Franklin County Florida marriage records cover every marriage license issued and every marriage ceremony performed inside this small Gulf Coast county since the late 1800s. The Franklin County Clerk of the Circuit Court in Apalachicola keeps the original paper files, and the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville holds certified copies of Franklin County marriage certificates from June 6, 1927 to today.
People who need a Franklin County marriage record can request a certified copy from the local clerk, the state office, or an approved online vendor like VitalChek. This page explains the exact fees, the documents required, the waiting period rules, the 60-day license validity window, and the public access rules under Florida law.
Franklin County Clerk of Court and Marriage Records
The Franklin County Clerk of the Circuit Court serves as the official record keeper for every marriage license, marriage certificate, and related document filed in the county. The clerk office sits inside the Franklin County Courthouse in Apalachicola, the county seat, and handles walk-in applications, mail-in requests, and certified copy orders for Franklin County marriage records.
Location and Contact Details
The clerk office is located at 33 Market Street, Apalachicola, Florida 32320. The office phone number for marriage license questions and certified copy orders is (850) 653-8861. Callers can ask about fees, hours, document requirements, and the status of mail-in requests for Franklin County marriage records.
Office Hours and How to Reach the Clerk
The clerk office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central Time, closing for state and federal holidays. Both parties must appear together during open hours to apply for a new marriage license. For certified copies of Franklin County marriage records, applicants can walk in, send a written request by mail, or contact the office by phone during business hours.
What the Clerk Office Handles
The clerk office issues marriage licenses, performs civil ceremonies for a fee, records the signed marriage license returned by the officiant, maintains the local marriage index, and issues certified copies of Franklin County marriage records. The clerk also forwards each completed marriage certificate to the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville for state-level archiving.
How to Apply for a Marriage License in Franklin County
Applying for a marriage license in Franklin County requires both parties to appear in person at the clerk office. Florida law under Section 741.04 of the Florida Statutes requires both applicants to sign an affidavit in front of a clerk employee or a notary. No blood test is required, and no Florida residency is required.
Who Must Appear and What to Bring
Both applicants must appear together at the Franklin County Courthouse. Each person needs a valid government-issued photo ID such as a driver license, passport, military ID card, or state identification card. U.S. citizens must also provide their Social Security number. Non-U.S. citizens can apply using a passport plus any secondary document that confirms their identity and age.
Required Documents and Identification
Each applicant must present the original of one of the following photo IDs: a state driver license, a state-issued identification card, a U.S. passport, a military identification card, or an alien registration card. A Social Security number is required for any applicant who has been issued one. The clerk office will not issue a Franklin County marriage license without these documents.
Prior Marriage Details on the Application
If either applicant was previously married, the application must include the exact date the prior marriage ended. The end date may come from a final divorce decree, a death certificate, or an annulment order. The clerk uses this date to confirm that no legal impediment exists to a new marriage under Florida law.
Application Steps at the Clerk Office
The application process at the Franklin County clerk office follows a short series of steps. Both parties should plan on spending 20 to 40 minutes at the counter.
- Both applicants arrive at the clerk office during open hours with valid photo ID and any required Social Security information.
- Each applicant completes the marriage license application and signs the affidavit under Section 741.04.
- The clerk collects the license fee, which is $86 without a premarital course or $61 with a completed course certificate.
- The clerk issues the marriage license the same day for non-residents, or after the three-day waiting period for Florida residents who did not complete a course.
- The couple receives the license and may use it for a ceremony anywhere in Florida within 60 days.
Franklin County Marriage License Fees
The marriage license fee in Franklin County is set by Section 741.0305 of the Florida Statutes. The clerk office accepts cash, money orders, and in most cases debit or credit cards. Personal checks are not always accepted for new license applications, so callers should confirm accepted payment methods before visiting.
Standard License Fee
The standard Franklin County marriage license fee is $86.00. This fee applies to any couple where one or both parties has not completed an approved premarital preparation course within the past 12 months. The clerk collects the fee at the time of application.
Reduced Fee With Premarital Course
Couples who both complete a Florida-approved premarital preparation course within 12 months of applying pay a reduced fee of $61.00. The course must be provided by a registered provider, and the couple must present the completion certificate at the time of application. Completing the course also removes the three-day waiting period for Florida residents.
Ceremony Fees at the Clerk Office
The Franklin County clerk office performs civil ceremonies for a fee of $30.00. The ceremony is short and is held at the courthouse. Couples who want a ceremony at the clerk office should call (850) 653-8861 in advance to schedule an appointment and confirm the current fee.
Payment Methods Accepted
The clerk office accepts cash, money orders, and most major debit or credit cards for new marriage license applications. For mail-in certified copy requests, the clerk typically requires a check or money order payable to the Franklin County Clerk of Court. Callers should confirm accepted methods before sending payment.
Waiting Period and License Validity
Florida law sets a three-day waiting period for Florida residents who apply without a premarital course. Non-residents and residents who completed an approved course do not face a waiting period. Every Franklin County marriage license stays valid for 60 days from the date of issuance under Section 741.041.
Florida Resident Waiting Period
A Florida resident who applies without a premarital course must wait three days from the date of issuance before the license can be used in a ceremony. The waiting period is counted in calendar days, not business days, and the license can be used on the fourth day after issuance. Completing an approved premarital course removes this waiting period for Florida residents.
Non-Resident Waiting Period
A non-resident of Florida who applies for a Franklin County marriage license does not face a waiting period. The license can be used the same day it is issued. This rule makes Franklin County a common spot for destination weddings near St. George Island, Carrabelle, and the Forgotten Coast beaches.
60-Day License Validity Rule
Every Franklin County marriage license stays valid for 60 days from the date of issuance under Section 741.041 of the Florida Statutes. A license that is not used within 60 days expires and cannot be re-used. The couple must apply for a new license and pay the fee again if the original license expires before the ceremony.
Who Can Perform a Marriage in Franklin County
Florida law under Section 741.07 lists the people authorized to perform a marriage ceremony in the state. The rule applies across Franklin County and every other Florida county. The officiant must sign the marriage license and return it to the issuing clerk within 10 days of the ceremony.
Authorized Officiants Under Florida Law
The following people may perform a marriage ceremony in Franklin County: ordained ministers, priests, rabbis, or other clergy in regular standing with their religious body; judges of any Florida court; clerks of court and their deputies; and notaries public who are registered in Florida. The officiant does not need to live in Franklin County.
Officiant Duties After the Ceremony
After the ceremony, the officiant signs the marriage license and records the date and location of the ceremony on the document. The officiant returns the completed license to the Franklin County clerk office within 10 days. The clerk then records the certificate into the official marriage index and forwards the certificate to the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics.
How to Get Certified Copies of Marriage Records
Certified copies of Franklin County marriage records are available through the local clerk office in Apalachicola, the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville, and VitalChek, the state-approved online ordering service. Each source has its own fee, processing time, and request method.
In-Person Requests at the Clerk Office
Walk-in requests for certified copies of Franklin County marriage records can be made at the clerk office during regular business hours. The applicant should bring a valid photo ID, the full names of both spouses on the record, and the date of marriage if known. The clerk charges a base fee of $1.00 per certified copy under Section 119.07 plus any additional search or certification fees set by the clerk.
Mail-In Requests to the Clerk
Mail-in requests should be sent to the Franklin County Clerk of the Circuit Court, 33 Market Street, Apalachicola, FL 32320. The written request must include the full names of both spouses, the date of marriage, the relationship to the person on the record, a contact phone number, and a check or money order for the certified copy fee. Call (850) 653-8861 to confirm the exact fee before mailing.
State-Level Requests Through Florida DOH
The Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville holds Franklin County marriage certificates from June 6, 1927 to the present. Mail requests should be sent to P.O. Box 210, Jacksonville, FL 32231-0042, with a check or money order payable to the Bureau of Vital Statistics. A search for one calendar year plus one certified copy costs $5.00, and each extra copy is $4.00. Processing takes 3 to 5 business days for records from 1970 forward, with additional time for older records.
Online Orders Through VitalChek
VitalChek is the state-approved online vendor for Florida marriage records. A Florida marriage certificate ordered through VitalChek costs $15.00 for the state fee plus a $7.00 processing fee, for a total of $22.00 per certified copy. Orders can be placed online through the VitalChek website for Franklin County marriage records from 1927 onward.
Franklin County Marriage Records Before 1927
Marriage records from before June 6, 1927 are not held by the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics. These older Franklin County marriage records are kept only at the local clerk office in Apalachicola. Some pre-1927 records are also available through genealogy databases.
Local Archives and Historical Records
The Franklin County clerk office keeps paper files and microfilm archives that include marriage records dating back to the late 1800s. Many of these records are not indexed online. Visitors who want a record from before 1927 should call (850) 653-8861 to confirm the record exists and ask whether an appointment is needed for in-person archive searches.
FamilySearch and Genealogy Resources
FamilySearch.org hosts a free, searchable collection of Florida marriage records and indexes, including some Franklin County records. The FamilySearch catalog covers early Florida marriage indexes, county record books, and other church and civil records that can help with genealogy research in Franklin County.
Public Access and Privacy Rules
Florida marriage records are public records under Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes. Anyone can inspect or request a copy of a Franklin County marriage record without showing a relationship to the people on the record. A small number of details are redacted from public copies to protect privacy.
What Information Is Open to the Public
The full names of both spouses, the date of the marriage, the county of issuance, the license number, and the officiant’s name are all open to the public. Section 741.09 requires the clerk to keep a correct record of every marriage license issued in Franklin County, and that record is open for public inspection.
What Information Gets Redacted
Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, and certain financial details are redacted from public copies under Section 119.071 of the Florida Statutes. A public copy still shows the names, date, location, and license number on the Franklin County marriage record.
Franklin County Marriage Records Fees Summary
The total cost of a Franklin County marriage license and certified copies depends on the options chosen. The table below shows the standard fees charged by the clerk office, the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics, and VitalChek as of 2026.
| Service | Source | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Marriage License (no course) | Franklin County Clerk | $86.00 |
| Marriage License (with course) | Franklin County Clerk | $61.00 |
| Civil Ceremony at Clerk Office | Franklin County Clerk | $30.00 |
| Certified Copy (state search + 1 copy) | Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics | $5.00 |
| Each Additional State Certified Copy | Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics | $4.00 |
| Certified Copy via Online Vendor | VitalChek | $22.00 total ($15 state + $7 processing) |
| Local Clerk Certified Copy | Franklin County Clerk | $1.00 base + clerk search fee |
Contact Information and Official Resources
The Franklin County Clerk of the Circuit Court is the main point of contact for Franklin County marriage license applications, civil ceremonies, and local certified copy requests. The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics handles state-level certified copy requests for marriages from June 1927 forward. VitalChek handles online orders for state-certified copies.
Franklin County Clerk of Court
Office: Franklin County Clerk of the Circuit Court
Address: 33 Market Street, Apalachicola, FL 32320
Phone: (850) 653-8861
Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central Time
Website: franklinclerk.com
Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics
Office: Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics
Address: P.O. Box 210, Jacksonville, FL 32231-0042
Phone: (904) 359-6900
Website: floridahealth.gov/certificates-records/marriage-certificates
Other Official Resources
Florida Court Clerks and Comptrollers Directory: flclerks.com
VitalChek Online Orders: vitalchek.com
Florida Statutes Chapter 741: leg.state.fl.us
My Florida County Records: myfloridacounty.com
Frequently Asked Questions
This FAQ section covers the most common questions about Franklin County Florida marriage records, including licensing, fees, waiting periods, certified copies, genealogy searches, and lost certificate replacements. Each answer cites the relevant Florida statute or office where the record is held.
How long does it take to get a Franklin County marriage certificate?
Walk-in certified copy requests at the Franklin County clerk office in Apalachicola are often completed while the applicant waits, depending on staff workload and how old the record is. Mail-in requests through the clerk office usually take 5 to 10 business days. State-level requests through the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics take 3 to 5 business days for records from 1970 forward, with extra time for older Franklin County marriage records. Online orders through VitalChek are processed within the same 3 to 5 business day window once the state fee and processing fee are received.
Can a Franklin County marriage license be used anywhere in Florida?
Yes. A Franklin County marriage license is valid for any ceremony held anywhere in the state of Florida under Section 741.041 of the Florida Statutes. The license is also valid for ceremonies held outside Florida if the state where the ceremony takes place accepts out-of-state Florida licenses. The license expires 60 days after the date of issuance, so the ceremony must take place within that window.
How do I replace a lost Franklin County marriage certificate?
A lost Franklin County marriage certificate can be replaced by ordering a certified copy from the Franklin County clerk office, the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics, or VitalChek. The applicant should provide the full names of both spouses at the time of the marriage and the approximate year of the marriage. The state office holds certificates from June 6, 1927 to the present, and older certificates must be requested from the local clerk office in Apalachicola.
Are Franklin County marriage records public?
Yes. Franklin County marriage records are public records under Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes. Anyone can inspect the marriage index or request a copy without showing a direct relationship to the people on the record. Social Security numbers and certain financial details are redacted from public copies under Section 119.071. All other details on the certificate, including the names, date, license number, and officiant, remain open to the public.
Do I need an appointment to apply for a Franklin County marriage license?
Walk-in applications are accepted at the Franklin County clerk office during regular business hours. No appointment is required for a marriage license application, but the clerk office recommends calling ahead (850) 653-8861 during busy wedding season months on the Gulf Coast. Civil ceremonies performed at the clerk office do require an appointment and an extra $30.00 ceremony fee.
Can I get a Franklin County marriage certificate with an apostille?
Yes. A certified copy of a Franklin County marriage certificate can be used to obtain an apostille from the Florida Department of State, Bureau of Authentications, in Tallahassee. An apostille confirms the authenticity of the certified copy for use in foreign countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention. The applicant should request a current certified copy first, then submit that copy to the Florida Department of State with the apostille fee and the required application form.
Where can I search old Franklin County marriage records for genealogy?
Old Franklin County marriage records can be searched at the Franklin County clerk office in Apalachicola, which holds pre-1927 records on paper and microfilm. FamilySearch.org also hosts a free Florida marriage index that includes some Franklin County records from the 1800s and early 1900s. Researchers who cannot visit Apalachicola in person should call the clerk office at (850) 653-8861 to ask about mail searches of older files.