Kendall City Florida marriage records are public documents filed with the Miami-Dade County Clerk of Court and the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics. These records show when a couple got married, where the license was issued, and who performed the ceremony.
Anyone can request a copy of a marriage record for a small fee. Kendall residents get the fastest service through the Miami-Dade County Clerk because the county office files the paperwork first before sending it to the state.
Who Handles Marriage Records in Kendall
Kendall is an unincorporated community inside Miami-Dade County. It does not have its own city hall for marriage services. The Miami-Dade County Clerk of Court runs all marriage license and record services for every person living in Kendall. The same office files the records, stores them, and sends copies to people who need them.
Miami-Dade County Clerk of Court
The Miami-Dade County Clerk of Court is the main office for Kendall marriage records. The main Marriage License Bureau sits at Overtown Transit Village South, 601 NW 1 Court, Suite 1900, Miami, FL 33136. You can call them at (786) 469-2400. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Walk-ins work. Appointments are also available on the clerk website and can speed things up.
South Dade Justice Center
Kendall residents can visit the South Dade Justice Center for faster service. This location sits closer to Kendall than the downtown office. The clerk runs six district court locations across the county. Each one handles marriage license applications, certified copies, and oath services. Check the clerk website for the exact address of the South Dade location and current hours.
How to Apply for a Marriage License in Kendall
Couples getting married in Kendall must apply for a license before the ceremony. Both people must appear at the clerk office at the same time. The clerk will not issue a license if only one person shows up. The process takes about 30 minutes when both partners are present with the right paperwork.
What to Bring to the Clerk Office
Both partners must bring valid photo ID to the clerk office. The clerk accepts driver licenses from any state, U.S. passports, military IDs, state ID cards, alien registration cards, and naturalization certificates. U.S. citizens also need to provide a Social Security number. If either person has been married before, the exact end date of the previous marriage is required. Divorce decrees, death certificates, or annulment papers can prove the prior marriage ended.
Online Pre-Application
The Miami-Dade clerk lets couples fill out a pre-application online before visiting the office. This step saves time at the counter. Both partners must complete the online form. The pre-application asks for full legal names, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, and prior marriage history. Print the confirmation page or save it on your phone to show the clerk at the visit.
Marriage License Fees in Kendall
The standard fee for a marriage license in Kendall is $86. Couples who complete a premarital preparation course from an approved Florida provider pay $61 instead. Per Florida Statute 741.0305, the course must be finished within 12 months of applying for the license. A list of approved course providers is available on the Florida Department of Children and Families website.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard marriage license | $86 |
| License with premarital course | $61 |
| Clerk-performed ceremony | $30 |
| Duplicate license | $30 |
| Amendment to license | $30 plus court order |
| First certified copy | $9 |
| Each additional certified copy | $7 |
| Year-search fee (no exact date) | $2 per year searched |
Payment Methods Accepted
The clerk office accepts cash, Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express. Personal checks are not accepted for license fees. Mail requests require a cashier’s check or money order made payable to Clerk of the Courts. Online orders use credit or debit cards through the secure clerk payment portal.
Marriage License Rules in Florida
Florida law sets specific rules for marriage licenses. The state uses these rules to protect both partners and keep public records accurate. Kendall couples must follow the same rules as every other Florida couple.
Waiting Period
Florida residents face a three-day waiting period after the license is issued before they can marry. The clock starts the day after the license is issued. Non-residents of Florida do not have a waiting period. Florida residents who complete the approved premarital course skip the waiting period too. The course certificate must be less than 12 months old when applying.
License Validity
A Kendall marriage license stays valid for 60 days from the date of issue. Couples must hold the ceremony within that window. After 60 days, the license expires and cannot be used. Couples who miss the deadline must apply for a new license and pay the fee again.
Where the License Works
A license issued in Miami-Dade County is valid for ceremonies anywhere in Florida. The license does not have to be used in the same county where it was issued. Kendall couples can marry in any Florida city, county, or beach as long as the ceremony happens before the license expires.
Who Can Perform a Wedding in Kendall
Florida Statute 741.07 lists who has the legal power to perform a wedding ceremony. The list includes ordained ministers, all judges, clerks of court, deputy clerks, and Florida notary publics. The state does not require witnesses, though most couples choose to have at least one witness for personal reasons.
Ordained Ministers
Any person who is ordained or designated by a religious group can perform weddings in Florida. The ordination must be from a recognized religious body. The clerk does not require proof of ordination at the time of the ceremony. The officiant signs the marriage license as the person who performed the ceremony.
Notary Publics
A Florida notary public can perform a wedding ceremony. The notary must hold an active Florida commission. Out-of-state notaries cannot perform weddings in Florida even if they hold a valid commission in their home state. Kendall couples can hire a local notary to perform a quick civil ceremony at home, in a park, or at another location of choice.
After the Wedding Ceremony
The officiant has 10 days after the ceremony to sign and return the license to the clerk. Recording and forwarding to the Bureau of Vital Statistics takes around 60 days. New filings take roughly 60 days to reach the state system, so the county is the faster source for recent marriages.
Officiant Duties
The officiant must sign the marriage license, print their name, write their title, and list the address of their church, office, or organization. Two witnesses should also sign the license if they were present at the ceremony. The officiant returns the signed license to the clerk office that issued it.
When the Record Goes Online
After the clerk receives the signed license, the marriage is recorded as an official record. Most Kendall marriages appear in the online system within 30 days of the ceremony. State records take longer. The Florida Department of Health system updates about 60 days after the county records the document.
Searching Kendall Marriage Records Online
The Miami-Dade Online Marriage License Bureau is free and open to the public. Records go back to 1971. Search by name or license number to find results showing both spouses and the marriage date. The site works around the clock.
Records Before 1971
Records before 1971 are not online. You need to call the clerk at (786) 469-2400 for those. Records predating June 6, 1927 exist only at the county level. Florida started its statewide marriage records system on that date. Older records may require an in-person visit to the clerk office or a written request by mail.
Statewide Search Through the Florida Department of Health
State records are available through the Florida Department of Health from 1927 forward. A certified copy from the state is $5 for the first and $4 after that. The state office keeps records for every Florida county, including Miami-Dade. For Kendall-area marriages, going through the county is faster and costs less.
Marriage Records by Name
The Miami-Dade clerk system searches by name. Enter the last name and first name of either spouse. The system returns matching records with the marriage date, license number, and both names. Refine the search by adding a year range or middle initial when common names return too many results.
Getting Certified Copies of a Kendall Marriage Record
Three ways to get certified copies of a Kendall marriage record exist. Online through the clerk’s certified copies page is quickest. Pay with a credit card and the copies are mailed. In person at the Marriage License Bureau at 601 NW 1 Court, Suite 1900, Miami, FL 33136 is another option. Mail requests take a cashier’s check or money order payable to Clerk of the Courts.
Online Certified Copy Orders
The clerk website lets users order certified copies online. Search for the record by name or license number. Add the document to the cart. Pay the fee plus a small service charge. The clerk mails the certified copy to the address on file. Standard shipping takes 5 to 7 business days. Rush shipping is available for an extra fee.
In-Person Certified Copy Requests
Walk into the Marriage License Bureau with a valid photo ID. Tell the clerk the names of both spouses and the year of the marriage. The clerk pulls the record and prints certified copies on the spot. Pay the fee by cash or card. Each certified copy has a raised seal that proves it is an official document.
Mail Requests for Certified Copies
Send a written request to the clerk office for a certified copy by mail. Include the full names of both spouses, the date of the marriage if known, and a daytime phone number. Add a cashier’s check or money order for the fee. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for return delivery. Mail requests take 2 to 4 weeks.
Apostille Services for Kendall Marriage Records
An apostille is a special stamp that makes a Florida document valid in another country. Kendall residents who need to use a marriage certificate abroad must get an apostille. The Florida Secretary of State issues apostilles for documents signed by Florida officials, including county clerks.
How to Request an Apostille
First, get a certified copy of the marriage record from the Miami-Dade clerk. Then send the certified copy to the Florida Department of State, Bureau of Notary Commissions and Apostilles. The bureau stamps the document with an apostille. The fee is $10 per document. Mail the request with a return envelope. Processing takes 5 to 10 business days.
When an Apostille Is Required
Apostilles are required for marriages performed in Kendall when the records will be used in countries party to the Hague Convention. Common cases include immigration paperwork, foreign property sales, and name changes on international documents. Countries outside the Hague Convention require a different process called consular legalization.
Genealogy Research for Old Kendall Marriage Records
Genealogy researchers often need old marriage records to build family trees. Kendall marriage records from the 1800s and early 1900s are stored at the county level. Florida started statewide vital records on June 6, 1927. Records before that date vary by county. Some Dade County records go back to the 1800s, but coverage is not complete.
FamilySearch and Ancestry.com
Online genealogy sites like FamilySearch and Ancestry.com have indexed some Florida marriage records. Search these sites first because they are free or low-cost. Records on these sites often include the full names of both spouses, the marriage date, and the county where the license was issued. The images may link to the original record held by the county.
Microfilm Records at the County
The Miami-Dade clerk office has old marriage records on microfilm. Visit the clerk office and request access to the microfilm collection. Staff can help locate the right reel based on the year range. Print copies cost a small fee per page. Certified copies of older records cost more than recent records.
Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics Contact
Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics
1217 Pearl Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202
Phone: (904) 359-6900
Website: www.floridahealth.gov/certificates-records/marriage-certificates
The state vital records office holds marriage records from June 6, 1927 to the present. Use the state office when you need records from a different Florida county or when the county office cannot find the record. State processing takes longer than county processing.
Marriage Records From Other Florida Counties
Florida has 67 counties. Marriage records from any county can be ordered through the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics. The state office keeps a central index of every marriage filed since 1927. Common counties that Kendall residents search include Orange County, Duval County, and Palm Beach County because of family ties and relocations.
Orange County Marriage Records
Orange County Clerk of Courts handles marriages in Orlando and surrounding areas. The Orange County Marriage License Bureau sits at 425 North Orange Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801. Phone: (407) 836-2000. Records date back to 1909 in the county system. Online searches are available through the Orange County clerk website.
Duval County Marriage Records
Duval County covers Jacksonville. The Duval County Clerk of Courts runs the marriage license office at 501 West Adams Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202. Phone: (904) 255-2000. Records go back to 1900. The clerk website has a search tool for records filed since 1988.
Palm Beach County Marriage Records
Palm Beach County Clerk & Comptroller handles marriages in West Palm Beach and nearby cities. The main office is at 205 North Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach, FL 33401. Phone: (561) 355-2996. Records date back to 1909. Online searches are free through the clerk website.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Ordering Marriage Records
Many Kendall residents lose time and money because of small mistakes when ordering marriage records. Knowing what to avoid saves hassle.
Wrong Spelling of Names
The clerk searches records by the exact spelling on the original license. A typo in the search form returns no results. Try alternate spellings when the first search comes back empty. Middle initials help narrow results when records show only initials on the original document.
Missing the Marriage Year
When the exact year is unknown, the clerk charges a $2 fee per year searched. Narrow the year range as much as possible before requesting a search. Check family records, anniversary dates, and old photos for clues. A loose 10-year search costs $20 plus copy fees.
Ordering From the Wrong Office
County offices only hold records for their county. A marriage in Tampa cannot be ordered from Miami-Dade. Use the state office when the county of marriage is unknown. The state index covers every Florida county since 1927.
Florida Marriage Records Request Form
The Florida Department of Health uses a standard form for mail and online orders. The form asks for the full names of both spouses, the date of marriage, the county where the license was issued, and the type of record requested. Mail the completed form with payment to the state office. Online orders use the same fields through the state vital records portal.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kendall Marriage Records
Below are answers to common questions Kendall residents ask about marriage records. These answers cover Florida law, county rules, and record access rights. Each answer uses current rules as of 2026.
Are Kendall marriage records public?
Yes. Under Florida Statutes Chapter 119, all marriage records in Miami-Dade County are public. Anyone can view or copy them. Social Security numbers and other sensitive information are redacted. If you need confidentiality, ask the clerk about the form under Section 119.071. The public access rule means genealogy researchers, attorneys, and the general public can request records without proving a relationship to the people named on the document.
How long does it take to get a certified copy?
Online orders take 5 to 7 business days by standard mail. Rush shipping is faster for an extra fee. In-person orders print the certified copy at the counter within minutes. Mail requests through the clerk take 2 to 4 weeks. State office orders take 3 to 6 weeks depending on the request method and shipping choice.
Can I get married the same day I apply for the license?
Non-Florida residents and couples who completed an approved premarital course can marry the same day. Florida residents without a course certificate face a three-day waiting period. The waiting period starts the day after the license is issued. Weekends and holidays do not count toward the three days.
What if my marriage record has a mistake?
Contact the Miami-Dade clerk office to request an amendment. Common errors include misspelled names, wrong dates, and incorrect county codes. Bring proof of the correct data, such as a birth certificate, passport, or divorce decree. The amendment fee is $30 plus the cost of a court order if the correction changes the meaning of the record.
Can I search marriage records for free?
Yes. The Miami-Dade Online Marriage License Bureau is free for searches. The Florida Department of Health index is also free for search purposes. Fees only apply when requesting a certified copy. Some third-party genealogy sites charge subscription fees for access to older indexed records.
Do I need an appointment at the Kendall clerk office?
Walk-ins are accepted at the Miami-Dade Marriage License Bureau from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Appointments cut wait time during busy hours. Book an appointment through the clerk website. Appointments are recommended during the busy wedding season from May through September.
Can a minor get a marriage license in Kendall?
Florida law restricts marriage for minors. Both partners must be 18 or older to marry without parental consent. Minors aged 17 need written consent from both parents or guardians and a court order. The court order requires a hearing before a judge. Florida passed a law in 2018 that banned marriage under age 17 with no exceptions.