Rules and licenses
Florida marriage license starts at the clerk
Florida marriage licenses are issued through the clerk or county court judge, and Florida residents should watch the course and waiting-period details.
A Florida wedding plan needs one clerk-office step before the ceremony.
Marriage licenses come from a county court judge or the clerk of circuit court. Both people give sworn details on the application. The rules also cover age, ID, and written statements about the marriage course and handbook.
For Florida residents, the waiting period is easy to miss. Without valid course certificates, the license starts three days after the application date. There are exceptions for people who live outside Florida, hardship, and some good-cause cases.
Check with the clerk in the county where you plan to apply. Ask about appointments, IDs, course papers, fees, payment, copies, and how long the license stays valid. That is true whether the wedding is in Orlando, Miami, Key West, or a courthouse closer to home.
If one person is 17, the age rules are narrow. Talk with the clerk before plans get locked in. For most couples, the simple move is to handle the license before the final wedding week.
Official sources
Last checked against these sources: July 1, 2026.