Find Lakeland Marriage License
Lakeland marriage license applications are processed by the Polk County Clerk of Courts. Lakeland is the largest city in Polk County with about 125,000 residents. The county seat is in Bartow, which is where the main clerk's office sits. Lakeland residents drive about 15 minutes south to Bartow to apply for a marriage license at the Polk County Courthouse. This page covers the fees, requirements, and process for getting a marriage license near Lakeland and searching for existing records in Polk County.
Lakeland Quick Facts
Where Lakeland Couples Apply
Lakeland is in Polk County. The Polk County Clerk of Courts handles all marriage license applications for the area. The county seat is Bartow, not Lakeland, so the main clerk's office is there. Under Florida Statute 741.01, the county clerk or a county court judge issues marriage licenses in Florida.
A marriage license from Polk County works anywhere in the state. You can hold the ceremony in Lakeland, at a venue in nearby Tampa, or in any other Florida county. The license is not tied to one location. You can also apply at any county clerk's office in Florida if another location is more convenient. The Polk County Clerk website has details on marriage license services.
Polk County Clerk Office for Lakeland
The main Polk County Clerk's office is at the courthouse in Bartow. It is about a 15-minute drive south of Lakeland on US-98. Both people must show up in person together to apply. Walk-ins are accepted.
| Office | Polk County Clerk of Courts |
|---|---|
| Address | 255 N. Broadway Avenue, Bartow, FL 33830 |
| Phone | (863) 534-4000 |
| Website | polkcountyclerk.net |
Bartow is a small town. Parking at the courthouse is generally easy to find. The clerk's office handles marriage licenses during regular business hours on weekdays. Call (863) 534-4000 before your visit to check the current hours and make sure the office will be open when you plan to arrive. Lakeland does not have its own marriage license office since all services go through the county in Bartow.
Lakeland Marriage License Online Resources
The Polk County Clerk has a website where you can find information about marriage license requirements and other court services. Visit polkcountyclerk.net to check details before your trip to Bartow.
For searching official records that have been filed in Polk County, you can use the MyFloridaCounty portal. Select Polk County from the drop-down menu to search for recorded marriage licenses and other official documents. This is useful for Lakeland residents who want to look up an existing record without going to the courthouse.
How to Get a Marriage License in Lakeland
Both people go to the Polk County Clerk's office at the same time. Bring a valid photo ID. A driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID all work. You need your Social Security number, though you do not need the card. Under Florida Statute 741.04, both applicants must be at least 18 years old.
If you were married before, bring the exact date the marriage ended. Know if it ended by divorce, death, or annulment. Read the Family Law Handbook from the Florida Bar before you go. The clerk will ask about it. The Florida Court Clerks & Comptrollers website lists every statewide requirement for applying. No blood test is needed. There is no residency requirement for Polk County.
Lakeland Marriage License Fees
A standard marriage license costs $86 at the Polk County Clerk. If both people take a four-hour premarital preparation course, the cost drops to $61. This discount comes from Florida Statute 741.0305. You must bring the original certificates of completion to get the reduced rate. The course also waives the three-day waiting period.
Part of the $86 goes to the Domestic Violence Trust Fund. Part goes to the State Courts Revenue Trust Fund. These are required by Florida law across all counties. The Polk County Clerk accepts cash and credit cards for payment. Call (863) 534-4000 to confirm which payment methods are taken at the Bartow office before you drive from Lakeland.
Note: A courthouse ceremony is available at some Polk County locations for a $30 fee.
Lakeland Marriage License Waiting Period
Florida residents must wait three days after the clerk issues the marriage license. The license is not valid during those days. Under Florida Statute 741.04, you cannot hold the ceremony until the wait ends. Non-Florida residents have no waiting period. Taking a premarital course also waives the wait for residents.
The license stays good for 60 days once it becomes valid. Under Florida Statute 741.041, the ceremony must happen within that window. If it expires, you apply again and pay a new fee. After the wedding, the officiant sends the signed license to the Polk County Clerk. The clerk records it and sends a copy to the Florida Department of Health for permanent filing. That state process takes about 60 days after the ceremony.
Under Florida Statute 741.07, ordained ministers, judges, clerks of the circuit court, and notaries public can all perform marriages in Florida. The wedding can be anywhere in the state, not just in Lakeland or Polk County. Many Lakeland couples hold ceremonies at local venues, parks, or churches throughout the area.
Nearby Cities
Lakeland sits between Tampa and Orlando in central Florida. Nearby cities with marriage license information include these locations.
Polk County Marriage License
Lakeland is in Polk County. All marriage license filings go through the Polk County Clerk of Courts in Bartow. For full county details, fees, and links to the clerk's website and search tools, visit the Polk County page.