensure a smooth journey to the altar, several other forms and documents are often used in conjunction with the marriage application. Below is a detailed list of these documents, each serving its distinct purpose in the matrimonial process.

• Proof of Identification and Age: Typically, a driver’s license, state ID, or passport is required to verify the identities and ages of both parties applying for a marriage license.
• Final Judgment of Divorce: If previously married, an individual must provide a certified copy of the final judgment of divorce. This document serves as proof that the person is legally allowed to remarry.
• Death Certificate: In the event that a previous spouse has passed away, the surviving spouse must present a certified copy of the death certificate.
• Parental Consent Form: For applicants under 18 but at least 16 years old, a notarized consent form from both parents/legal guardians is compulsory, in accordance with Florida law.
• Pre-Marital Preparation Course Certificate: Couples who have completed a state-approved pre-marital preparation course must submit their completion certificate to qualify for a discount on the marriage license fee and waive the mandatory waiting period.
• Marriage Handbook Acknowledgement Form: This form indicates that both parties have received, read, and acknowledge the contents of the marriage handbook provided by the county clerk’s office.
• Name Change Documentation: If either party plans to change their name post-marriage, additional forms might need to be completed and submitted to the relevant authorities.
• Non-Resident Marriage Affidavit (for non-U.S. residents): Couples from outside the United States planning to marry in Florida might need to fill out this affidavit, depending on the county.
• Copy of Marriage License Application Receipt: Keeping a copy of the receipt for the marriage license application can be useful for record-keeping purposes and as proof of submission.

It's vital for couples to gather and carefully complete all required documents to ensure there are no hitches in getting their marriage license. This due diligence will contribute to making the magical day stress-free and legally sound. Besides the primary marriage application, each supporting document has its role in verifying information, adhering to state laws, and reflecting personal choices such as name changes. By familiarizing themselves with these documents, couples can confidently navigate the legal aspects of their union in Florida.

• Birth Certificate Application: Similar to the Florida Marriage Application form, a Birth Certificate Application collects vital information, such as the person's full name, place of birth (state or foreign country), and date of birth. Both forms are used to officially record significant life events and require accurate, personal details to be submitted.

• Driver’s License Application: This form also requests detailed personal information, including full name, date of birth, and address, akin to the marriage application form. Additionally, both forms may require social security numbers for identification purposes and to prevent fraud, emphasizing the importance of accurate personal documentation.

• Passport Application: The parallels here include the necessity for personal identification information such as full name, place of birth, and date of birth. The Passport Application, like the marriage license application, is used for official recognition and grants certain rights and privileges, such as international travel or the legal recognition of a marriage.

• Voter Registration Form: This document shares similarities in the collection of personal details for official records, such as name, birth information, and address. Both forms serve as a means to grant certain rights and responsibilities—voting in elections and entering into a legal marriage contract, respectively.

• Divorce Decree Application: In an interesting parallel, this application requires detailed personal information similar to what is needed for a marriage license. Both documents mark significant changes in an individual's marital status and require official processing and documentation, including reasons for the dissolution of marriage, paralleling the marriage application's interest in any previous marriage history.

• Social Security Number Application: This form, like the Florida Marriage Application, necessitates the provision of detailed personal and identifying information, including full name, birth date, and place of birth. Both forms are integral in establishing and verifying an individual’s identity for governmental and legal purposes, highlighting the importance of accurate record-keeping.

Filling out the Florida Marriage Application form is a crucial step in legalizing your union in the state. To ensure the process goes smoothly, here are some dos and don'ts that can guide you through the completion of your application.

Do:

• Check the validity period of the marriage license. Make sure your wedding date is within 60 days from the application date to avoid the expiration of your license.
• Fill out the application with accurate information for both parties, including full names, dates of birth, and current residences. Incorrect details can lead to unnecessary delays or rejection of your application.
• Remember to include your Social Security numbers if you have them, as this is required for administrative purposes related to child support enforcement.
• Sign the application in front of a designated official, such as a Deputy Clerk (D.C.), to attest to the truthfulness and accuracy of the information provided.

Don't:

• Apply for the license if your wedding is more than 60 days away. The license will not be valid, and you will have to go through the application process again.
• Plan to use the Florida marriage license outside of the state or in another country. This license is only valid within Florida, and you will need to adhere to the laws of the jurisdiction where your marriage will be solemnized.
• Overlook the importance of the pre-marital preparation course. If completed, it must be indicated on the application, as it can provide valuable insights into your rights and responsibilities within marriage.
• Forget to read the provided handbook of rights and responsibilities of marriage as specified in Florida Statute 741.0306. Understanding these can help ensure you're fully aware of what marriage entails legally in Florida.

When it comes to tying the knot, numerous myths and misconceptions can cloud the process, especially when handling official documents like the Florida Marriage Application form. Let's demystify some common misunderstandings:

• Application Validity Extends Beyond Florida: There's a common belief that once you obtain a Florida marriage license, it can be used for ceremonies outside of the state or even internationally. However, a Florida marriage license is strictly valid for ceremonies within Florida. Couples looking to marry elsewhere must obtain a license from the respective jurisdiction.
• Waiting Period to Apply: Another widespread misconception is that you can apply for a marriage license in Florida at any time before your wedding. The truth is, if your wedding date is more than 60 days away, you must wait to apply, as the license is only valid for 60 days from issuance.
• Social Security Numbers Are Optional: It's often thought that providing your social security number on the application is optional. In reality, pursuant to the federal Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, each party is required to provide their social security number, mainly for child support enforcement purposes.
• License Automatically Authenticates Marriage in Other Countries: A common myth is that a Florida marriage license validates your marriage worldwide. Each country has its laws regarding marriage recognition; a Florida license does not guarantee your marriage will be recognized in another country.
• Premarital Preparation Course Is Optional: Many couples believe completing a pre-marital preparation course is merely a suggestion. While not strictly mandatory, opting to complete this course can offer benefits, such as a discount on your license fee and waiving the three-day waiting period before the license becomes effective.
• License Details Are Public Record: There's a misconception that all details provided in the marriage application will be available publicly, including social security numbers. In truth, sensitive information like social security numbers is kept confidential and securely handled.
• Marriage Licenses Are Issued Immediately: Some expect to leave the clerk's office with a marriage license in hand moments after applying. However, Florida law requires a three-day waiting period for state residents who have not completed the pre-marital preparation course. This waiting period can be waived for non-residents and those who have completed the course.
• Any Clerk Can Issue a License for a Marriage Anywhere in Florida: Couples sometimes think they need to obtain their license from the clerk in the county where they plan to marry. You can apply for and receive your marriage license from any county in Florida, and it will be valid for a ceremony held anywhere within the state.
• All Previous Marriages Must Be Listed on the Application: While it is critical to declare the most recent marital status and how any prior marriages ended (such as through divorce, death, or annulment), you are not required to list every marriage. Relevant recent history ensures the legality of the impending marriage.

Understanding these aspects of the Florida Marriage Application form can help couples navigate their journey to matrimony with clarity and confidence. Consulting directly with the issuing department can also provide specific guidance and answer any additional queries.

Filing a Florida Marriage Application requires attention to detail and an understanding of specific state requirements. Here are key takeaways to guide applicants through the process:

• Timeliness is critical: Applicants must apply for a marriage license within 60 days of their planned wedding date. The state of Florida mandates this timeframe, and licenses applied for too early will not be valid for the intended ceremony.
• Geographical Restrictions: A marriage license obtained in Florida is only valid for ceremonies performed within the state. Couples planning to wed outside of Florida should consult the jurisdiction of their wedding location for license requirements.
• Social Security Numbers: Both parties are required to provide their Social Security numbers, if they have them. This requirement supports the administration of child support enforcement under the federal Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996.
• Pre-Marital Preparation: Couples have the option to complete a Pre-Marital preparation course, which can provide valuable information about the rights and responsibilities of marriage under Florida law. Indicating course completion on the application may translate into benefits such as waived fees or expedited application processing.
• Personal Information Privacy: Certain information collected during the application process, like Social Security numbers and statistical data, is used strictly for administrative purposes and will not be disclosed publicly, ensuring privacy and security for applicants.

Understanding these aspects ensures a smoother application process, ultimately leading to a legally recognized union in the state of Florida.