Monroe County Marriage License

Monroe County marriage license records are managed by the Clerk of the Circuit Court in Key West. This county spans the entire Florida Keys island chain, making it one of the most popular destinations for weddings in the state. The clerk's office on Whitehead Street in Key West processes all marriage license applications for the county. Couples from Key West, Marathon, Key Largo, and everywhere else in Monroe County use this office. Both people must show up in person to apply, and the clerk's staff handles the full process from start to finish.

Monroe County Clerk of Court Marriage Services

The Monroe County Clerk of the Circuit Court handles all marriage license services from the main office in Key West. Under Florida Statute 741.01, the clerk is the only person in the county who can issue a marriage license. Both people must visit the office together to apply. The staff walks you through the application, checks your documents, and collects the fee.

Monroe County is a popular spot for destination weddings. Many out-of-state couples come to the Keys to get married, and the clerk's office handles these applications the same way it handles local ones. The county's website at monroecounty-fl.gov has general county info, including how to reach the clerk's office for marriage license questions.

The clerk's office is located on Whitehead Street in Key West. It is open on weekdays during regular business hours.

Note: Because Monroe County stretches across the Florida Keys, some couples may have a long drive to reach the Key West office.

How to Get a Marriage License in Monroe County

Both applicants must appear at the Monroe County Clerk's office in person. Bring a valid photo ID such as a driver's license, state ID, or passport. You also need your Social Security number, but not the card. Under Florida Statute 741.04, both people must be at least 18. A 17-year-old can apply with parental consent if the other person is not more than two years older.

If either person was married before, come prepared with the date that marriage ended. The clerk needs to know if it ended through divorce, death, or annulment. You should also know the state and county where the dissolution took place. The Monroe County clerk cannot finish the application without this info.

Read the Family Law Handbook before you go. The Florida Bar puts this guide out in English, Spanish, and Creole. The clerk asks if you have looked through it when you apply for your marriage license in Monroe County.

Marriage License Fees in Monroe County

A marriage license in Monroe County costs $86. This is the standard fee set by Florida law. If both people complete a four-hour premarital preparation course, the fee drops to $61. Florida Statute 741.0305 provides this $25 discount. The original certificate from the course must be presented at the clerk's office.

Part of the fee goes to the Domestic Violence Trust Fund. Another portion goes to the State Courts Revenue Trust Fund. These splits are set by the state legislature. The Monroe County Clerk accepts cash, checks, and credit cards. Some card payments may include a small processing surcharge.

Many couples visiting Monroe County for a destination wedding want to know about costs ahead of time. The license fee is the same no matter where you live. Out-of-state couples pay the same $86, and if they take a premarital course, they still get the reduced rate of $61.

Monroe County Waiting Period for Marriage License

Florida residents face a three-day waiting period after getting a marriage license in Monroe County. The license is not valid until the three days pass. You cannot have the ceremony during this time. This rule is the same in every Florida county.

Out-of-state residents have no waiting period at all. This is a big reason why Monroe County and the Florida Keys are so popular for destination weddings. You can fly in, get your license, and get married the same day. No premarital course is needed to skip the wait if you live outside Florida. For Florida residents who want to skip the wait, a four-hour premarital course from a registered provider does the trick. The license becomes valid right away, and the fee drops to $61.

After Your Monroe County Wedding

Once the ceremony is done, the officiant must send the signed marriage license back to the Monroe County Clerk within 10 days. The clerk records the license and sends a copy to the Florida Department of Health. This state filing takes roughly 60 days. Under Florida Statute 741.041, your license is only good for 60 days after it was issued. If no ceremony happens in that window, it expires.

Under Florida Statute 741.07, ordained ministers, judicial officers, clerks of the circuit court, and notaries public can all perform marriages in Monroe County. This gives couples in the Keys a wide range of options for who performs their wedding. You can search for recorded marriage records through the MyFloridaCounty portal or get certified copies from the Florida Department of Health.

Note: The ceremony can take place anywhere in Florida, not just in Monroe County, even if you got your license there.

Cities in Monroe County

All communities in Monroe County use the clerk's office in Key West for marriage license services. Key West is the county seat and the largest city. Other areas in Monroe County include Marathon, Key Largo, Islamorada, Big Pine Key, and Tavernier. None of these smaller communities have their own clerk offices for marriage licenses.

Nearby Counties

Monroe County connects to the mainland through two neighboring counties. A marriage license from any Florida county works statewide.