Access Hernando County Marriage License

Hernando County marriage license applications are processed at the Clerk of the Circuit Court in Brooksville. This growing county on Florida's Nature Coast makes the process straightforward for couples. The Hernando County clerk's office also performs wedding ceremonies for those who want a civil service right at the courthouse. No appointment is needed for a marriage license in Hernando County, which makes it one of the easier offices to visit. Walk in during business hours and the staff will help you complete the application.

Hernando County Clerk of Court Office

The Hernando County Clerk of the Circuit Court handles all marriage license applications. The office is at 20 North Main Street, Room 362, in Brooksville. Call (352) 540-6768 for questions. No appointment is needed. Just walk in during regular business hours. Applications are not accepted after 4:30 PM, so plan to arrive with enough time to finish the process.

Both parties must complete a marriage application and both must be 18 years of age or older. Bring a valid photo ID such as a driver's license, state ID, or passport. You also need your Social Security number. Personal checks are not accepted for marriage licenses in Hernando County. The office takes cash or credit cards for payment.

The Hernando County clerk's marriage license page has information about the application process, fee structure, and ceremony services available at the courthouse.

After you apply, the Hernando County clerk processes your application right there. If you meet all the requirements and are not subject to the waiting period, the license can be issued the same day.

Note: Applications are not accepted after 4:30 PM at the Hernando County clerk's office.

Marriage License Fees in Hernando County

The standard fee for a marriage license in Hernando County is $86.00. This amount is set by state law under Florida Statute 741.01. Part of the fee goes to the Domestic Violence Trust Fund and part goes to the State Courts Revenue Trust Fund. All 67 Florida counties charge the same base amount.

Florida residents who complete a four-hour premarital preparation course pay $61.00 instead. That is a $25.00 discount. Under Florida Statute 741.0305, the course must cover communication skills, conflict management, financial responsibilities, and parenting topics. Bring the original completion certificate to the Hernando County clerk's office. Cash or credit cards are accepted. No personal checks.

Extra certified copies of your filed marriage certificate cost $3.00 each. Your marriage certificate will be mailed to the address you provided within 30 days after the signed license is returned to the Hernando County clerk.

Hernando County Courthouse Ceremonies

The Hernando County clerk's office performs wedding ceremonies in the Ceremony Room, which is Room 362 in the courthouse. The fee is $30.00 for this service. This is a popular option for couples who want a simple civil ceremony without a large event. You need a valid marriage license in hand before the ceremony can take place.

Under Florida Statute 741.07, the clerk is one of several types of officials authorized to perform marriages in Florida. Others include ordained ministers, judicial officers, and notaries public. If you would rather have someone else officiate, the license you get from Hernando County works anywhere in the state.

Hernando County Marriage License Requirements

Both applicants must be at least 18 with proof of age and a valid photo ID. Under Florida Statute 741.04, a 16 or 17-year-old may apply with written consent of both parents or legal guardians. Anyone under 16 needs approval from a County Judge. These rules apply at every county in Florida, including Hernando County.

Florida residents face a three-day waiting period. The license is not valid until three days after the application date. Out-of-state residents skip the wait. Florida residents who complete the premarital course also skip it. Once the license takes effect, it is good for 60 days under Florida Statute 741.041. The ceremony must happen within that window. After the wedding, the officiant returns the signed license to the Hernando County clerk within 10 days.

If you were married before, the Hernando County clerk needs to know when and how that marriage ended. Bring the date and details. You should also read the Family Law Handbook from the Florida Bar before you apply.

Hernando County Marriage License Records

Filed marriage licenses are kept by the Hernando County clerk and also sent to the Florida Department of Health for permanent storage. The state has records from 1927 forward. You can order copies from the state by mail, walk-in at Jacksonville, or through VitalChek. The state charge is $5 for a search and one certified copy.

For Hernando County records specifically, call (352) 540-6768. The MyFloridaCounty portal lets you search official records from any county in Florida, including Hernando County. The Find a Clerk tool is another way to locate the right office for your needs.

Cities in Hernando County

Hernando County includes several communities. All of them use the Hernando County Clerk of the Circuit Court in Brooksville for marriage license applications. Spring Hill is the largest community in the county.

Other communities in Hernando County include Brooksville, Ridge Manor, and Weeki Wachee. All marriage license applications for these areas go through the Hernando County clerk's office.

Nearby Counties

Hernando County shares borders with several other Florida counties. You can apply for a marriage license at any county clerk's office in the state.