Blog

Congratulations Florida residents! A federal judge who in August 2014 struck down Florida’s marriage equality ban announced last Thursday that clerks across all 67 of the state’s counties have a constitutional obligation to issue licenses to same-sex couples effective today – January 6, 2015.

Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi indicated that her office would not challenge the order.

Miami-Dade County began issuing licenses to same-sex couples yesterday, with the rest of the state following suit today.

If you DO get married in Florida after reading this post, PLEASE take a minute to let us know and we’ll send you a wedding gift! (continue reading article below form)

If you want to get married in Florida, here’s what you need to know:

1. You do not have to be a resident of Florida.

2. There is no waiting period for Florida residents who have both completed a state sanctioned marriage preparation course within the last 12 months. There is a three-day waiting period for Florida residents who have not taken the course.

3. Florida requires that you have picture ID such as a driver’s license and your Social Security card or a valid passport number or I-94 card. You may be asked for a certified copy of your birth certificate.

4.  If you have been previously married, the date of your divorce or date of your spouse’s death must be supplied. If the divorce or spouse’s death occurred within the past 30 days, a certified copy of the divorce decree or death certificate is required.

5. It costs approximately $93.50. Many locales do accept credit cards now, but be sure to check with the local county clerk to make sure. Couples who have completed a state-sanctioned marriage preparation course within the past 12 months are entitled to a discount.

6. If an individual is under 18 years of age, but older than 16 years of age, a marriage license can be obtained with parental consent. If a parent has sole custody or the other parent is dead, the permission of one parent is sufficient. If a person is under the age of 16, the marriage license has to be issued by a county judge, with or without parental permission. If a minor’s parents are both deceased and there is not an appointed guardian, he/she may apply for a marriage license. A minor who has been previously married may also apply for a license. A minor who swears that they have a child or are expecting a baby, can apply for a license if the pregnancy has been verified by a written statement from a licensed physician. A county court judge may at his/her discretion issue or not issue a license for them to marry.

7. Any ordained or licensed clergy, notary publics, and justices of the peace.

8. License is valid for sixty (60) days.

9. Marriage licenses in Florida are issued by the County Clerk of Court. See table below for a list of County Clerks and their contact information:

Of course you’ll still want to make sure you and your loved ones are protected with a will and trust package from Rainbow Law so click here to help you figure out which package is right for you!