Broward County Florida marriage records are official documents that prove a couple got legally married in this part of the state. These records are stored by the Broward County Clerk of Courts and by the Florida Department of Health Office of Vital Statistics.
You can order a certified copy for legal name changes, passport applications, Social Security updates, immigration paperwork, genealogy research, or personal record keeping. This page covers how to order, the fees, the rules, and where to go in person, by mail, or online.
Where to Get Broward County Florida Marriage Records
Two main offices keep Broward County Florida marriage records. Each office handles a different part of the process. Knowing which one to contact saves time and money on every request.
Broward County Clerk of Courts Marriage Division
The Broward County Clerk of Courts Marriage Division is the main source of marriage records in the county. The office sits inside the Central Courthouse in downtown Fort Lauderdale. It issues new marriage licenses, performs civil ceremonies, and stores copies of every recorded marriage since 1915. The clerk handles thousands of requests each year from Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pembroke Pines, Coral Springs, Miramar, Pompano Beach, Davie, and many other Broward cities. Walk-ins are welcome at the courthouse, and no appointment is needed for license applications or ceremonies.
Florida Department of Health Office of Vital Statistics
The Florida Department of Health Office of Vital Statistics keeps state marriage records from June 6, 1927 to the present day. This office is the best option for older Broward County Florida marriage records. The state office can send certified copies to anyone in the United States. It is the only place that holds a full statewide marriage index. The state office charges $5 for one certified copy plus a $4 fee for each extra copy on the same order.
Which Office Should You Use
For recent marriages filed in Broward County, the county clerk is cheaper and faster. A certified copy costs $3 at the clerk office. The state office charges $5 for the same record plus extra fees. For records before 1927, only the state can help. For marriages filed in another Florida county, contact that county clerk directly. If you live outside Florida and cannot visit the clerk, the state office through VitalChek is the most reliable option for mail delivery.
How to Request a Certified Florida Marriage Certificate
There are four ways to request a certified copy of a Broward County Florida marriage certificate. The method you pick depends on how fast you need the record and where you live.
In-Person Requests at the Broward Clerk Office
Walk-in visits work for both recent and older records. Go to the Marriage Division at the Central Courthouse, 540 SE 3rd Avenue, Room 02460, Fort Lauderdale. The office opens Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Bring a photo ID and the names of both spouses plus the marriage date. You get your certified copy the same day in most cases. The clerk charges $3 per certified copy with no extra fee for the search.
Mail-In Requests for Broward Marriage Records
Mail requests work for any Broward County Florida marriage record on file. Send your request to the Marriage Division at 540 SE 3rd Avenue, Room 02460, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. Include a self-addressed stamped business envelope, payment, and the full names of both spouses plus the marriage date. Allow at least two weeks for a response by mail. Make all checks payable to “Broward County Clerk of Courts” and never mail cash through the postal system.
Online Orders Through VitalChek
VitalChek is the only state-approved online vendor for Florida vital records. You can order Broward County Florida marriage certificates through the VitalChek website anytime. The fee is $15 plus a $7 processing charge per order. Online orders ship through the United States Postal Service and arrive in about two to three weeks. You can pay with a credit or debit card on the VitalChek secure checkout page.
Phone Orders for Certified Copies
You can call VitalChek at (877) 550-5150 to place an order over the phone. Phone orders carry the same fees as online orders. You will need a credit or debit card ready when you call. Phone orders are best for people who cannot visit the clerk office or wait for mail delivery. VitalChek staff can also help you find a record if you do not know the exact date of the marriage.
Costs and Fees for Broward County Marriage Records
Fees for Broward County Florida marriage records depend on the office, the type of request, and how exact your details are. The breakdown below lists every cost you may pay.
Certified Copy Fees
A certified copy of a Broward County Florida marriage record costs $3 at the county clerk office. The state office charges $5 for one certified copy. Each extra copy at the state office costs $4. The certified copy has a raised stamp and is accepted by all government agencies for legal use. Regular photocopies of marriage records are not legal proof and cannot be used for official purposes like passport renewals or Social Security updates.
Search Fees Without an Exact Date
If you do not know the exact marriage date, the clerk charges an extra $2 search fee. The search fee covers the cost of staff looking through old index books by hand. Bring as much detail as you can, including the year of marriage and the full names of both spouses at the time of marriage. A middle name, city of marriage, or age at the time of marriage can also help the clerk find the right record.
Accepted Payment Methods
At the Broward clerk office, you can pay with cash, cashier’s check, money order, American Express, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa. No personal or business checks are accepted at the window. For mail requests, the clerk accepts law firm checks, personal checks, business checks, cashier’s checks, traveler’s checks, and money orders. Do not mail cash through the postal system under any circumstance.
| Payment Method | In-Person | Mail Request |
|---|---|---|
| Cash | Yes | No |
| Credit Card | Yes | No |
| Cashier’s Check | Yes | Yes |
| Money Order | Yes | Yes |
| Personal Check | No | Yes |
| Business Check | No | Yes |
Eligibility and Documents Needed to Get Married in Broward
Florida law sets the rules for getting a marriage license statewide. The same rules apply at the Broward County clerk office. Both partners must meet each requirement before a license is issued by the clerk.
Age Requirements Under Florida Law
Both parties must be at least 18 years old to apply without parental consent. A 17-year-old can marry with written consent from both parents or a legal guardian, only if the other partner is no more than two years older. A circuit court judge can approve younger applicants in special cases such as a pregnancy or a pending military deployment. Both partners must show proof of age with a valid government-issued photo ID.
ID and Social Security Requirements
Both partners must appear in person together at the Broward clerk office. Each must show a valid photo ID. Accepted IDs include a driver license from any state, a United States passport, a United States military ID, a state ID card, or an alien registration card. United States citizens must give a Social Security number. If either partner is not a citizen, no Social Security number is required but a valid passport or immigration document is needed.
Prior Marriage Information
If either partner was married before, the clerk needs the exact date the last marriage ended. This can be a divorce date, annulment date, or death date of a former spouse. Bring a divorce decree if you have one in your records. The clerk uses this date to confirm both partners are legally free to wed under Florida law. A marriage license cannot be issued if either partner is still legally married to someone else.
Premarital Course and Fee Discount
A premarital preparation course is optional in Broward County. Couples who finish an approved course get a fee discount and skip the three-day waiting period. The course must come from a registered Florida provider and must be finished within one year of applying. The license fee drops from $86 to $61 when both partners show the course certificate at the time of application. The course covers communication, conflict resolution, and financial planning.
Broward County Marriage License Rules and Waiting Periods
Florida law sets clear rules about waiting periods and license validity. These rules apply at every county clerk office in the state, including the Broward County Clerk of Courts office.
Three-Day Waiting Period for Florida Residents
Florida residents must wait three full days after the license is issued before the ceremony can take place. The waiting period starts the day after the license is issued. The clerk does not count the day of issue as day one. The waiting period is waived if both partners complete an approved premarital course. Non-Florida residents have no waiting period at all and can marry the same day the license is issued.
60-Day License Validity Period
A Broward County Florida marriage license is valid for 60 days from the date it is issued. The license works in any Florida county, including locations outside Broward. After 60 days, the license expires and the couple must apply for a new one and pay the fee again. The 60-day clock starts on the issue date and ends exactly 60 days later, no matter the day of the week or any state holiday in between.
Who Can Perform the Ceremony
Under Florida Statute 741.07, an ordained minister, any Florida judge, a clerk of court, a deputy clerk, or a Florida notary public can perform the marriage ceremony. The officiant does not need to live in Broward County or in Florida. The couple is responsible for arranging their own officiant unless they choose a civil ceremony at the clerk office. The officiant signs the marriage license after the ceremony.
Returning the Signed License
The signed marriage license must come back to the Broward County clerk for recording. The officiant returns the signed license to the Marriage Division at the Central Courthouse within 10 days of the ceremony. After the clerk records it, a certified copy is mailed to the address on the application. The certified copy is proof the marriage is now part of the public record. This recording step makes the marriage legally binding under Florida law.
History and Records Availability in Broward County
Broward County Florida marriage records go back more than 100 years. The age of the record affects where you can get a copy and how much it costs.
Records from 1915 to Present
The Broward County Clerk of Courts keeps marriage records from 1915 to the present day. Records from 1915 to 1997 can only be purchased in person at the Central Courthouse marriage office. Records from 1998 forward can be searched online through the clerk records request page. The clerk charges the same $3 per certified copy for any record on file, no matter how old the record is. Older records may take longer to locate because they are stored in physical books.
Records Before 1927 at the State Level
The Florida Department of Health started keeping statewide marriage records on June 6, 1927. Marriages before that date were filed only at the county level. For Broward County Florida marriage records before 1927, contact the Broward clerk directly. Some early records appear on microfilm at the Broward County Library or at the Florida State Archives in Tallahassee. FamilySearch and Ancestry.com also have indexes of older Florida marriages that researchers use for genealogy work.
Public Access Under Florida Law
Marriage records in Florida are public records under Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes. Anyone can ask to see or copy a marriage record. Certified copies with a raised seal are only issued to the people named on the record, their immediate family, or someone with a court order. Index data such as names, dates, and county of marriage is open to the public without any restriction. Genealogy researchers often use these public indexes to build family trees across multiple generations.
Civil Ceremonies at the Broward County Courthouse
Couples who want a simple, low-cost wedding can hold a civil ceremony at the Broward clerk office. The ceremony is short, legal, and performed by a deputy clerk during regular business hours.
Ceremony Fee and Process
The civil ceremony fee at the Broward County courthouse is $30. The ceremony takes about 10 minutes from start to finish. Walk-ins are taken on a first-come basis during regular business hours. No appointment is needed for a civil ceremony. The couple must already have a valid Broward County marriage license before the ceremony can take place. The ceremony is performed in a private room at the marriage office.
Witnesses and Officiants
Florida law does not require witnesses at a civil ceremony. The clerk suggests having at least one witness present for personal reasons. The deputy clerk serves as the officiant and signs the license. After the ceremony, the deputy clerk returns the signed license to the recording office for processing. Couples who want a religious ceremony can arrange their own officiant and venue anywhere in Florida.
Broward County Florida Marriage Records Office Contact
The main office for Broward County Florida marriage records sits in downtown Fort Lauderdale. You can visit in person, call, or send mail during business hours. Hours and contact details are listed below for quick reference.
Office: Broward County Clerk of Courts Marriage Division
Building: Central Courthouse, Midrise Building
Address: 540 SE 3rd Avenue, Room 02460, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Phone: (954) 831-7283
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Official Website: browardclerk.org/Divisions/Marriage
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to the most common questions people ask about Broward County Florida marriage records. These answers cover fees, processing times, eligibility, and special cases. They are written for anyone who needs a quick, clear answer without extra reading or technical jargon.
How long does it take to get a Broward marriage certificate?
In-person requests at the clerk office are processed the same day in most cases. Mail requests take about two weeks from the date the clerk receives your letter. Online and phone orders through VitalChek take two to three weeks for delivery by mail. Rush service is not offered at the Broward County clerk office for certified copies of marriage records. The fastest way to get a certified copy of a Broward County Florida marriage record is to visit the Marriage Division at the Central Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale. Bring a valid photo ID and the full names of both spouses plus the marriage date. The clerk charges $3 per certified copy and gives you the document before you leave the building. For people who live outside Florida or cannot visit the office, VitalChek is the only state-approved online vendor for certified copies. The total cost is $5 for the state certified copy plus $15 for the VitalChek fee and $7 for processing. Shipping through the United States Postal Service adds two to three weeks to the total time. Plan ahead and place your order before you need the document.
Can anyone get a copy of a Florida marriage record?
Marriage index data such as names, dates, and county of marriage is open to the public under Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes. Anyone can search the index online through the Broward County clerk website or in person at the clerk office without any proof of relationship. This includes names of both spouses, the date of marriage, and the license number. Certified copies with a raised seal carry a different standard. The clerk only issues certified copies to people named on the record, immediate family members, or a person with a valid court order. Immediate family includes parents, adult children, grandparents, and siblings of either spouse. To get a certified copy, you must show a valid photo ID and prove your relationship to the record through documents such as a birth certificate, death certificate, or court order. Genealogy researchers often use the public index to build family trees. The clerk may give you copies of the index entries without proof of relationship. Certified copies with the raised seal are only sold to qualified applicants who can show their relationship to the people named on the record.
What if I do not know the exact date of the marriage?
The clerk charges an extra $2 search fee if the exact date of marriage is not known. This fee covers the cost of clerk staff looking through old paper index books to find the right record. The fee is added to the $3 per certified copy fee at the county level or the $5 fee at the state level. Bring as much detail as you can to help the search. Useful details include the year of marriage, full legal names of both spouses at the time of marriage, middle names, ages at the time of marriage, and the city or town where the ceremony took place. The more details you provide, the faster the clerk can find the right record. A wrong name or wrong date can lead the search in the wrong direction and waste time. If the clerk cannot find the record with your details, you may need to broaden the year range or contact other Florida county clerks if the marriage took place in a different county. For older records, the Florida State Archives in Tallahassee may also have microfilm copies that the Broward clerk can search on your behalf.
Are Florida marriage records available for free?
Marriage index data is free to search online through the Broward County clerk website at browardclerk.org. You can search the index in person at the clerk office without paying any fee. This search shows the names of both spouses, the date of marriage, and the license number for free. Certified copies are never free. The clerk charges $3 per certified copy at the county level. The state charges $5 per certified copy at the Florida Department of Health level. An extra $4 fee applies for each additional certified copy on the same state order. VitalChek adds extra fees on top of the state fee for online and phone orders. Each VitalChek order includes a $15 vendor fee plus a $7 processing charge. These extra fees cover the cost of the online ordering system and credit card processing. The total cost for one certified copy through VitalChek is $27 plus shipping. Plan your budget based on the office you use and the speed you need. The county clerk remains the cheapest option for anyone who can visit the Fort Lauderdale office in person.
Can a Broward marriage license be used in another county?
Yes. A Broward County Florida marriage license is valid in any Florida county for 60 days from the date it is issued. Couples can hold their ceremony anywhere in the state, including Miami-Dade, Palm Beach, Orange, Hillsborough, and other Florida counties. The license is not tied to Broward County once it is issued. If the ceremony takes place outside Broward County, the officiant must mail the signed license back to the Broward County clerk for recording. The mailing address is the Marriage Division at 540 SE 3rd Avenue, Room 02460, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope if the couple wants the certified copy mailed back to a different address. The clerk records the license and mails a certified copy to the address on file. After 60 days from the issue date, the license expires and the couple must apply for a new one and pay the application fee again. The 60-day clock starts on the issue date and ends exactly 60 days later, no matter the day of the week.
Do I need an appointment to apply for a marriage license?
No appointment is needed to apply for a marriage license or hold a civil ceremony at the Broward County clerk office. Walk-ins are welcome at the Marriage Division at the Central Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale during regular business hours. Both partners must appear in person at the same time to apply for the license. Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before the office closes at 3:30 p.m. to allow time for paperwork, identity verification, and processing. Peak times such as lunch hours between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. and the end of the month may have longer wait times at the office window. The office opens at 8:00 a.m. and closes on weekends and state holidays. Bring a valid photo ID for both partners, Social Security numbers for U.S. citizens, and the exact date any prior marriage ended. The clerk issues the license during the same visit after all paperwork is complete. For couples who want a civil ceremony at the courthouse, no appointment is needed but the couple must already have a valid license before the ceremony can take place. The civil ceremony adds a $30 fee to the license application.
How do I correct an error on a Florida marriage certificate?
Errors on a Broward County Florida marriage certificate can be fixed through a court order. The clerk charges $30 to amend a record after the court order is signed by a circuit court judge. Common corrections include misspellings, wrong dates, missing middle names, wrong city of marriage, and incorrect Social Security numbers. To start the amendment process, file a petition with the clerk of court in the county where the marriage license was issued. For Broward County marriages, file the petition at the Broward County Courthouse. Bring the original certified copy of the marriage certificate, proof of the correct data such as a birth certificate or passport, and any other supporting documents. The judge reviews the petition and signs a court order if the correction is approved. After the court order is signed, take the signed order to the Marriage Division at the Central Courthouse. The clerk amends the record on file and issues a new certified copy with the corrected data. The amended record replaces the original on file at the clerk office. The process usually takes four to six weeks from the date the petition is filed to the date the corrected certified copy is issued. Plan ahead for any name change, immigration, or passport application that depends on the corrected record.