Hillsborough County Florida marriage records cover every marriage performed or filed in this West-Central Florida county since 1846. Tampa serves as the county seat and main office location.
The Hillsborough County Clerk of Court issues marriage licenses, performs civil ceremonies, and stores recorded licenses. The Florida Department of Health Bureau of Vital Statistics holds state copies from June 6, 1927, to the present. Older files from 1846 to 1964 sit at the USF Tampa Library Special Collections. You can order these records online, by mail, or in person. Costs and timelines depend on the office and the year of the marriage.
Where to Get Marriage Records in Hillsborough County
Two main offices hold Hillsborough County Florida marriage records. The county clerk keeps all original files for the county. The Florida Department of Health keeps state copies from 1927 forward. You pick the office based on what you need, how old the record is, and how fast you need it.
Hillsborough County Clerk of Court
The Hillsborough County Clerk of Court office sits at 800 E. Twiggs St., Tampa, FL 33602. You can call (813) 276-8100 for general questions. The clerk handles marriage license applications, civil ceremonies, and certified copy requests. Both people must go in person together to apply for a license. The clerk office also processes mail orders for certified copies of marriage records.
The clerk stores recorded Hillsborough County marriage licenses from the mid-1960s to today. After a wedding, the signed license goes back to the clerk within 10 days. The clerk records it in the county files. The clerk then sends the data to the state Bureau of Vital Statistics. This state filing takes about 60 days. You can order a certified copy from the clerk any time after recording.
Florida Department of Health Bureau of Vital Statistics
The Florida Department of Health Bureau of Vital Statistics holds state copies of Hillsborough County Florida marriage records from June 6, 1927, to the present. The main office sits at 1217 N. Pearl St., Jacksonville, FL 32202. You can order records by mail, in person, or online through VitalChek. The state charges a small fee for each search and each certified copy. State records work as legal proof of marriage for most uses.
For marriages before June 1927, the state has no file. You must go through the Hillsborough County Clerk of Court or the USF Tampa Library archives. The state certificate is an abstract. It shows the basic facts of the marriage. It proves the marriage was recorded. You can ask for more detail on your order form if you need it.
Marriage License Requirements in Hillsborough County
Florida law sets the rules for every county. Hillsborough County follows the same steps. Both people must apply in person at the clerk office. The license costs money and stays valid for 60 days from issue date. You can use a Hillsborough County license anywhere in Florida.
Who Can Apply
Both people must be at least 18 years old to apply without a parent. A 17-year-old can apply with written consent from both parents. The other person cannot be more than two years older in that case. Florida has no residency or citizenship rule. Anyone can get a Hillsborough County marriage license and marry anywhere in Florida. You do not need a blood test or a waiting period if you finish a Florida-approved premarital course.
Both people must sign an affidavit at the clerk office. This affidavit is required under Florida Statute 741.04. Both must also read the Family Law Handbook from the Florida Bar before applying. The clerk will give you the handbook at the office. This step makes sure both people know their legal rights.
Documents You Need
Both parties must bring valid photo ID. A driver’s license, state ID, or passport all work. U.S. citizens need their Social Security number. If either person was married before, you must give the exact date the prior marriage ended. This date can be a divorce date or a date a spouse died. The clerk uses this date to make sure no other marriage is still active.
The clerk office has the application form. You can fill it out at the office. Both people must sign the form in front of the clerk. You must also pay the fee at the time of application. The clerk will not process the license without payment.
Fees, Waiting Period, and Course Discount
The standard fee for a Hillsborough County marriage license is $86. A Florida-approved premarital course drops the fee to $61. You must finish the course within one year before you apply. Florida residents who do not take the course must wait three days after applying. Non-residents skip the wait. Course completers skip the wait too. The license stays valid for 60 days from issue date under Florida Statute 741.041.
The reduced fee under Florida Statute 741.0305 only works with proof of course completion. Bring the certificate from the course provider. The clerk office accepts payment by cash, check, money order, or card. Postage is charged for records mailed out. The fees listed here are subject to change. Call the clerk office for the latest rates.
How to Order Certified Copies of Marriage Certificates
Certified copies are official prints with a raised seal or stamp. Banks, courts, insurance companies, and foreign governments often ask for them. You can get certified copies of Hillsborough County Florida marriage records from the county clerk or the state. Costs and timelines differ by office.
In-Person Requests at the Clerk Office
You can walk into the Hillsborough County Clerk of Court at 800 E. Twiggs St., Tampa, FL 33602. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Bring a photo ID and the marriage details. A certified copy of a marriage certificate costs $7 without a record search. The fee is $9 if you need the clerk to find the record for you. Same-day service is standard for in-person orders.
The clerk staff can help you search for the record. Bring as much detail as you can. Both full names, the marriage date, and the year of the license help the search. The clerk can search older Hillsborough County Florida marriage records from the mid-1960s forward. For older records, you need the USF Tampa Library or other archives.
Mail Requests to the County Clerk
Mail orders work for Hillsborough County Florida marriage records. Send a written request with both full names, the marriage date, and the county where the license was issued. Include a check or money order for $7 or $9. Add postage for return mail. The clerk office will mail the certified copy to you. Mail processing takes about 5 to 10 business days.
Write your return address clearly on the request. Include a daytime phone number in case the clerk needs to reach you. The clerk office address is 800 E. Twiggs St., Tampa, FL 33602. Mark the envelope “Attention: Marriage Records.” This helps the clerk staff route your request to the right team.
Online Orders Through VitalChek
The state of Florida uses VitalChek for online orders of Hillsborough County Florida marriage records. The state fee is $5 for one search and one certified copy. VitalChek adds a $7 processing fee for online orders. Rush service costs $10 more. You can order online any time of day. The VitalChek website takes credit and debit cards.
When you order online, you need both spouses’ full names. You also need dates of birth, the marriage date, and the county name. The state checks its files and sends the certified copy by mail. Processing takes 3 to 5 business days for records from 1970 forward. Older Hillsborough County records may take longer. VitalChek tracks your order online.
Historical Marriage Records and Archives
Hillsborough County has one of the oldest marriage archives in Florida. Records go back to 1846. The county clerk holds modern files. Older files sit in two other places. These archives help family researchers trace Florida roots and confirm family ties.
USF Tampa Library Special Collections
The University of South Florida Tampa Library Special Collections holds Hillsborough County marriage licenses from 1846 to 1964. Over 14,400 licenses from 1878 to 1912 have been scanned and posted online. You can view them through the USF digital collections website. Printed indexes cover marriages from 1846 to 1877 and 1913 to 1964. The library fills the gap between old records and modern clerk files.
You can visit the USF Tampa Library in person for free access to the archives. The library staff can help you search the indexes. You can also order copies of records for a fee. The USF Tampa Library sits at 4202 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa, FL 33620. Call (813) 974-2731 for archive hours.
Pre-1927 Records
Florida did not collect marriage data before June 6, 1927. Hillsborough County Florida marriage records before that date sit only with the county clerk or the USF archives. The county clerk can search older files for a fee. The USF archives let you view records for free in person. Researchers often need these records for genealogy work.
Pre-1927 marriage records often show more detail than modern records. They may list ages, birthplaces, parents’ names, and race. The clerk or archivist can pull these files for you. Some old records may be hard to read. The USF staff can help you read old handwriting if you visit the library.
The combination of USF archives and the county clerk covers the full range back to 1846. Few Florida counties can match this depth. Researchers and family members get a continuous line of marriage records spanning almost 180 years in Hillsborough County.
Florida Statewide Marriage Index and Online Search
Florida has a statewide marriage index that covers many counties. This index helps you check if a marriage was recorded. It also helps you find which county holds the record. Two main sources provide this index for Hillsborough County Florida marriage records.
FamilySearch Florida Records
FamilySearch is a free genealogy website run by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It has Florida marriage records from many counties. Hillsborough County records are part of this collection. You can search by name, year, and county. The site also has church and civil records. You can create a free account to save your searches.
FamilySearch lets you view scanned records online. You can also link records to a family tree. The site has records from all over the world. For Hillsborough County Florida marriage records, FamilySearch indexes cover the late 1800s to the mid-1900s. The site adds new records over time.
Ancestry Florida Records
Ancestry.com hosts Florida marriage records and indexes. Many Florida counties have records going back to the early 1900s. Ancestry requires a paid subscription. The site also has census records, immigration files, and family trees. These records help fill in gaps in Hillsborough County Florida marriage records.
Ancestry often has records not found on free sites. The site also has Florida newspaper archives. These can help you confirm marriage dates and find obituaries. Ancestry lets you build family trees and link records to people. You can share trees with family members.
Marriage Records for Genealogy Research
Genealogy researchers use marriage records to trace family lines. Hillsborough County Florida marriage records show parents’ names, ages, and birthplaces. They also show witnesses and the officiant. These facts help build family trees and confirm bloodlines. Marriage records are often the best source for women’s maiden names.
What Each Record Shows
Marriage records list the full names of both spouses. They show the date and place of the marriage. They list the officiant and witnesses. Older records may show ages, birthplaces, and parents’ names. Pre-1927 records often lack Social Security numbers. Post-1927 records are more detailed. Some records also show the names of previous spouses.
License applications often show more detail than the marriage certificate itself. You can ask for the license application from the clerk or archives. The application shows the groom’s and bride’s full information. It also shows signatures and dates. The application is a strong source for genealogy proof.
Steps to Build a Research Plan
Start with what you know. Write down names, dates, and places. Search the statewide index first on FamilySearch. Then check Ancestry for more records. Visit the USF Tampa Library for old records. Order certified copies of Hillsborough County Florida marriage records from the county clerk or state for proof. Keep notes on every source you check.
Use census records to confirm family groups. Use birth and death records to fill in gaps. Marriage records connect these records together. They help you link parents to children and spouses to each other. A good research plan saves time and money.
Apostille for Florida Marriage Certificates
Some countries ask for an apostille on U.S. documents. An apostille is a stamp that proves a document is real. Florida marriage certificates often need one for use abroad. The Florida Department of State issues apostilles for documents signed in Florida.
When You Need an Apostille
You need an apostille when a foreign country asks for one. Common uses include immigration, dual citizenship, and marriage abroad. The apostille proves the signature and seal on the certificate are real. It does not change the content of the record. The country where you use the document decides if you need an apostille or a different kind of authentication.
Some countries use the apostille process. Others use a consular legalization process. Check with the embassy or consulate of the country where you will use the document. The Hague Apostille Convention covers most countries that accept apostilles. A few countries do not accept apostilles.
How to Get an Apostille
Order a certified copy of the marriage certificate first. Then send it to the Florida Department of State, Bureau of Notary Commissions and Apostilles. The address is 2415 N. Monroe St., Tallahassee, FL 32303. The fee is $10 per document. Mail orders take about 5 to 10 business days. You can also walk in for faster service.
Include a cover letter with your name, address, and phone number. Tell the bureau where the apostilled document will be used. The bureau stamps the back of the certificate. The stamp shows the date, signatory, and country where the document will be used. Keep a copy of the document for your records.
Hillsborough County Office Details
Below are the main offices that handle Hillsborough County Florida marriage records. You can reach each office by phone, mail, or in person.
Hillsborough County Clerk of Court
The clerk office handles marriage licenses and certified copies of marriage certificates. The office sits at 800 E. Twiggs St., Tampa, FL 33602. Phone: (813) 276-8100. Office hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The official website is hillsclerk.com.
For marriage license applications, both parties must go in person. For certified copy requests, you can go in person, mail a request, or use the clerk website. The clerk accepts cash, check, money order, and card payments.
Florida Department of Health Bureau of Vital Statistics
The state vital records office holds marriage certificates from 1927 forward. The office sits at 1217 N. Pearl St., Jacksonville, FL 32202. Phone: (904) 359-6900. Office hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The official website is floridahealth.gov/certificates-records.
You can order from the state by mail, in person, or online through VitalChek. Online orders go through vitalchek.com. The state accepts checks, money orders, and credit cards.
USF Tampa Library Special Collections
The library holds historical marriage records from 1846 to 1964. The library sits at 4202 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa, FL 33620. Phone: (813) 974-2731. The library website is lib.usf.edu/special-collections. You can visit during library hours to view old records for free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to common questions about Hillsborough County Florida marriage records. These questions cover fees, timelines, and how to fix errors. Each answer gives clear steps and the right office to contact for help.
How much does a certified copy of a Hillsborough marriage record cost?
A certified copy from the Hillsborough County Clerk of Court costs $7 without a record search. The fee is $9 if you need the clerk to search for the record. The Florida Department of Health charges $5 for one search and one certified copy. VitalChek adds a $7 processing fee for online orders. Rush service costs $10 more. Fees may change over time. Call the office for the latest rates.
You can pay by cash, check, money order, or card at the clerk office. Mail orders must use a check or money order. Online orders through VitalChek take credit and debit cards. Postage is charged for records mailed out. The clerk does not refund fees for records not found after a search.
How long does it take to get a certified copy?
Same-day service is standard for in-person orders at the Hillsborough County Clerk of Court. Mail orders take about 5 to 10 business days. Online orders through VitalChek take 3 to 5 business days for records from 1970 forward. Older Hillsborough County records may take longer. The state vital records office processes orders in about the same time.
Rush service is available through VitalChek for an extra $10. This cuts the wait to 1 to 2 business days for most records. The clerk office does not offer rush mail service. In-person orders are the fastest way to get a certified copy of Hillsborough County Florida marriage records.
Can I search Hillsborough marriage records for free?
Yes. FamilySearch offers free searches of Florida marriage records. The USF Tampa Library Special Collections offers free in-person access to historical Hillsborough County Florida marriage records from 1846 to 1964. Many older records are digitized and posted on the USF digital collections website. You can view these for free online.
The Hillsborough County Clerk of Court offers free online access to some recorded documents through the clerk website. You can search by name and date range. The site may require you to create an account. Viewing records online is free. You pay only if you want a certified copy.
What if I cannot find the marriage record?
Try different spellings of the names. Old records often have spelling errors. Check the date range you are searching. Marriage licenses are recorded by issue date, not always by ceremony date. Try nearby counties if the couple lived near a county border. Pasco, Pinellas, and Polk counties border Hillsborough County.
If you still cannot find the record, contact the Hillsborough County Clerk of Court. The clerk staff can search older files for a fee. You can also visit the USF Tampa Library for help with old records. The library staff has experience with old records and can guide your search for Hillsborough County Florida marriage records.
How do I correct an error on a marriage certificate?
You must file an amendment with the Florida Department of Health. The form is called an Application for Amendment to Florida Marriage Record. You fill out the form and mail it to the state vital records office. You must include proof of the correct information. The fee is $20 for the amendment. The state sends a corrected certificate once the change is made.
Common errors include misspellings, wrong dates, and missing information. You need documents to prove the correct facts. These can include birth certificates, divorce decrees, or court orders. The state reviews each amendment request. Some changes may require a court order before the state makes the change.
Are Hillsborough marriage records public?
Yes. Under Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes, all marriage records are public. Anyone can request a copy of Hillsborough County Florida marriage records. No reason is needed. You do not need to be a family member. The clerk and state must release records to any requester who pays the fee.
Some records may have restricted access for a short time. Recent records may not be in the public index yet. The state and clerk file new records about 60 days after the ceremony. Before that, the clerk office holds the record. After filing, the record becomes public.
Can I use a Florida marriage certificate in another country?
Yes, but you may need an apostille. Many countries require an apostille on U.S. documents for legal use. Order a certified copy of the marriage certificate first. Then send it to the Florida Department of State, Bureau of Notary Commissions and Apostilles. The address is 2415 N. Monroe St., Tallahassee, FL 32303. The fee is $10 per document.
Some countries do not accept apostilles. They require a consular legalization process instead. Check with the embassy or consulate of the country where you will use the document. The Florida Department of State website has a list of countries that accept apostilles. Plan ahead, as the process can take several weeks.
What cities are in Hillsborough County?
Hillsborough County covers a large area in West-Central Florida. Tampa is the county seat and largest city. Other cities and communities include Brandon, Riverview, Town ‘N’ Country, Carrollwood, Citrus Park, Egypt Lake-Leto, Lake Magdalene, Palm River-Clair Mel, Fish Hawk, Ruskin, Sun City Center, East Lake-Orient Park, Temple Terrace, Plant City, Valrico, Apollo Beach, Lutz, and Keystone. All marriage licenses are issued by the Hillsborough County Clerk of Court regardless of where you live in the county.