Hillsborough County Marriage License
Hillsborough County marriage license services are available at three locations across the Tampa Bay area. The Hillsborough County Clerk of Court runs offices in downtown Tampa, Brandon, and Plant City. This is one of the busiest counties in Florida for marriage licenses, and the clerk offers an online scheduling system called ClerkExpress to help you book your visit. Whether you are applying for a new marriage license or need to search for an existing record, the Hillsborough County clerk's office has you covered.
Hillsborough County Quick Facts
Hillsborough County Clerk of Court Locations
The Hillsborough County Clerk of Court has three offices where you can get a marriage license. The Tampa Courthouse and Plant City locations are open Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM. The Brandon Service Center is open Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 4 PM. Pick whichever location works best for you.
You can schedule an appointment through the ClerkExpress online system. This saves you time and lets you skip the wait at the office. Walk-ins are also accepted at all three Hillsborough County locations, but scheduling ahead is a good idea during busy periods. Both parties must appear together at the office to apply for the marriage license.
The Hillsborough County Clerk's FAQ page covers common questions about the marriage license process, fees, and what to bring to your appointment.
The clerk's website also has a page showing all service locations across the county, which is helpful for choosing the most convenient office for your visit.
| Downtown Tampa | 419 E Pierce St., Tampa, FL Hours: 8 AM - 5 PM |
|---|---|
| Brandon | 311 Pauls Drive, Brandon, FL Hours: 8 AM - 4 PM |
| Plant City | 301 North Michigan Ave, Plant City, FL Hours: 8 AM - 5 PM |
| Phone | (813) 276-8100 |
| Website | hillsclerk.com |
The mailing address for the Hillsborough County marriage department is PO Box 3249, Tampa, FL. After your ceremony, the officiant returns the completed record of marriage to this address.
How to Apply in Hillsborough County
Both people must come to the Hillsborough County clerk's office at the same time. Bring a valid photo ID such as a driver's license, state ID, or passport. You need your Social Security number. Under Florida Statute 741.04, both parties must be at least 18 years old to apply on their own. If either person was married before, bring the exact date that marriage ended and whether it ended by divorce, death, or annulment.
The Florida Court Clerks & Comptrollers has a helpful statewide guide with all the rules for getting a marriage license in any Florida county, including Hillsborough. You should also read the Family Law Handbook from the Florida Bar before your visit. The clerk may ask about it when you apply for your Hillsborough County marriage license.
Hillsborough County Marriage License Fees
A standard marriage license in Hillsborough County costs $86.00. This is the rate set by Florida Statute 741.01 for all counties. If both people complete a four-hour premarital preparation course, the fee drops to $61.00. The course saves you $25.00 under Florida Statute 741.0305.
Courthouse ceremonies cost $30.00 in Hillsborough County. The clerk's office performs these at the Tampa and Plant City locations. This is a quick option for couples who want a civil ceremony. Bring your valid marriage license to the office and the ceremony can be done the same day.
After the wedding, the officiant sends the completed record of marriage back to the Hillsborough County clerk's office. The fee for the ceremony service is $30.00 and is paid at the time of the ceremony.
Note: Check with the Hillsborough County clerk about accepted payment methods before your visit.
Hillsborough County Marriage License Wait Time
Florida residents must wait three days after applying before the Hillsborough County marriage license takes effect. This is a state rule that applies everywhere. Out-of-state residents have no waiting period. Florida residents who complete the premarital course also skip it. Once the license becomes effective, it is good for 60 days under Florida Statute 741.041.
The ceremony can take place anywhere in Florida. You do not have to get married in Hillsborough County just because you got the license there. After the wedding, the officiant must return the signed license to the Hillsborough County clerk within 10 days. The clerk records it and sends a copy to the Florida Department of Health for permanent filing.
Hillsborough County Marriage License Records
The Hillsborough County clerk files all returned marriage licenses and keeps them on record. The Florida Department of Health also holds copies from 1927 forward. You can order state copies by mail, walk-in at the Jacksonville office, or through VitalChek. The state fee is $5 for a search and one certified copy. VitalChek adds a $7 processing fee.
The Hillsborough County clerk's main website provides access to various county services beyond just marriage licenses.
For local Hillsborough County records, call (813) 276-8100. The MyFloridaCounty portal lets you search official records from Hillsborough County and all other Florida counties. Under Florida Statute 741.07, ordained ministers, judicial officers, clerks, and notaries can all perform ceremonies, so you have flexibility in choosing who officiates before your Hillsborough County marriage license is returned and filed.
Cities in Hillsborough County
Hillsborough County is one of the most populous counties in Florida. Tampa is the county seat and the largest city. Several other major communities in the county also have dedicated city pages with local marriage license information.
Other communities in Hillsborough County include Plant City, Temple Terrace, Valrico, and Lutz. All of them use the Hillsborough County Clerk of Court for marriage license services.
Nearby Counties
Hillsborough County shares borders with several other Tampa Bay area counties. You can apply for a marriage license at any county in the state.