Contact us – Florida Marriage Records gives you direct paths to the offices that hold marriage data in the state. This page lists phone numbers, addresses, websites, and hours for the Florida Department of Health, the Bureau of Vital Statistics, and every county clerk that keeps marriage files.
You can use it to order a certified Florida marriage certificate, check a marriage license, request an apostille, or trace older records for genealogy research across Florida.
Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics Contact Details
The Bureau of Vital Statistics is part of the Florida Department of Health. It keeps the statewide marriage index and issues certified copies of marriage certificates for events filed from June 1927 forward. If you need an official Florida marriage certificate with a state seal and a registrar signature, this is the main office to contact for records anywhere in Florida.
Main Office Location
The Bureau of Vital Statistics sits at 1217 Pearl Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202. Mail requests for certified Florida marriage certificates should go to this address. The building is open for in-person visits by appointment through the official online portal during business hours on weekdays.
Phone Numbers and Website
You can reach the Bureau by calling 904-359-6900 during business hours on weekdays. The main public website is FloridaHealth.gov under the certificates and vital records section. For direct Florida marriage certificate orders, the page is FloridaHealth.gov/certificates/marriage.
| Contact Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Street Address | 1217 Pearl Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 |
| Mailing Address | P.O. Box 210, Jacksonville, FL 32231 |
| Main Phone | 904-359-6900 |
| Official Website | FloridaHealth.gov |
| Office Hours | Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST |
Florida Department of Health Marriage Records
The Florida Department of Health oversees vital records for the entire state. Marriage records fall under this department for state-level certificates and the statewide marriage index. The department also handles policy questions about marriage record access, fees, and statewide lookup rules for all Florida counties.
How to Reach the Department
Call the main switchboard at 850-245-4444. This line connects you to the office that handles statewide policy and rules about Florida marriage records. For direct questions about ordering a certified Florida marriage certificate, use the Bureau of Vital Statistics number listed above.
Statewide Marriage Index Access
The statewide marriage index covers Florida marriages from June 1927 to the present day. You can search it by name, county, and date range on the Florida Department of Health website. The search gives you the certificate number you need to order a certified copy from the Bureau.
Florida County Clerk Marriage Records Contact
County clerks keep original marriage licenses and local marriage certificates for their county. They also issue certified copies for events that took place in their county. For most users, the county clerk office is the fastest path to a Florida marriage certificate from a specific Florida location.
How to Reach Your County Clerk
Florida has 67 counties. Each clerk office has its own phone line, address, and website. You can locate your clerk through the Florida Court Clerks and Comptrollers directory at FLClerks.com. The directory lists every county with direct phone numbers, addresses, and links to each clerk website.
What the Clerk Handles for You
The county clerk keeps marriage license applications, marriage certificates, and the local marriage index. You can order a certified copy, request a marriage record search by name, or get an apostille for a Florida marriage document through the clerk office for events that happened in that county.
| Florida County | Clerk Office | Main Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Miami-Dade | Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts | 305-275-1155 |
| Broward | Broward County Clerk of Courts | 954-831-4000 |
| Orange | Orange County Clerk of Courts | 407-836-2000 |
| Hillsborough | Hillsborough County Clerk | 813-276-8100 |
| Palm Beach | Palm Beach County Clerk | 561-355-2996 |
| Pinellas | Pinellas County Clerk | 727-464-7000 |
| Duval | Duval County Clerk | 904-255-2000 |
| Lee | Lee County Clerk | 239-533-5000 |
Certified Florida Marriage Certificate Requests
A certified Florida marriage certificate carries the state seal and is accepted for legal use across the United States and abroad. You can order one through the Bureau of Vital Statistics or your local county clerk. Each method has its own fee, form, and processing timeline.
Ordering by Mail
To order by mail, fill out the Florida marriage certificate application form. Include a copy of your photo ID and a check or money order for the fee. Mail the packet to the Bureau of Vital Statistics or your county clerk office. Processing takes 5 to 10 business days once the office receives your request.
Ordering Online
You can order online through the Florida Department of Health website or a third-party vendor approved by the state. Online orders arrive faster but include an extra service fee from the vendor. Most online orders arrive in 3 to 7 business days, with rush shipping available for an extra charge.
Ordering in Person
You can visit the Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville or your county clerk office in person. Bring a photo ID and the required fee in cash, check, or money order. In-person requests at the county clerk office are often ready the same day you visit.
Florida Marriage License Lookup
A marriage license is the document filed before the wedding. A marriage certificate is filed after the wedding takes place. You may need a license for genealogy research, legal proof, or personal records. The county clerk office keeps both records for events filed in that county.
License Records by County
Each county clerk keeps its own marriage license records. You can search them online through the clerk website or visit the office in person. Most Florida county clerks offer a public search tool that works by name and date range for free.
Statewide License Search
The statewide Florida marriage index covers certificates from 1927 forward. It does not cover older license-only records from before that date. For records before June 1927, contact the county clerk where the marriage license was issued.
Florida Marriage Record Search by Name
You can search Florida marriage records by name through several tools. The Bureau of Vital Statistics, county clerks, and genealogy sites all offer name search options. Your results depend on the year of the marriage and the county where it was filed.
Official State Name Search
The Florida Department of Health statewide marriage index lets you search by name at no cost. You need the full legal name of one spouse and an approximate date range. Results show the certificate number and the Florida county where the event was filed.
County-Level Name Search
County clerk websites often have their own name search tools. These cover all records filed in that county for the years the clerk has online. They work well for older Florida marriage records and recent filings alike.
Genealogy Site Name Search
FamilySearch and Ancestry both have Florida marriage record collections. These include indexed images of older Florida marriage certificates. FamilySearch is free to use. Ancestry requires a paid subscription for full record access.
Online Contact and Request Portals
Most Florida record offices now offer online contact and request portals. These let you submit forms, track orders, and pay fees without visiting in person. They are the fastest way to reach the offices today for any Florida marriage record need.
FloridaHealth.gov Portal
The main state portal is FloridaHealth.gov. From here, you can order Florida marriage certificates, search the statewide marriage index, and contact the Bureau of Vital Statistics. The portal also has FAQs, downloadable forms, and fee schedules for all vital records services.
County Clerk Portals
Each county clerk has its own online portal. Examples include the Miami-Dade Clerk online records system, the Broward County records search, and the Orange County official records search. These portals let you search by name and order certified copies directly online.
Third-Party Vital Records Vendors
Florida approves third-party vendors like VitalChek for online orders. These vendors charge extra service fees but offer fast processing. They are safe, secure, and accepted by all Florida government offices that issue vital records.
Florida Marriage Document Apostille
An apostille is a stamp that proves a Florida document is real for use in another country that follows the Hague Convention. Florida marriage certificates need an apostille for international legal use. The Florida Department of State handles all apostille requests in the state.
How to Request an Apostille
First, get a certified copy of your Florida marriage certificate from the Bureau or county clerk. Then send the certified document to the Florida Department of State, Notary Section. The mailing address is 2415 N. Monroe Street, Tallahassee, FL 32303. The fee is $10 per document plus postage.
Apostille Contact Details
Call the Florida Department of State Notary Section at 850-245-6945 for apostille questions. Office hours are Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST. You can also visit the office in person in Tallahassee for same-day apostille service on most documents.
Mail and Email Contact Options
Some Florida offices accept email questions, but most require mail or phone for vital record orders. Email works best for general questions about hours, fees, and procedures. Always include your contact details and a clear question in any email you send.
Email for General Questions
The Florida Department of Health accepts email through the contact form on FloridaHealth.gov. County clerks also have contact forms on their websites. Use these for questions about hours, fees, document requirements, and procedures for getting a Florida marriage record.
Mail Requests
Mail requests are accepted by all Florida county clerk offices and the Bureau of Vital Statistics. Use certified mail for tracking and include all required IDs and fees. Missing paperwork causes delays, so double-check the requirements before you mail your packet.
| Office | Mailing Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Bureau of Vital Statistics | P.O. Box 210, Jacksonville, FL 32231 | 904-359-6900 |
| Florida Dept. of State Apostille | 2415 N. Monroe Street, Tallahassee, FL 32303 | 850-245-6945 |
| Florida Dept. of Health | 4052 Bald Cypress Way, Tallahassee, FL 32399 | 850-245-4444 |
| Miami-Dade Clerk | 73 W. Flagler Street, Miami, FL 33130 | 305-275-1155 |
| Broward Clerk | 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 | 954-831-4000 |
Hours and Best Times to Call
Office hours vary by county. Most Florida clerk offices and the Bureau of Vital Statistics open at 8:00 a.m. and close at 5:00 p.m. EST on weekdays. Call early in the morning to avoid long hold times at busy offices across the state.
Peak and Off-Peak Times
Mondays and Fridays are the busiest phone days at most Florida record offices. Mid-week mornings between Tuesday and Thursday are the best time to call. Many offices close for lunch between 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. Plan your call outside that window.
Holiday Closures
Florida government offices close on state holidays. These include New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Plan vital record orders early around holidays because offices also close for the day before and after big holidays.
What to Have Ready Before You Contact
Before you call or visit any Florida office, gather the key details about your marriage record. This speeds up the process and avoids extra trips. Most offices need the same basic information from anyone who contacts them about a Florida marriage record.
Required Personal Details
- Full legal name of both spouses on the marriage record
- Date of marriage or the approximate year
- Florida county where the marriage took place
- Your current photo ID such as a driver license or passport
- Your relationship to the people named on the record
- Payment for the certificate fee in check or money order
Required Fees and Payments
The standard fee for a certified Florida marriage certificate is $5 from the Bureau of Vital Statistics. County clerk fees range from $5 to $25 per certified copy. Online vendor fees are higher and include service charges. Apostille fees are $10 per Florida document.
Florida Marriage Records for Genealogy
Genealogy researchers often need older Florida marriage records. These records can go back to the early 1800s for some Florida counties. They are kept by county clerks and indexed on major genealogy sites for family history projects.
Where Older Records Are Held
Older Florida marriage records are held by county clerks and the State Archives of Florida. The State Archives has records from 1840 to 1927 for many Florida counties. The Bureau covers 1927 forward for all of Florida.
Genealogy Site Coverage
FamilySearch and Ancestry both have Florida marriage record collections. FamilySearch is free and includes indexed images of older Florida marriage certificates. Ancestry requires a paid subscription but has larger collections and better search tools for Florida genealogy.
State Archives Contact
The State Archives of Florida is at 500 S. Bronough Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399. Call 850-245-6715 for research help. The archives are open Tuesday to Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for in-person Florida marriage record research.
Online Contact Form Submissions
Many Florida offices offer online contact forms. These let you send questions without calling on the phone. Most offices reply to contact form messages within 1 to 3 business days. Always include your email and phone number for a faster reply.
FloridaHealth.gov Contact Form
The Florida Department of Health contact form is on FloridaHealth.gov under the “Contact Us” page. Use it for general questions about Florida marriage records and certificate orders. The form routes your question to the right office based on your topic.
County Clerk Contact Forms
Each Florida county clerk has its own contact form. These work best for county-specific questions about records filed in that county. The forms are linked on the clerk’s main website under “Contact Us” or “Customer Service.”
Reaching the Right Office
Different Florida offices handle different parts of marriage records. Knowing who to call saves time and effort. Use this quick guide to pick the right contact for your specific Florida marriage record need.
When to Call the Bureau
Call the Bureau of Vital Statistics for statewide Florida marriage certificates, the statewide marriage index, and apostille questions. The Bureau also handles records from 1927 forward for any Florida county in one place.
When to Call the County Clerk
Call the county clerk for local records, certified copies of marriages in that county, and marriage license questions. The clerk also handles in-person orders for events filed in their Florida county, often with same-day service.
When to Call the State Archives
Call the State Archives for Florida marriage records before 1927 and genealogy research help. The archives also have older indexes and original documents that the Bureau does not cover for Florida family history research.
Frequently Asked Questions
The answers below cover the most common questions users ask when contacting Florida offices about marriage records. Each answer gives you the direct contact path and the key facts you need for a smooth request. Use these to avoid delays and get your Florida marriage record faster.
How long does it take to get a Florida marriage certificate?
Mail orders take 5 to 10 business days from the Bureau of Vital Statistics once your request is received. Online orders through approved vendors take 3 to 7 business days with standard shipping. In-person requests at the county clerk office are often ready the same day you visit. Rush service is available from the Bureau for an extra fee of about $10 per certificate.
Can anyone order a Florida marriage certificate?
Florida allows eligible applicants to order certified marriage certificates from any county. Eligible applicants include the people named on the record, immediate family members, legal representatives, and anyone with a court order. You must show photo ID and proof of your eligibility to receive the full certified Florida marriage certificate.
What if the marriage happened before 1927?
Marriages before June 1927 are not in the statewide Bureau index for Florida. Contact the county clerk where the marriage took place in Florida. For genealogy records, also check the State Archives of Florida, which holds older indexes and original documents going back to the 1800s for many Florida counties.
How do I get an apostille for a Florida marriage certificate?
First, order a certified copy of your Florida marriage certificate from the Bureau or county clerk. Then send the certified document to the Florida Department of State, Notary Section, 2415 N. Monroe Street, Tallahassee, FL 32303. Include a $10 fee per document, a self-addressed stamped envelope, and a cover letter with your return address.
Are Florida marriage records public?
Indexes and basic search results are public on the Florida statewide marriage index. Certified copies with full details are restricted to eligible applicants. You can search by name and date at no cost without showing ID, but you must prove your eligibility to receive the full certified copy of the Florida marriage certificate.
Can I search Florida marriage records online for free?
Yes. The Florida Department of Health statewide marriage index is free to search at FloridaHealth.gov. FamilySearch also has free Florida marriage record collections with indexed images. Certified copies of Florida marriage certificates require a fee from the Bureau or county clerk office.
What if I do not know the exact marriage date?
You can search by name and county with a wide year range on the Florida statewide marriage index. The index lets you set a custom date range to widen your search. County clerks also help with date searches if you provide the full names of both spouses on the Florida marriage record.