Access St. Lucie County Marriage License

St. Lucie County marriage license records are handled by the Clerk of the Circuit Court in Fort Pierce. The clerk's office on South 2nd Street serves everyone in the county, including residents of Port St. Lucie, Fort Pierce, and surrounding areas. Whether you are applying for a new marriage license or searching for an older record, the St. Lucie County Clerk is the office to contact. Both applicants must visit together. The clerk processes applications, stores recorded licenses, and can help you search for past records in their system.

St. Lucie County Clerk of Court Marriage Services

The St. Lucie County Clerk of the Circuit Court is the sole office that issues marriage licenses in the county. The main location is at 218 S. 2nd Street in Fort Pierce. Both people must come in person to apply. The staff checks your identification, collects the fee, and walks you through the forms. Most visits wrap up in about 30 minutes or less if you have your documents ready.

St. Lucie County sits on the Treasure Coast along the Atlantic side of Florida. Port St. Lucie is the largest city in the county by a wide margin, but the clerk's office that handles marriage licenses is in the county seat of Fort Pierce. Under Florida Statute 741.01, only the clerk has the power to issue a marriage license in the county.

Check the St. Lucie County Clerk's website for up-to-date office hours and any changes to their services before you make the trip.

The screenshot above shows the St. Lucie County Clerk's website, where you can find links to recording services and other public records tools.

How to Get a Marriage License in St. Lucie County

Both people visit the St. Lucie County Clerk in Fort Pierce at the same time. Bring a valid photo ID. Driver's license, passport, or state-issued ID card all work. Know your Social Security number. The card itself is not required. Florida Statute 741.04 says both applicants must be at least 18 years old. A 17-year-old may apply with written consent from both parents, as long as the other person is within two years of age.

Previously married applicants must bring the date the last marriage ended. The St. Lucie County clerk asks whether it was a divorce, death, or annulment. They also need the state and county of any prior divorce. Before your visit, read the Family Law Handbook published by the Florida Bar. The clerk's office will ask if you have gone through it.

Note: You can apply for a marriage license in any Florida county. It does not have to be St. Lucie County.

Marriage License Fees in St. Lucie County

The standard fee for a St. Lucie County marriage license is $86. This is the same in every Florida county. If both people take a four-hour premarital course before they apply, the fee drops to $61. Florida Statute 741.0305 makes this $25 reduction possible. You must bring the original certificate of completion to the clerk's office in Fort Pierce. A photocopy is not accepted.

Payment methods at the St. Lucie County Clerk typically include cash, check, and money order. Credit cards may be accepted with a processing surcharge. The Florida Court Clerks & Comptrollers website has general information on fee breakdowns and what to expect at any Florida clerk's office.

Part of the $86 goes to the Domestic Violence Trust Fund. Another part supports the State Courts Revenue Trust Fund. These splits are set by state law and apply across all 67 counties.

St. Lucie County Marriage License Waiting Period

Florida residents who get a marriage license in St. Lucie County must wait three days before the license takes effect. This waiting period is required by Florida Statute 741.04. You can skip it by taking a premarital preparation course. Bring the certificate and the license becomes active right away. Out-of-state couples skip the wait no matter what.

Once the clerk issues your license, it is valid for 60 days. Florida Statute 741.041 sets this deadline. Miss it, and you start over. Hold the ceremony anywhere in Florida. After the wedding, the officiant returns the signed license to the St. Lucie County Clerk. The clerk records it and sends a copy to the state. Under Florida Statute 741.07, ordained ministers, judges, court clerks, and notaries public can officiate.

Copies of St. Lucie County Marriage License Records

The St. Lucie County Clerk keeps recorded marriage licenses on file. You can request copies at the Fort Pierce office or by mail. Search for official records online through the MyFloridaCounty portal. The Florida Department of Health holds marriage certificates from 1927 to the present. Order online through VitalChek, the state's only approved vendor.

The state search fee is $5 for one year and one certified copy. Extra copies run $4 each. A $10 rush fee applies for older records at the Jacksonville walk-in office.

Cities in St. Lucie County

St. Lucie County is home to Port St. Lucie and Fort Pierce, along with smaller communities. Port St. Lucie is the largest city in the county and one of the fastest-growing in Florida. Despite its size, there is no separate clerk's office there for marriage licenses. All St. Lucie County residents go to the Fort Pierce location.

Fort Pierce and other smaller St. Lucie County communities also use the same clerk's office on South 2nd Street for all marriage license needs.

Nearby Counties

St. Lucie County borders these counties on the Treasure Coast. A Florida marriage license is valid anywhere in the state.