Marriage in Florida

[archie07 0]

We are not there yet, I haven't had my K1 interview yet, but thinking ahead of time.

In Florida, what is the shortest time possible to get married and get your marriage certificate to be able to file for AOS?

We will have a wedding ceremony later, so first it will just be about paperwork and fees and filing... The reason I am asking is because my interview is on the 12th of July, and the fees for AOS filing increase on the 30th of July.... I have a son, so the fees for us will not be double, but double-double.

WHAT IS NEEDED TO GET A MARRIAGE LICENSE?

Both parties must provide proof of the following:

Age: both parties must be at least 18 years of age

Identification: in the form of a driver’s license, state ID or passport

U.S. citizens must provide their Social Security Number. Non-citizens may provide a Social Security Number or an Alien Registration Number issued by the Immigration and Naturalization Service.

An application form must be completed. If either party has been previously married, you must note on the application how and when the marriage ended.

> The fee for the marriage license is $93.50. This fee is reduced to $61.00 and the three (3) day waiting period is waived for Florida residents who have completed a premarital preparation course and can provide completion certificates from a registered provider.

[bora bora 1]

CYA: ask your fiance to call and make an appt to get married.

We did not get married in the courthouse, so I can't tell you about that...

I do know that is is feasible to mail off your AOS paperwork immediately. The 3 day rules applies to getting your license before you get married.

[boo boo 1]

The 3 day waiting period is only valid for FL residents and Court Clerks are allowed by law to "waive" the 3 day waiting period in the event of a "hardship" case. Here is some valid information:

Getting Married in Florida

The Marriage License

Where do you get one?

A couple who intends to be married in Florida may obtain a marriage license from Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8am to 5:30pm at any Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court. Hours may vary so be sure to call ahead. The license does not need to be issued in the county that the ceremony will take place in. The ceremony must take place in the State of Florida to be considered valid.

Is there a waiting period?

There is no waiting period for Florida residents that have both completed a state sanctioned marriage preparation course within the last year. There is a 3 day waiting period for Florida residents who have not taken the course. In addition prospective brides and grooms are now required to read a 16-page booklet which describes situations such as how a court would divide their assets and information about child support payments. Court Clerks are allowed by law to waive the three-day waiting period in the event of a "hardship" case. Also, the waiting period does not apply to non-Florida residents.

How long is the license valid?

A marriage license is valid for 60 days.

How much does it cost?

The fee is $88.50, payable in cash only. Couples who have completed the state-sanctioned marriage preparation course within the past 12 months are only charged $56.00. (Note: Fees for marriage licenses are set by the Florida Legislature, and are subject to change)

Is a premarital physical exam required?

No premarital examination or blood test is required to obtain a marriage license in Florida.

What are the age and consent requirements for minors?

Both applicants must be at least 18 years of age to apply for a marriage license in the State of Florida. 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 deceased, 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.

Proof of Age and Identity

Both parties for the intended marriage must provide the Clerk's Office a valid photo ID. Accepted forms of ID's are driver's license, State Identification Card, Valid Passport, a I-94 card, Government or Military Identification Card along with a valid Social Security Card.

Previous Marriages

If either party has ever been married and divorced, or widowed, the date of the divorce or date of the 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.

?

[bora bora 1]

Expect to pay $93.50 - that information may be outdated.

[Karly-n-Bruce 0]

If you want to know how much the fees are in your county, go HERE (link), click on your county and search for the marriage license section then look for the fees.

We paid $93.50 in our county (as Bora Bora mentioned).

[boo boo 1]

opps...yes the prices are wrong...and if you have your marriage at the court house, it is an extra $30-$35, best wishes on everything

[Keisha 0]

Thanks guys Very useful information:) Just have to pass my interview first and get the paperwork ready for fast filing. There will be time when we won't need to spend time and money and attention for endless filing.

[bora bora 1]

Thanks guys Very useful information:) Just have to pass my interview first and get the paperwork ready for fast filing. There will be time when we won't need to spend time and money and attention for endless filing.

Good luck! I'm sorry you have to spend your first days/weeks with your fiance worrying about paperwork and fee increases instead of enjoying each others company.

[NeverSeen 0]

If you end up going to the St. Pete (tyrone) clerk... go before lunch time. Anything I've ever done there after lunch time and towards the end of the day seems to be a bit of a wait time. Still moves somewhat quickly though. I've also just showed up for everything, never made appointments (tickets, tags, registrations, passport, etc)

Looks like there's a handful of us St. Peresburgionians around here .

- Tim