Tampa Marriage License Lookup

Tampa marriage license records are filed through the Hillsborough County Clerk of the Circuit Court. Tampa is the county seat and the largest city in Hillsborough County with over 414,000 residents. The clerk's office has several locations around the county where you can apply for a marriage license. Whether you live in downtown Tampa, South Tampa, or the surrounding areas, the process starts at one of these clerk locations. This page covers what you need, where to go, and what the whole process looks like for getting a marriage license in Tampa.

Hillsborough County Handles Tampa Marriage Licenses

Tampa falls under Hillsborough County for all marriage license matters. The Hillsborough County Clerk of the Circuit Court issues marriage licenses from multiple offices in the county. Under Florida Statute 741.01, the clerk is the only official who can issue a marriage license. Tampa residents can apply at any of the clerk's service locations.

The Hillsborough Clerk has three locations that handle marriage license applications. One is in downtown Tampa. Another is in Brandon. The third is in Plant City. Tampa residents often use the downtown office since it is centrally located. But the Brandon and Plant City offices serve the same purpose if they are closer to where you live.

Visit the Hillsborough County marriage license page for the full county guide.

The clerk's FAQ page answers the most common questions about getting a marriage license in Hillsborough County, including Tampa-specific office details and appointment options.

Tampa Marriage License Office Locations

The Hillsborough Clerk operates from several spots in the county. You can schedule an appointment through ClerkExpress or walk in during business hours. The downtown Tampa location is the closest for most city residents. Appointments help you skip the wait, especially during busy times of year.

The Hillsborough Clerk service locations page shows all office addresses, hours, and what services each branch offers for Tampa area residents.

Note: The Tampa courthouse on East Twiggs Street handles court cases but may not process marriage licenses directly. Use the Pierce Street office instead.

How to Apply for a Marriage License in Tampa

Both people must show up together at one of the Hillsborough County Clerk's offices. You cannot send just one person. Each applicant needs a valid photo ID. A driver's license, state ID, or passport works. You must know your Social Security number. The card is not required. Under Florida Statute 741.04, both people must be at least 18.

If you were married before, bring the exact date that marriage ended. The clerk needs to know if it was a divorce, death, or annulment. You also need to know the state and county where the divorce took place. The Family Law Handbook from the Florida Bar must be read before you apply. The clerk will ask about it during your visit in Tampa.

Tampa couples can use ClerkExpress to schedule an appointment at any Hillsborough County location. This saves time at the office. You still must appear in person, but having an appointment means less time sitting in the waiting area. The Hillsborough Clerk homepage has links to the scheduling tool and all other marriage license resources.

Tampa Marriage License Fees

A marriage license in Tampa costs $86. This is the standard fee across all of Florida. If both people complete a four-hour premarital course, the fee goes down to $61. Florida Statute 741.0305 allows that $25 discount when you bring the course certificate. The Hillsborough Clerk also offers civil ceremonies for $30. Not every Florida county does this, but Tampa residents can take advantage of it if they want a courthouse wedding.

Part of the fee goes to the Domestic Violence Trust Fund. Another portion goes to the State Courts Revenue Trust Fund. These are state-level splits that apply in Hillsborough County and all other Florida counties.

Marriage License Wait Time in Tampa

Florida residents face a three-day wait after applying for a marriage license in Tampa. The license does not become valid until those three days pass. You cannot hold the ceremony during the waiting period. This is a state law under Florida Statute 741.04.

Skip the wait by taking a four-hour premarital course. Both people need to complete it before applying. Bring the original certificate from a provider registered with the Hillsborough Clerk. The license becomes valid that same day, and the fee drops to $61. Out-of-state residents do not have to wait at all. This rule applies regardless of whether they take a premarital course.

After the ceremony, the signed license must go back to the Hillsborough Clerk within 10 days. The officiant usually does this. The clerk records the license and sends a copy to the state. Under Florida Statute 741.07, ordained ministers, judicial officers, circuit court clerks, and notaries public can all officiate a wedding in Tampa. Under Florida Statute 741.041, the license expires after 60 days if no ceremony takes place.

The Florida Department of Health holds marriage certificates from 1927 to the present. You can also order copies through VitalChek.

Note: The Hillsborough Clerk performs ceremonies at the downtown Tampa location for $30.

Nearby Florida Cities

Other cities near Tampa with marriage license information pages. You can apply for a Florida marriage license in any county.

Hillsborough County Marriage License Records

Tampa is in Hillsborough County. All marriage license filings go through the Hillsborough County Clerk. For the full county guide with more details and resources, check the county page.

View Hillsborough County Marriage License Records