Florida allows couples to get married in the state only after obtaining a valid marriage license. You do not have to be a resident of the state to get married in Florida, but you must meet all the legal requirements. As of August, 2010, Florida does not recognize same-sex marriages.
Requirements
A couple can get a marriage license in Florida as long as they meet specific requirements. According to the Broward County Clerk of Courts, each person must be at least 18 years old, must apply in person, must present valid proof of identity and provide the exact date when any previous marriage ended, either through divorce, annulment or death of the spouse. If either partner is 16 or 17, permission of both parents is necessary. If either is below 16, the couple must ask a judge to allow the application.
Time Frame
Couples applying for a marriage license in Florida must wait three days before the marriage license becomes effective. After this, they can legally get married in the state. Alternately, the couple can attend a premarital course offered by a registered state provider. They can then get married upon completion of the course. All Florida marriage licenses are valid for 60 days from the date of issue. If the couple is not married after the 60 day period, they must apply for a new license.
Effects
Obtaining a Florida marriage license makes you eligible to then get married. It does not mean you are married. Once issued the license, couples can then get married by performing a valid marriage ceremony. Any licensed clergy, notary public, judge or justice of the peace can perform a marriage ceremony in Florida.
Exceptions
Not all couples in Florida need obtain a marriage license before getting married. Florida law also recognizes legal marriages entered into in other states, with the exception of same-sex marriages. Also, while Florida does not recognize the validity of common law marriages, anyone married through common law in a state that does recognize its validity is still considered married in Florida. So, if a Florida couple gets married in another state, in accordance with that state's common law marriage provisions, and subsequently returns to Florida, their marriage is still valid in the state.
Considerations
Florida marriage licenses are granted by law without regard to religious grounds or requirements. Any religious requirements are strictly up to the individual applying for the license. Further, even if you qualify for a religious marriage ceremony, that does not mean you qualify for a state marriage license. You must meet the state requirements before a license can be issued regardless of what your religious faith dictates or allows.
