So You Wanna Tie the Knot in the Sunshine State? A Hitchhiker's Guide to Getting Married in Florida
Ah, Florida. Land of sunshine, oranges, and...weddings? Absolutely! If you've set your sights on saying "I do" with a pi�a colada in hand and sand between your toes, then this guide is for you. But fear not, fellow lovebirds, even a beachfront ceremony doesn't require wading through knee-deep paperwork. Let's break it down, rom-com style.
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| How Get Married In Florida |
First Steps: Saying 'I Do' to the License
Hitting Up the Clerk's Office: This isn't your average DMV line. Think of it as your pre-wedding meet-cute with bureaucracy. You and your main squeeze will need to head to your chosen county's clerk's office together. Pro Tip: Check their website for opening hours and any snazzy "apply-online" options some counties offer.
ID and the All-Important Social: Government-issued photo ID for both of you is a must. Bold your Social Security numbers too (but don't worry, you don't need the actual cards).
The Three-Day Wait...or Not? Florida has a mandatory 3-day waiting period after you get your license. Unless...you take a premarital prep course (think communication skills, not chair-balancing). Completing this course shaves off the wait and might even save you some bucks on the license fee (bonus!).
The Ceremony: Let Love (and Officiants) Bloom!
Officially Official: You'll need an officiant to make it legit. Think ordained ministers, judges, or even certain religious celebrants. Just be sure they're registered in Florida! No rogue pirate captains officiating here (sorry, Jack Sparrow fans).
The Big Day (or Night): Your marriage license is valid for 60 days, so pick a date that works for you and your sweetheart. Beach at sunset? Funky rooftop bar? The possibilities are endless (as long as they're legal!).
Return of the License: After the ceremony, don't forget to give your completed license back to your officiant. They'll file it with the clerk's office, and voila! You're officially hitched.
Congratulations! Now What?
Now comes the fun part: celebrating your new life together! But don't forget to notify Social Security and update your bank accounts and other important documents with your new spouse's name (if you're changing it).
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FAQ: How to Get Married in Florida
How long does it take to get a marriage license in Florida? With the premarital course, you can walk out with your license the same day! Otherwise, factor in the 3-day waiting period.
Can I get married on the beach in Florida? Absolutely! Just make sure you have the proper permits from the local county if necessary.
Do I need to be a resident of Florida to get married there? Nope! Florida welcomes lovebirds from all over.
What if I've been married before? No worries. Just bring the documentation of your previous marriage's end (divorce decree, etc.).
How much does it cost to get married in Florida? The license fee is around $93.50, but can be reduced with a premarital course completion certificate.
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