You may obtain a marriage license by either applying online or in person. For detailed steps, view our how to video or our written tutorial.
I’m 17 years old; can I apply for a marriage license?
Florida Statute 741.04 has been amended: Effective 7/1/2018 it states that you must be 17 years old and have parental consent in order to apply for a marriage license. The older person to the marriage cannot be more than 2 years older than the 17 year old. Please call our office at 239-533-5007 to get additional information and find out what forms are required.
Can I get married if my fiance is incarcerated?
The Lee County Clerk of Court would only issue marriage licenses to Lee County inmates, and the Lee County Sheriff’s Office does not permit inmates incarcerated in a Lee County facility to marry.
Can I marry my cousin?
Yes, in the state of Florida you can marry your cousin, starting at your first cousin.
Does Florida recognize Same Sex marriage?
Yes, as of January 6, 2015.
What are the costs associated with a marriage license?
Can I obtain a discount on my marriage license by taking a pre-marital course at my church or with a family counselor?
Yes, the fee will be reduced to $61 if both applicants are Florida residents and provide proof of 4-hour course completion with a registered counselor.
Does a counselor have to register with the Lee Co. Clerks Office?
Yes, they may access our website to complete the form and mail it to our Office.
Do we need to bring proof of pre-marital course completion when we apply for a marriage license?
Yes, the 3-day waiting period will be waived, and the fee will be reduced to $61 if you are both Florida residents and provide proof of 4-hour course completion with a registered counselor.
Can I take the premarital preparation course at the Clerk’s Office?
No. To waive the 3-day waiting period, couples must attend a course provided by a registered provider. View the list of Premarital Course Providers.
How can I become a premarital course provider for Lee County Clerk of Courts?
Complete the Premarital Course Provider Affidavit and return it to: Lee County Clerk of Courts, P.O. Box 2278, Attn: Recording Department, Fort Myers, FL 33902-2278.
When can I come in to get my marriage license?
The hours to apply for a marriage license are from 8:30 AM to 5:00pm, Monday through Friday in the Fort Myers Office.
Can my marriage license be used outside of Lee County? Florida?
A Florida marriage license is good in any of the 67 Florida counties. It cannot be used outside of Florida.
How do I obtain another marriage license if I lose my license before I get married?
Both people will have to return to the office for the issuance of a duplicate license. They do not have to wait the three days.
Do I need to take a blood test before getting married?
No, blood tests are not conducted.
Can I get married without a marriage license?
No.
When does the three day waiting period start?
The waiting period starts on the day after you get the license. For example, if you get the license on Monday, it could not be used until Thursday.
Who can perform the marriage ceremony?
The following may perform marriage ceremonies per Florida Statute 741.07.
A regularly ordained minister or other ordained clergy
Elders in communion with some church
All judicial officers/judges
Clerks of Circuit Court and their deputies
A Florida Notary Public, which may include family members
Can I get married at the Clerk of Courts Office?
Yes, an authorized Deputy Clerk of the Clerk of Courts Recording Department can perform the marriage ceremony between the hours of 8:30 AM and 4:30PM, Monday through Friday in the Fort Myers Office.
Can a family member perform my wedding ceremony if they are a notary public?
Yes.
Can my officiant who is a notary in another state perform the service?
No, a notary can only marry within the state of which they are a notary.
Can my officiant who is a minister in another state perform the service?
Yes, a minister can marry anywhere.
Can a ship Captain marry us?
No, ship Captains cannot officiate weddings. Sea captains in the United States cannot now and have not ever been able to perform marriages at sea or anywhere else, unless they also happen to be recognized ministers or justice of the peace.
No, Florida does not have common law marriage, but it recognizes them from other states.
If I was married in another country, is my marriage license good in the United States?
Florida recognizes marriages outside of the United States. You may get a certified translation from a translator if you need to show proof of your marriage.
Can I have a proxy marriage in Florida?
No, proxy marriages, which is when someone stands in for another person, are not permitted.
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