FAQs • Citrus County Clerk of Courts, FL • CivicEngage

How long does it take to get a marriage license?: Florida law requires a 3-day waiting period between application and the effective date of a marriage license. The waiting period can be waived if applicants show proof of having recently attended at least 4 hours of marriage counseling with a provider registered with the Clerk's Office. If both parties are out of state residents, there is no waiting period.

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Records - Marriage Licenses

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1. What is needed to get a marriage license?

Applicants must appear in person to the Clerk's office, with a valid photo identification (driver's license or other Government issued I.D.).
Marriage licenses are $86.00; if a premarital course is completed through a provider registered with the Citrus County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller the fee is reduced to $61.00. Proof of successful completion of the course is required at the time of application.
If the applicants have minor children together, born in the state of Florida, an Affirmation of Common Children form must be completed. A $7.00 fee is required for this form.
Applicants must provide a Social Security number. Applicants who are not citizens may provide an immigration registration card, passport or other Government issued I.D.
Applicants are required to read the family law handbook and once completed sign an affidavit to that effect. F.S. 741.04(B).

2. How must I pay for the marriage license fee?: Cash, checks and credit cards are accepted for payment.

3. Do both parties have to be present at the Clerk's Office to apply for the marriage license?: Please contact our office at (352) 341-6424, option 2, if one party is unable to be present at the time of application.

4. Is a blood test required for the applicants to apply for the marriage license?: No. A blood test for marriages in the state of Florida is not required.

5. How long does it take to get a marriage license?: Florida law requires a 3-day waiting period between application and the effective date of a marriage license. The waiting period can be waived if applicants show proof of having recently attended at least 4 hours of marriage counseling with a provider registered with the Clerk's Office. If both parties are out of state residents, there is no waiting period.

6. Can an individual who is younger than 16 get a marriage license?

No. Pursuant to Florida Statute 741.04(1), the clerk of the circuit court may not issue a license to marry to any person younger than 18 years of age, unless

The person is at least 17 years of age and provides the written consent of his or her parents or legal guardian, which is acknowledged by an officer authorized by law to take acknowledgments and administer oaths; and
The older party to the marriage is not more than 2 years older than the younger party to the marriage.

7. Is the signature of just one parent sufficient to qualify as a parental permission for a minor to marry?: Only if that parent provides proof of sole legal custody of the minor or proof that the other parent is deceased.

8. How long is the marriage license valid?: Florida marriage licenses are valid for 60 days from the effective date of the license. The marriage license must be returned to the Clerk's Office for recording within 10 days after the marriage is performed.

9. How long does it usually take to get a certified copy of our marriage record?: If received in the mail, a certified copy is mailed to the customer to the address provided at the time of application. If the marriage license is hand-delivered to our office, the certified copy is issued immediately.

10. How much does it cost for a certified copy of the marriage certificate?: One certified copy is provided as part of the marriage license fee, there is no additional cost. Additional certified copies may be obtained for a fee of $3 each, or an electronic certified copy may be purchased for $9.00 (please visit www.clerkecertify.com).

11. Does one or both of the marriage license applicants have to be an American citizen?: There is no citizenship requirement to obtain a marriage license.

12. My spouse and I want to renew our vows. Do we need to get a marriage license for this?: No. To renew your marriage vows, please consult your clergyman, chaplain, other religious adviser or personal counselor.

13. Do I need my divorce papers or the death certificate of my spouse in order to apply for a marriage license?: No, the documents are not required. However, the application does require you to note how your last marriage ended (divorce, annulment or death) and the exact date (month, day and year).