Sarasota County Marriage License

Sarasota County marriage license records are managed by the Clerk of the Circuit Court on Main Street in downtown Sarasota. The clerk's office handles all new marriage license applications and stores the recorded copies after each wedding ceremony. Residents of Sarasota, North Port, Venice, Englewood, and other communities in the county all use this same office. If you want to apply for a new license or look up an old one, the Sarasota County Clerk is the place to go. Both people must visit the office at the same time. The clerk cannot process the application unless both applicants are present.

Sarasota County Clerk of Court Marriage Services

The Sarasota County Clerk of the Circuit Court issues all marriage licenses in the county. The main office is at 2000 Main Street in Sarasota. This is where you go to apply. Both people must appear in person. The clerk's staff will verify your IDs, collect the fee, and handle the paperwork. A typical visit takes under 30 minutes if you bring everything you need.

Sarasota County is a popular destination for weddings, especially along the Gulf Coast beaches. The clerk's office sees a steady stream of marriage license applications year-round. Under Florida Statute 741.01, only the clerk of the circuit court can issue a marriage license in the county. Check the Sarasota County Clerk's website for the most current hours and services before your visit.

The Florida Court Clerks & Comptrollers website has statewide information about marriage license requirements that also apply in Sarasota County.

The Florida Department of Health marriage certificates page shown above provides state-level information on how marriage records are filed and tracked after the Sarasota County Clerk processes them.

Note: Sarasota County may have branch locations, but confirm with the main office that they handle marriage license applications before visiting one.

How to Get a Marriage License in Sarasota County

Visit the Sarasota County Clerk in person with your partner. Both of you must be there. Bring a valid photo ID. A driver's license, passport, or state-issued ID card works. You need your Social Security number, though you do not need the physical card. Florida Statute 741.04 requires applicants to be at least 18 years old. A 17-year-old may apply with both parents' written consent, as long as the other applicant is within two years of age.

If either person was married before, bring the date the prior marriage ended. The Sarasota County clerk will ask if it ended by divorce, death, or annulment. You need the state and county of any prior divorce. The Florida Bar's Family Law Handbook should be read before your visit. The clerk will ask about it.

Florida residents who apply in Sarasota County face a three-day waiting period. Complete a four-hour premarital preparation course to skip the wait and cut $25 from the fee. Out-of-state applicants have no wait.

Sarasota County Marriage License Fees

The cost of a marriage license in Sarasota County is $86. Both people can reduce the fee to $61 by completing a four-hour premarital course. Florida Statute 741.0305 provides this $25 savings. Bring the original completion certificate to the clerk's office. The course covers communication skills, conflict resolution, finances, and parenting.

Cash, checks, and money orders are standard payment methods at the Sarasota County Clerk. Credit cards may be accepted with a small surcharge. Certified copies of a recorded marriage license are available at the clerk's office for a small fee per page. Part of the $86 license fee funds the Domestic Violence Trust Fund and the State Courts Revenue Trust Fund.

Marriage License Validity in Sarasota County

A Sarasota County marriage license stays valid for 60 days after the clerk issues it. Florida Statute 741.041 sets this limit. After 60 days, the license expires. You must apply again and pay the full fee. The ceremony can be held anywhere in Florida, not just Sarasota County. Many couples choose to hold beach weddings on the Gulf Coast side of the county.

After the wedding, the officiant returns the signed license to the Sarasota County Clerk. The clerk records it and sends a copy to the Florida Department of Health for permanent state filing. This process takes about 60 days. Under Florida Statute 741.07, ordained ministers, judicial officers, clerks of the circuit court, and notaries public can officiate in the county.

Copies of Sarasota County Marriage License Records

The Sarasota County Clerk has recorded marriage licenses on file. Request copies in person at the Main Street office or by mail. You can also search online through the MyFloridaCounty portal. The Florida Department of Health holds certificates from 1927 onward. Use VitalChek for online orders. The state search fee is $5 for one year and one certified copy.

Note: For Sarasota County marriages before 1927, contact the clerk directly since the state does not have those records on file.

Cities in Sarasota County

Sarasota County includes the city of Sarasota, North Port, Venice, Englewood, and several other communities. North Port is a large and growing city in the southern part of the county. All residents of Sarasota County use the clerk's office on Main Street for marriage license services.

Venice, Englewood, and other smaller Sarasota County communities also go to the Main Street clerk's office for all marriage license applications and records.

Nearby Counties

Sarasota County borders these Florida counties. A marriage license from any county is valid statewide. Pick whichever location works best.