Homestead Marriage License
Marriage license applications for Homestead residents go through the Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts. Homestead is a city of about 85,800 people at the southern end of Miami-Dade County. The Miami-Dade Clerk runs several service locations across the county, though the main office is in downtown Miami. Homestead couples need to travel to one of these locations to apply in person for a marriage license. Below is everything you need to know about the process, from what to bring to how long the license stays valid.
Homestead Quick Facts
Where to Get a Homestead Marriage License
Homestead is in Miami-Dade County, and the Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts handles all marriage licenses for the county. Under Florida Statute 741.01, the clerk of the circuit court issues marriage licenses in each county. The main Miami-Dade Clerk office is at 73 W. Flagler Street in downtown Miami. That is roughly a 35 to 45 minute drive from Homestead, depending on traffic.
Miami-Dade has multiple service locations spread across the county. Some of these branch offices handle marriage license applications, while others focus on different services. Check the Miami-Dade Clerk website to find out which locations near Homestead accept marriage license filings. Calling ahead to (305) 275-1155 can also save you a wasted trip if a closer branch handles what you need.
| Main Office | Miami-Dade Clerk, 73 W. Flagler Street, Miami, FL 33130 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (305) 275-1155 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday (check website for current hours) |
Homestead Marriage License Online Portal
The Miami-Dade Clerk website is where Homestead residents start the marriage license process online. Below is a look at the clerk's main homepage.
The Miami-Dade Clerk's website has information about what documents to bring, fee amounts, and office locations. For searching existing marriage records, the MyFloridaCounty portal connects to official records in all 67 Florida counties, including Miami-Dade.
How Homestead Couples Apply for a Marriage License
Both people must go to the clerk's office together. The application cannot be submitted by just one person. Each applicant needs a valid photo ID. Driver's licenses, passports, state IDs, and military IDs are all accepted. You need to know your Social Security number. The card is not required, but have the number ready.
If either person was previously married, bring the date that marriage ended and know whether it was by divorce, death, or annulment. Under Florida Statute 741.04, both applicants must be at least 18 years old. A 17-year-old can apply with parental consent if the other person is within two years of age. No blood test is needed. Florida dropped that requirement decades ago. There is no residency requirement to apply in Miami-Dade County.
Both people must also confirm they have read the Family Law Handbook from the Florida Bar. The clerk will ask about this during the application. It covers topics like property rights, prenuptial agreements, and other legal aspects of marriage in Florida.
Note: Homestead couples who have common children born in Florida should bring that information to the clerk's office.
Marriage License Fees in Homestead
The fee is $86. This is set by state law and applies to every county in Florida. The Miami-Dade Clerk collects it when you submit the application. Cash and credit cards are accepted at most locations. Part of the $86 goes to the Domestic Violence Trust Fund, and part goes to the State Courts Revenue Trust Fund.
If both people complete a four-hour premarital course, the fee drops to $61. Under Florida Statute 741.0305, both parties must bring proof of course completion to get the $25 discount. The course also eliminates the three-day waiting period. Online courses are available from approved providers, making it easy for Homestead couples to complete the requirement at home before visiting the clerk.
Homestead Marriage License Waiting Period
Florida residents wait three days after the license is issued before it can be used for a ceremony. This waiting period is a state rule that applies to all Homestead residents. If both people live outside Florida, the three-day wait does not apply. Completing the premarital course also waives the wait.
Once the license becomes valid, it lasts 60 days. Under Florida Statute 741.041, you must hold the ceremony within that 60-day window. If time runs out, the license expires and you need to start over. After the wedding, the person who performs the ceremony returns the signed license to the Miami-Dade Clerk within 10 days. The clerk records it and sends the information to the Florida Department of Health for permanent state filing.
Ceremony Options in Homestead
The marriage license from Miami-Dade County works at any ceremony location in Florida. You are not restricted to Homestead or even Miami-Dade County. Under Florida Statute 741.07, the following people can perform a wedding ceremony:
- Ordained or licensed ministers and clergy
- Judges and other judicial officers
- Clerks of the circuit court
- Notary publics licensed in Florida
Homestead sits near the gateway to the Florida Keys and the Everglades. Many couples take advantage of the unique natural settings in the area for their ceremony. Biscayne National Park is just to the east, and Everglades National Park is to the west. For couples who prefer something simple, the Miami-Dade Clerk may offer courthouse ceremonies at certain locations. Call (305) 275-1155 to ask about availability.
Homestead Marriage License Legal Help
The Florida Clerks website provides a statewide overview of the marriage license process. It is a good starting point for general questions about how things work across Florida. For Miami-Dade County-specific questions, call the clerk at (305) 275-1155 or visit the website.
Legal Aid of Miami-Dade offers free or low-cost help with family law matters for residents who qualify. The Dade County Bar Association can refer you to a family law attorney if you need one. For certified copies of your marriage certificate after the wedding, contact the Florida Department of Health in Jacksonville. The DOH keeps marriage certificates from June 6, 1927 to the present.
Note: Name changes after marriage are handled through a separate process at the county level or through the Social Security Administration.
Nearby Cities
These cities are near Homestead in the greater Miami-Dade area. All use the Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts or neighboring county clerks for marriage licenses. Click through for local details.
Miami-Dade County Marriage License Records
Homestead is part of Miami-Dade County. The Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts processes all marriage license applications and records for the county. For full details about the Miami-Dade Clerk, service locations, and related records, visit the county page.