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When planning a wedding in Florida, understanding the Florida Marriage Application form is essential for couples eager to tie the knot. This form serves as a vital step in the marriage licensing process, requiring both parties to provide key personal information, such as their names, birth dates, and places of birth. The application also necessitates details about previous marriages, if applicable, including the date of dissolution and the reason for the end of the last marriage. Importantly, couples must be aware that a marriage license issued in Florida is only valid for 60 days, meaning that timing is crucial. Additionally, this license is strictly for use within the state; those wishing to marry outside of Florida must seek a license from the relevant jurisdiction. The form also includes sections for attesting to the completion of a pre-marital preparation course, which can provide valuable insights into married life. Furthermore, the inclusion of social security numbers is mandated by federal law, ensuring compliance with child support enforcement regulations. Understanding these components is vital for couples as they navigate the legal landscape of marriage in Florida.

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MARRIAGE LICENSE PRE-APPLICATION

 

 

 

 

 

 

This box for office use only:

 

Application #

 

Receipt # __________________________________

 

 

 

 

IMPORTANT NOTES

1)By Florida Law, a marriage license is valid for 60 days only. If your planned wedding date is more than 60 days away, you must wait to apply for a license.

2)A Florida marriage license is valid only for marriages solemnized in Florida. If you’re planning to be married out of state or in another country, you must contact that jurisdiction about obtaining a marriage license. THIS LICENSE IS NOT VALID OUT OF STATE OR IN ANOTHER COUNTRY.

 

 

 

First Name

 

 

 

Middle Name

 

Last Name

 

Information▼

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Birth Place: (State or Foreign Country)

 

 

Date of Birth:

_______ / ______ / ____________

 

 

 

 

 

MM

DD

YYYY

 

 

 

▼Groom

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Residence: City

 

 

 

County/Parish

 

State

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

▼Bride Information ▼

First Name

Middle Name

 

 

Date of Birth:

______ / ______ / ____________

 

MM

DD

YYYY

Residence: City

 

 

 

County/Parish

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Last Name

Maiden Name, if different

 

 

Birth Place: (State or Foreign Country)

State

The statistical information below is required, will not appear on the marriage certificate and will not be recorded.

Future Mailing Address:

 

Only

 

 

 

 

Groom Information

 

 

 

 

 

 

Race

 

Social Security Number**

 

 

PurposesStatistical

REQUIREDISBUT

 

 

 

 

 

 

☐ Black

☐ WHITE

☐ OTHER

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number of this Marriage

Date Last Marriage Ended

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

_____ / _____ / __________

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MM

DD

YYYY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How Did Last Marriage End?

 

 

 

For

 

 

☐ DIVORCE

 

☐ DEATH

 

☐ ANNULMENT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Telephone Number:

Bride Information

Race

 

Social Security Number**

☐ Black ☐ WHITE

☐ OTHER

 

 

 

 

 

Number of this Marriage

Date Last Marriage Ended

 

 

_____ / _____ / __________

 

 

MM

DD

YYYY

 

How Did Last Marriage End?

 

☐ DIVORCE

☐ DEATH

 

☐ ANNULMENT

**Pursuant to the federal Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, each party is required to provide his or her social security number.

Disclosure of social security numbers shall be limited to the purpose of administration of the Title IV-D program for child support enforcement.

Family Law Statement

We, (groom name) __________________________________ and (bride name) ________________________________

attest that we:

_____ have

or

_____ have not

 

_____ separately

or

_____ together

completed the Pre-Marital preparation course. We have also obtained and read the information contained in the handbook of rights and responsibilities of marriage specified in Florida Statute 741.0306.

_________________________________________

___________________________________________

Groom Signature

Bride Signature

Sworn to and subscribed before me on _________________, 20_____. By: _______________________________,D.C.

Form Specifications

Fact Name Description
Validity Period A Florida marriage license is valid for only 60 days from the date of issuance. If your wedding is planned for more than 60 days away, you should wait to apply.
Jurisdiction This license is only valid for marriages that take place in Florida. If you plan to marry in another state or country, you must check with that jurisdiction for their requirements.
Personal Information Required Applicants must provide personal details including first name, middle name, last name, date of birth, and place of birth.
Social Security Number Both parties are required to provide their social security numbers as mandated by federal law. This information is used for child support enforcement purposes.
Pre-Marital Course Applicants can indicate whether they have completed a pre-marital preparation course, which is encouraged but not mandatory.
Family Law Statement Both parties must attest to their understanding of the rights and responsibilities of marriage as outlined in Florida Statute 741.0306.
Application Process The form must be completed and signed by both parties, and it may require notarization before submission.
Governing Laws This marriage application is governed by Florida Statutes, specifically under Chapter 741, which outlines marriage licenses and related regulations.

Florida Marriage Application: Usage Guidelines

After completing the Florida Marriage Application form, you will need to submit it to the appropriate county office to obtain your marriage license. Ensure that you have all necessary identification and documentation ready, as this will facilitate the process. Below are the steps to accurately fill out the form.

  1. Begin by locating the section for Groom Information. Fill in your first name, middle name, and last name.
  2. Provide your birth place, including the state or foreign country.
  3. Enter your date of birth in the format MM/DD/YYYY.
  4. Complete your residence information by stating your city, county/parish, and state.
  5. Proceed to the Bride Information section. Fill in the bride's first name, middle name, last name, and maiden name if applicable.
  6. Record the bride's date of birth in the same MM/DD/YYYY format.
  7. Provide the bride's residence details, including city, county/parish, and state.
  8. Next, complete the statistical information section. This includes future mailing address, race, and social security number for both parties.
  9. Indicate the number of this marriage and the date the last marriage ended for both the groom and bride.
  10. State how the last marriage ended by selecting from the options: divorce, death, or annulment.
  11. In the Family Law Statement, both the groom and bride should attest to whether they have completed a pre-marital preparation course.
  12. Each party must sign the form where indicated, confirming the information provided is accurate.
  13. Finally, ensure that the form is sworn to and subscribed before a notary public, who will complete the necessary certification.

Your Questions, Answered

What is the validity period of a Florida marriage license?

A Florida marriage license is valid for 60 days. If your wedding date is more than 60 days away, you must wait to apply for the license. This is crucial to keep in mind when planning your ceremony.

Where can I use my Florida marriage license?

This license is only valid for marriages that take place in Florida. If you plan to marry in another state or country, you will need to check the requirements for obtaining a marriage license in that location.

What information do I need to provide on the application?

You will need to provide personal details such as your first name, middle name, last name, date of birth, and place of birth. Additionally, you must include your residence information and social security number, as required by federal law.

Do both parties need to be present to apply for the marriage license?

Is there a fee for the marriage license application?

What if I have been married before?

If either party has been married before, you will need to provide the date your last marriage ended and how it ended (divorce, death, or annulment). This information is necessary for the application process.

What is the Pre-Marital preparation course?

The Pre-Marital preparation course is a program designed to help couples prepare for marriage. You will need to indicate whether you have completed this course on the application. Completing it may also provide benefits, such as a discount on your marriage license fee.

What happens if I don't provide my social security number?

Providing your social security number is mandatory under federal law. It is used for the administration of child support enforcement programs. Failure to provide this information may delay your application or prevent you from obtaining a marriage license.

How do I submit the application?

You can submit your application in person at the county clerk's office. Be sure to bring all required documents and information, including identification and any previous marriage details, to avoid any issues.

Common mistakes

  1. Failing to check the validity period of the marriage license. Remember, it is only valid for 60 days.

  2. Not providing accurate birth information. Ensure that the date of birth is filled out correctly for both parties.

  3. Overlooking the residence details. Complete the city, county, and state for both the groom and bride.

  4. Neglecting to include the social security numbers. Both parties must provide this information as required by law.

  5. Not indicating the number of previous marriages. This information is essential for the application process.

  6. Forgetting to specify how the last marriage ended. Choose from divorce, death, or annulment.

  7. Leaving out the future mailing address. This is necessary for any correspondence regarding the marriage license.

  8. Not signing the application. Both the groom and bride must provide their signatures.

  9. Failing to complete the premarital preparation course section, if applicable. Indicate whether you have completed it separately or together.

  10. Submitting the application without reviewing it for errors. Double-check all entries to avoid delays.

Documents used along the form

When applying for a marriage license in Florida, there are several other forms and documents that may be required or helpful to complete the process smoothly. Below is a list of these documents, each serving a specific purpose in the marriage application process.

  • Identification Documents: Both parties must present valid photo identification, such as a driver’s license or passport. This helps verify the identities of the individuals applying for the marriage license.
  • Divorce Decree or Death Certificate: If either party has been previously married, they may need to provide a copy of the final divorce decree or a death certificate of the former spouse. This ensures that both parties are legally eligible to marry.
  • Pre-Marital Course Completion Certificate: If the couple has completed a state-approved pre-marital preparation course, they should present a certificate of completion. This can lead to a reduction in the marriage license fee.
  • Social Security Number Documentation: Each applicant must provide their social security number. If an applicant does not have a social security number, they may need to provide an affidavit explaining the situation.
  • Application Fee Payment: A fee is required to process the marriage license application. Payment methods can vary, so it is advisable to check with the issuing office regarding acceptable forms of payment.
  • Witness Information: While not always required at the application stage, some couples may need to provide information about witnesses who will attend the ceremony. This can include names and contact details.

Gathering these documents in advance can help streamline the marriage license application process. It is always best to check with the local clerk's office for any specific requirements that may apply to your situation.

Similar forms

  • Marriage License Application (General): Similar to the Florida Marriage Application, this document is required in many states to obtain a marriage license. It collects personal information about both parties, including names, birth dates, and previous marriage details.
  • Divorce Application Form: This document shares similarities in that it gathers personal information, such as names and social security numbers, from both parties involved. It often includes questions about previous marriages and their dissolution.
  • Name Change Petition: Much like the marriage application, a name change petition requires personal details, including current names and new names. Both documents also necessitate identification verification.
  • Birth Certificate Application: This form collects essential information like names, birth dates, and places of birth. Both applications require proof of identity and may ask for similar demographic information.
  • Passport Application: Similar to the marriage application, the passport application requires personal details, including full names, birth dates, and places of birth. Both documents are critical for legal identification and travel.
  • Voter Registration Form: This form collects basic personal information, such as name, address, and date of birth. Both documents aim to establish identity and eligibility for participation in civic duties.
  • Social Security Application: Like the marriage application, this document requires personal information, including names and social security numbers. Both applications serve to establish legal identity and eligibility for government benefits.
  • Adoption Application: This document shares similarities in that it gathers extensive personal information from applicants, including their background and previous marriages. Both applications are essential for legal recognition of family relationships.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the Florida Marriage Application form, attention to detail is crucial. Follow these guidelines to ensure a smooth application process.

  • Do: Check that all names are spelled correctly, including first, middle, and last names.
  • Do: Provide accurate birth dates in the correct format: MM/DD/YYYY.
  • Do: Include your social security number as required by federal law.
  • Do: Ensure that both parties sign the application where indicated.
  • Do: Verify that the application is submitted within 60 days of your intended wedding date.
  • Don't: Leave any sections blank; all required fields must be completed.
  • Don't: Use nicknames or abbreviations for names; provide full legal names.
  • Don't: Forget to check the appropriate boxes regarding previous marriages.
  • Don't: Submit the application without reviewing it for errors.
  • Don't: Assume that the license is valid outside of Florida; it is not.

Misconceptions

  • Marriage licenses are permanent. Many believe that once a marriage license is obtained, it lasts indefinitely. In reality, a Florida marriage license is valid for only 60 days. If your wedding is planned for a later date, you will need to wait to apply.
  • Florida marriage licenses are valid anywhere. Some think that a Florida marriage license can be used for weddings outside the state. This is not true. It is only valid for marriages solemnized in Florida.
  • Both parties must be Florida residents. A common misconception is that both the bride and groom must reside in Florida to apply for a marriage license. In fact, non-residents can apply as well, provided they do so in Florida.
  • Social security numbers are optional. Many people believe that providing a social security number on the application is optional. However, it is required by federal law for both parties to provide their social security numbers.
  • Previous marriages do not matter. Some assume that their marital history is irrelevant. However, the application requires information about any previous marriages, including how they ended.
  • Witnesses are needed at the application stage. A misconception exists that witnesses are required when applying for a marriage license. In reality, witnesses are only necessary during the actual ceremony.
  • There is no waiting period after applying. Many believe that once they apply for a marriage license, they can marry immediately. While this is true in Florida, some states have waiting periods, so it’s essential to know the rules of the state where you plan to marry.
  • Only the bride's information is needed. Some think that only the bride's details are necessary on the application. However, both parties must provide their information, including names, birth dates, and residences.
  • The marriage license is the same as the marriage certificate. A common mix-up is between the marriage license and the marriage certificate. The license allows you to marry, while the certificate is the official document that proves you are married after the ceremony.

Key takeaways

Filling out the Florida Marriage Application form is an important step for couples planning to get married in the state. Here are some key takeaways to keep in mind:

  • Validity Period: A Florida marriage license is only valid for 60 days. If your wedding is planned for a date beyond this period, you must wait to apply.
  • Geographical Restrictions: The marriage license is valid only for marriages conducted in Florida. If you intend to marry out of state or abroad, you need to check the requirements of that jurisdiction.
  • Personal Information: Both parties must provide their full names, dates of birth, and birthplaces. This information is crucial for the application.
  • Residence Details: You will need to include your current residence information, including city, county, and state.
  • Statistical Information: Certain statistical details, such as race and social security numbers, are required but will not appear on the marriage certificate.
  • Previous Marriages: You must disclose the number of previous marriages and the date when the last marriage ended. This includes indicating how the last marriage ended, whether by divorce, death, or annulment.
  • Pre-Marital Course: Indicate whether you have completed a pre-marital preparation course. This can sometimes lead to benefits, such as reduced fees.
  • Signatures Required: Both the groom and bride must sign the application. This signature confirms that you understand the rights and responsibilities of marriage.
  • Notary Requirement: The application must be sworn and subscribed before a notary public or designated official.
  • Preparation is Key: Gather all necessary documents and information before starting the application to ensure a smooth process.

By keeping these points in mind, you can navigate the application process more easily and ensure that you are well-prepared for your upcoming marriage.