Kendale Lakes City Florida marriage records are official documents held by Miami-Dade County that prove a marriage took place inside this southwest Florida community. These records show the names of both spouses, the date of the wedding, and the location where the marriage license was issued.
They are kept by the Miami-Dade County Clerk of Court, and older records also exist with the Florida Department of Health Bureau of Vital Statistics. Anyone can ask for a copy of a Kendale Lakes marriage record for legal, family history, or personal reasons.
What Kendale Lakes City Florida Marriage Records Include
Marriage records for Kendale Lakes contain the same type of basic facts. Each record has the full legal names of both spouses, the date the license was issued, and the date the marriage took place. The record also names the officiant who performed the ceremony and lists the location where the marriage license was filed.
Who Maintains These Records
The Miami-Dade County Clerk of Court handles all marriage records for Kendale Lakes residents. This office issued the license, accepted the signed license back after the ceremony, and stored the final record. The Florida Department of Health Bureau of Vital Statistics also keeps a copy of every Florida marriage from June 6, 1927 onward. Records from before that date only exist at the county level.
What Information Appears on a Record
A standard marriage record from Kendale Lakes lists the full names of both people who got married. It also includes their ages at the time of marriage, their places of birth, and their residential addresses. Social Security numbers appear only on the application form, not on the public copy. Witness names appear when witnesses were present. The name of the officiant appears along with the title of the officiant, such as minister, judge, or notary.
Public Access Rules in Florida
Florida law treats marriage records as public documents. Florida Statutes Chapter 119 says anyone may view or request copies. Social Security numbers are always removed before the record is shown to the public. A person who wants to keep their address private can file a Request for Confidentiality under Section 119.071. This form is available at the Miami-Dade Clerk of Court office.
How to Apply for a Marriage License in Kendale Lakes
Kendale Lakes does not have its own marriage license office. Residents go to the Miami-Dade County Clerk of Court for all license needs. Both people must show up at the same time and present valid photo ID. The clerk then issues the license the same day, unless a waiting period applies.
Who Can Apply
Both applicants must be at least 18 years old to marry without parental consent in Florida. Florida law allows marriage at age 17 with parental consent and a judge approval. Applicants under 17 cannot marry in Florida. Both parties must be present at the clerk office. A power of attorney cannot be used to apply for someone else.
Documents You Must Bring
Each person must bring valid photo ID. The clerk accepts driver licenses from any U.S. state, U.S. passports, military identification cards, state-issued ID cards, alien registration cards, and naturalization certificates. U.S. citizens also need to provide a Social Security number. The clerk asks for the exact date when any prior marriage ended in divorce, annulment, or death.
- Valid photo ID for each person
- Social Security number for U.S. citizens
- Date of any previous marriage ending
- Payment for the license fee
- Premarital course completion certificate, if taking the discount
Office Location and Visiting Hours
The main Miami-Dade Clerk office sits at Overtown Transit Village South, 601 NW 1 Court, Suite 1900, Miami, FL 33136. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The clerk also runs six district court locations across Miami-Dade County, and Kendale Lakes residents may find a closer district office than the downtown location.
| Service | Details |
|---|---|
| Main Office | 601 NW 1 Court, Suite 1900, Miami, FL 33136 |
| Phone | (786) 469-2400 |
| Hours | Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. |
| Walk-ins | Accepted |
| Appointments | Available online through the clerk website |
Marriage License Costs and Fees
The base fee for a marriage license in Kendale Lakes is $86. Couples who finish an approved premarital preparation course pay only $61. The clerk accepts cash and credit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express. Personal checks are not accepted.
Premarital Course Discount
Florida Statute 741.0305 sets the rules for the premarital course. The course must come from a provider approved by the court. The course must be completed within one year before the license application. The same course also removes the three-day waiting period for Florida residents. A list of approved providers is on the clerk website.
Ceremony and Other Fees
A clerk-performed ceremony costs $30. Duplicate licenses cost $30 each. Changes to a license after issuance require a court order plus a $30 fee. A search across multiple years costs $2 per year when the exact date is unknown.
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Standard License | $86 |
| License with Course | $61 |
| Clerk Ceremony | $30 |
| Duplicate License | $30 |
| License Amendment | $30 plus court order |
| Year Search (no date) | $2 per year |
| Certified Copy (County) | $9 first, $7 each extra |
| Certified Copy (State) | $5 first, $4 each extra |
Online Search Options for Marriage Records
The Miami-Dade Online Marriage License Bureau lets anyone search records at no cost. The database includes records from 1971 forward. Users type in a name or license number to view results. Each result shows the names of both spouses and the date of marriage.
Searching the County Database
The county database covers Kendale Lakes weddings since 1971. The search tool works day and night. Records before 1971 are not in the online database. The clerk office can help with older records by phone at (786) 469-2400. The clerk asks for the full name of one spouse and the year of marriage when possible.
Florida Department of Health Records
The Florida Department of Health keeps statewide marriage records from June 6, 1927 forward. A state certified copy costs $5 for the first copy and $4 for each additional copy. Orders go through the Bureau of Vital Statistics or through the VitalChek service.
VitalChek and Other Third Parties
VitalChek is an official third-party service that works with the state. The fee through VitalChek is $15 plus a $7 processing charge per copy. For Kendale Lakes marriages, the county clerk is the faster and cheaper choice. State records also lag behind county records by about 60 days.
Steps to Get Married in Kendale Lakes
The marriage process in Kendale Lakes follows the same steps used across Miami-Dade County. Couples start with a pre-application, then visit the clerk office, pay the fee, and wait for the license to become valid. After the wedding, the officiant returns the signed license to the clerk.
The Application Process
The first step is the online pre-application on the Miami-Dade Clerk website. This form collects basic facts about both partners. Both partners then visit the clerk office together with their photo ID. The clerk reviews the documents, collects the fee, and issues the license.
- Complete the online pre-application on the clerk website
- Visit the clerk office with your partner at the same time
- Show valid photo ID for both people
- Provide Social Security numbers for U.S. citizens
- Pay $86 or $61 with course completion certificate
- Wait three days if a Florida resident without the course
- Use the license within 60 days anywhere in Florida
Waiting Period Rules
Florida residents who did not take the premarital course must wait three days after the license is issued. The clock starts the day the clerk issues the license. Non-residents do not have a waiting period. Florida residents who took the approved course skip the wait, as long as the course was finished within one year before the application.
After the Ceremony
Florida Statute 741.07 lists who can officiate a Florida wedding. Ordained ministers, judges, clerks of court, deputy clerks, and Florida notary publics can all perform the ceremony. State law does not require witnesses, but most couples do include them. The officiant has 10 days after the wedding to sign the license and return it to the clerk. The recording process takes around 60 days before the data reaches the Bureau of Vital Statistics.
Getting Certified Copies of Marriage Records
Certified copies of Kendale Lakes marriage records carry the official seal of the clerk. Banks, courts, immigration offices, and name change applications require certified copies. Regular photocopies do not work for legal purposes.
In-Person Requests
Walk into the Miami-Dade Marriage License Bureau at 601 NW 1 Court, Suite 1900, Miami, FL 33136. Bring a valid photo ID. Tell the clerk the full name of one spouse and the date of marriage. The fee is $9 for the first copy and $7 for each extra copy.
Mail-In Requests
Send a written request by mail to the Miami-Dade Clerk of Court. The request must include the full name of one spouse, the date of marriage, and a return address. The fee must be a cashier’s check or money order made out to Clerk of the Courts. Personal checks are not accepted for mail orders.
Online Requests
The clerk website accepts certified copy orders online. Payment goes by credit card. The clerk mails the certified copy to the address on the order. Online orders take the same processing time as in-person orders but save a trip to the office.
Genealogy and Historical Marriage Records
People who research family history often need older marriage records from Kendale Lakes. These records help build family trees, prove citizenship for descendants, and document property or inheritance claims.
Records Before 1927
The state of Florida did not collect marriage data before June 6, 1927. Marriage records from Kendale Lakes area before that date only exist at the county level. Older records may sit in court archives, church books, or family Bibles. The clerk office can help locate older documents by phone.
FamilySearch and Ancestry
FamilySearch and Ancestry.com both hold indexed Florida marriage records. These third-party sites charge a subscription fee or offer pay-per-record access. They index names, dates, and counties. They do not provide certified copies. For legal purposes, certified copies from the county or state remain the only valid option.
Replacing Lost or Damaged Certificates
A lost or damaged marriage certificate can be replaced. The clerk issues a certified copy that carries the same legal weight as the original. The fee is $9 for the first copy and $7 for each extra copy at the county level.
Apostille Services for International Use
Couples who need to use a Florida marriage certificate in another country often need an apostille. The Florida Department of State issues apostilles. The apostille certifies the signature and seal on the document. The marriage certificate must be a recent certified copy from the clerk.
Confidentiality and Address Removal
People who fear for their safety can file a Request for Confidentiality under Florida Statute Section 119.071. This form removes home addresses from public records. The form is available at the clerk office. The request takes about 30 days to process once filed.
Other Helpful Details About Kendale Lakes Marriage Records
Recent marriages show up in the county database before the state database. The county clerk has the signed license within 10 days of the wedding. The state database catches up about 60 days later. Anyone researching a recent marriage should check the county system first.
Common Reasons People Request These Records
People need Kendale Lakes marriage records for many reasons. Banks ask for them when a spouse adds a name to a joint account. Courts ask for them in divorce and custody cases. Immigration offices ask for them in spousal visa applications. Employers ask for them when a spouse joins a health insurance plan. Family historians ask for them to build family trees.
Processing Times and Delivery
In-person certified copy requests finish the same day. Mail-in requests take 7 to 14 business days plus mail time. Online orders ship through the U.S. Postal Service and take 7 to 14 business days. Rush services are available through VitalChek for an extra fee.
Contact and Office Information
Kendale Lakes residents should contact the Miami-Dade County Clerk of Court for all marriage record services. The clerk office handles applications, ceremonies, certified copies, and record searches. Phone service runs during regular office hours.
Miami-Dade County Clerk of Court
Overtown Transit Village South
601 NW 1 Court, Suite 1900
Miami, FL 33136
Phone: (786) 469-2400
Website: miamidadeclerk.gov
Frequently Asked Questions
Couples often ask about license rules, fees, timelines, and certified copy options. The questions below cover the most common issues that come up when working with Kendale Lakes marriage records. Each answer reflects current Florida law and Miami-Dade County clerk policies.
How long does a marriage license last in Kendale Lakes?
A Florida marriage license is valid for 60 days from the date the clerk issues it. The license must be used within that window or it expires. Once the license expires, the couple must apply again and pay the fee again. The 60-day clock starts on the issue date shown on the license itself. Couples should plan the wedding date with that 60-day window in mind.
Can a non-resident get a marriage license in Kendale Lakes?
Yes. Florida does not require residency to get a marriage license. A tourist, snowbird, or visitor can apply at the Miami-Dade Clerk office. Non-residents do not face the three-day waiting period that applies to Florida residents who did not take the premarital course. Both partners must still show up in person together with valid photo ID.
How much does a certified copy of a marriage record cost?
The county clerk charges $9 for the first certified copy and $7 for each extra copy when ordered at the same time. The Florida Department of Health charges $5 for the first copy and $4 for each extra copy. VitalChek adds a $7 processing fee on top of the state fee. Certified copies carry the clerk seal or state seal, and they are valid for legal use in court, banking, and immigration.
Can someone else pick up a certified copy on my behalf?
Yes, with proper written authorization. The person picking up the copy must bring a signed letter from the requester. The letter must include the full name of one spouse, the date of marriage, and the name of the person picking up the copy. The pickup person needs to show valid photo ID. The fee must be paid at the time of pickup.
What happens after the officiant signs the license?
The officiant has 10 days after the ceremony to return the signed license to the clerk office. The clerk records the marriage. The county clerk has the record within about 10 days of the wedding. The Florida Department of Health Bureau of Vital Statistics receives the data about 60 days later. Once the state database updates, the record appears in statewide searches.
Are Kendall and Kendale Lakes the same area?
Kendall and Kendale Lakes are two different communities in southwest Miami-Dade County. Both communities fall under the same Miami-Dade Clerk office for marriage records. The clerk office handles records for every city and community in the county. Residents of both Kendall and Kendale Lakes use the same office, fees, and procedures for marriage licenses and certificates.