Lauderhill City Florida marriage records are public files kept by the Broward County Clerk of Courts. Every marriage license, ceremony, and certificate for Lauderhill residents goes through this county office.
The state of Florida also keeps these records starting from 1927. Anyone can request a copy for legal, personal, or research reasons. This page covers fees, locations, hours, documents, search steps, and the full process to get a copy of a Lauderhill marriage record.
Where Lauderhill Marriage Records Are Kept
Lauderhill does not have its own marriage office. The city sits inside Broward County, so the county clerk handles every marriage service. Marriage records from Lauderhill are stored in two main places: the county clerk and the Florida Department of Health.
Broward County Clerk of Courts
The Broward County Clerk of Courts is the main office for Lauderhill marriage records. This office issues licenses, records ceremonies, and stores certified copies. The county keeps records going back to 1915, which covers all known Lauderhill marriages.
Florida Department of Health Office of Vital Statistics
The Florida Department of Health Office of Vital Statistics holds state-level marriage records starting from 1927. This office sends certified copies by mail and processes online orders through VitalChek. The state office takes about 60 to 90 days to receive new records from the county. For older records from before the digital system, the county clerk is often faster.
Broward County Clerk Office Details
The Broward County Clerk office that serves Lauderhill is in Fort Lauderdale. It takes about 15 to 25 minutes to drive east from Lauderhill. Below are the full contact details, hours, and services offered.
Address and Location
The office sits at the Central Courthouse, Midrise Building, 540 SE 3rd Avenue, Room 02460, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. Visitors can find public parking garages nearby on SE 3rd Avenue and Broward Boulevard. The building has wheelchair access at the main entrance.
Phone Number and Contact
The marriage license phone line is (954) 831-7283. The main clerk number is (954) 831-6565. Staff answer calls Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Callers should call early in the day because lines fill up by noon.
Office Hours and Walk-In Service
The office takes walk-ins only. No appointments. Hours run Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The office closes on weekends and all federal holidays. Visitors should arrive at least one hour before closing to complete their request.
Marriage License Fees in Lauderhill
Marriage license fees in Lauderhill follow Broward County rules. There are no local Lauderhill fees added on top. Below is the full fee breakdown for 2026.
Standard License Cost
The standard marriage license costs $86 in Broward County. This fee is set by Florida state law and applies to every city in the county. The fee must be paid at the time of application. Cash and credit cards are accepted. Personal checks are not accepted at the courthouse.
Reduced Fee With Premarital Course
Couples who finish a registered premarital preparation course pay only $61. The course must come from a provider registered with the Florida Department of Children and Families. The course must be completed within one year of the license application. This saves $25 off the standard fee and also waives the three-day waiting period.
Clerk Ceremony Fee
A civil ceremony performed by a clerk costs $30. This is separate from the license fee. Couples who want a simple courthouse wedding pay $86 plus $30, totaling $116. With a premarital course, the total drops to $91.
Certified Copy Costs
Certified copies of Lauderhill marriage records cost $3 each from the Broward County Clerk. The Florida Department of Health charges $5 for a search that includes one certified copy. Extra certified copies cost $4 each through the state office. VitalChek adds extra fees for online orders.
Marriage License Requirements
Couples applying for a marriage license in Lauderhill must meet several requirements. Both people must appear in person. The state of Florida does not allow one person to apply alone. Below are the full requirements for a Lauderhill marriage license.
Age and Identification Rules
Both applicants must be at least 18 years old. Applicants under 18 need parental permission and a judge. Valid photo IDs include driver license, passport, state ID, and military ID. U.S. citizens must also give their Social Security number. Non-citizens must show a valid passport or green card.
Previous Marriage Details
If either person had a previous marriage, they must give the date the marriage ended and how. Divorce dates come from the final divorce decree. Death dates of former spouses must come from a death certificate or obituary. The clerk checks this data before issuing a new license to anyone in Lauderhill or anywhere in Broward County.
Documents to Bring
Applicants should bring the following items to the clerk office:
- Valid photo ID for both partners
- Social Security numbers for U.S. citizens
- Passport or visa for non-citizens
- Divorce decree if previously married
- Death certificate if widowed
- Payment of $86 or $61 with premarital course
- Course completion certificate if claiming the reduced fee
Marriage License Process for Lauderhill Couples
The marriage license process for Lauderhill couples takes one visit to the clerk office. Below are the full steps to get a license in 2026.
Step-by-Step License Application
The license application process follows a clear order:
- Both people visit the Broward County Clerk at 540 SE 3rd Avenue, Fort Lauderdale
- Show valid photo ID and Social Security numbers at the counter
- Give prior marriage dissolution date and reason if applicable
- Pay $86 in cash or credit card (or $61 with premarital course)
- Florida residents wait three days unless the course waived it
- Receive the license, which is valid for 60 days across Florida
Waiting Period Rules
Florida residents face a three-day waiting period after the license is issued. The clock starts the day after application. A premarital course removes the wait. Out-of-state visitors do not have to wait at all. The three-day rule is for Florida residents only.
License Validity Period
The license stays valid for 60 days from the issue date. Couples must hold the ceremony within those 60 days. After 60 days, the license expires and cannot be used. Couples must then reapply and pay the fee again.
Who Can Perform the Ceremony
Florida law lists who can legally perform a marriage ceremony. Lauderhill couples can choose any authorized officiant. The officiant must sign the license and return it to the county clerk.
Authorized Officiants in Florida
The following people can legally marry couples in Lauderhill:
- Judges of any court
- Ordained ministers and clergy
- Broward County clerks and their deputies
- Florida notaries public
- Religious leaders with valid ordination
Witness Requirements
Florida law does not require witnesses for a marriage ceremony. Lauderhill couples can marry with just the officiant and the two partners present. Some couples still choose to add witnesses for personal reasons.
After the Ceremony
The officiant signs the marriage license after the ceremony. The officiant must send the signed license back to the Broward County Clerk within 10 days. The clerk records the marriage and reports the data to the Florida Department of Health. The county clerk receives the record before the state office does.
How to Search Marriage Records in Lauderhill
Searching for Lauderhill marriage records can be done online, by mail, or in person. Below are all the search options and how each one works.
Online Search Through the County Clerk
The Broward County Clerk runs a free online records search portal. Users can search by name, date range, and document type. Searching by name is free. Results show both parties and the marriage date. The portal covers records from 1915 to the present.
Mail Request for Certified Copies
Mail requests for certified copies of Lauderhill marriage records should go to:
Broward County Clerk of Courts
540 SE 3rd Avenue
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Mail requests must include both full names, the approximate marriage date, a self-addressed stamped envelope, and a check or money order for $3 per copy. Mail requests take about two to four weeks to process.
In-Person Request at the Courthouse
Walk-in requests at the courthouse are the fastest way to get a certified copy. Visitors go to Room 02460 at the Midrise Building. Staff process the request on the spot in most cases. The cost is $3 per certified copy.
Online Orders Through VitalChek
VitalChek handles online orders for Florida marriage certificates. Users visit the VitalChek website and enter their details. VitalChek charges extra fees on top of the state cost. Orders typically take five to seven business days to arrive by mail.
Older Records Not in the Digital System
Some older Lauderhill marriage records are not yet digitized. These records stay in paper form at the clerk office. Visitors can ask the staff to search archived files. Manual searches may take longer than online searches.
Marriage Records Fees Comparison
Different offices charge different fees for Lauderhill marriage records. The table below shows the cost comparison for 2026.
Cost Breakdown by Office
| Office | Search Fee | Certified Copy | Extra Copies | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Broward County Clerk | Free | $3 | $3 each | Same day to 2 weeks |
| Florida Dept. of Health | $5 | Included | $4 each | 2 to 4 weeks |
| VitalChek (Online) | $5 + fee | Included | $4 + fee each | 5 to 7 business days |
Special Situations and Exceptions
Some Lauderhill couples have special situations that change the standard process. Below are common exceptions and how the clerk handles them.
Same-Sex Marriage Records
Florida recognizes same-sex marriages. Same-sex couples follow the same license process as opposite-sex couples. Marriage records for same-sex couples in Lauderhill are filed the same way as all other records.
Proxy Marriage and Military Exceptions
Florida does not allow proxy marriages for civilians. Military members may have special rules under federal law. Service members on active duty should contact the Broward County Clerk directly for guidance on their specific situation.
Name Changes After Marriage
A certified marriage certificate is used to change a name with the Social Security Administration and DMV. The certified copy from the county clerk is accepted for name changes. Couples who want a name change should get at least two certified copies.
Apostille for International Use
Couples who need their Lauderhill marriage certificate for use in another country must get an apostille. An apostille is a state or federal stamp that proves the document is real.
How to Get an Apostille in Florida
Florida apostilles come from the Florida Department of State. The applicant sends a certified copy of the marriage certificate plus a request form to the state department. The apostille process takes about one to two weeks. Some countries require a federal apostille from the U.S. State Department instead.
Genealogy and Research Use
Lauderhill marriage records are useful for genealogy and family history research. Researchers can use these records to trace family lines and confirm dates.
Records Before 1927
Marriage records from before 1927 are kept at the Broward County Clerk. These older records may be in paper form only. Researchers should call ahead and plan a visit to the archives.
Records From 1927 Onward
Marriage records from 1927 onward are kept at both the county clerk and the Florida Department of Health. Researchers can use either source. The state office often has older records that have been transferred from the county.
Common Problems and Corrections
Sometimes marriage records have errors. Below are the most common issues and how to fix them.
Spelling Errors on the Certificate
If a name is spelled wrong on the marriage certificate, the couple must request an amendment through the clerk office. Corrections require supporting documents like a birth certificate or previous ID. The correction process may take several weeks.
Missing Records
If a Lauderhill marriage record is missing, the couple should contact the Broward County Clerk. The clerk can search archived files. In some cases, a new record can be created if proof of the marriage is provided.
Lost Original Certificate
A lost original certificate can be replaced with a certified copy from the county clerk. The certified copy has the same legal power as the original. There is no time limit on requesting a replacement copy.
Privacy and Public Access Rules
Florida marriage records are public under Florida Statutes Chapter 119. The public can search and request copies. Some personal details are protected.
What Information Is Redacted
Social Security numbers are removed from public copies. Driver license numbers and other sensitive data are also redacted. The names of both spouses and the marriage date remain public.
Who Can Request Records
Anyone can request a Lauderhill marriage record. There is no requirement to show ID or prove a relationship. The public access rule applies to all records filed with the county clerk.
Contact Information for Lauderhill Marriage Records
Lauderhill marriage records are handled by the Broward County Clerk of Courts. The state of Florida also keeps these records for verification and certified copies.
Broward County Clerk of Courts
Phone: (954) 831-7283 (Marriage License Line)
Main Phone: (954) 831-6565
Address: 540 SE 3rd Avenue, Room 02460, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Website: browardclerk.org
Florida Department of Health Office of Vital Statistics
Phone: (904) 359-6900
Address: 1217 Pearl Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Website: floridahealth.gov
VitalChek Online Orders
Phone: (800) 255-2414
Website: vitalchek.com
Service Hours: 24 hours online order entry
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are common questions about Lauderhill City Florida marriage records. These answers cover the most asked topics by residents, researchers, and out-of-state visitors. Each answer gives the direct facts you need to take the next step.
How long does it take to get a certified copy of a Lauderhill marriage record?
Certified copies from the Broward County Clerk take same day to two weeks. Walk-in requests are usually processed while you wait. Mail requests take about two to four weeks. Online orders through VitalChek take about five to seven business days. The Florida Department of Health takes two to four weeks for mail requests. Walk-in to the county clerk is the fastest option for Lauderhill records.
Can I get a Lauderhill marriage record if I do not know the exact date?
Yes. The Broward County Clerk search portal lets you search by name and a date range. You can enter a year range instead of an exact date. The clerk office can also do a manual search if the record is not in the digital system. For records from before 1927, a visit to the clerk archives is the best option.
What is the difference between a marriage license and a marriage certificate?
A marriage license is the document that allows a couple to marry. A marriage certificate is the document that proves the marriage took place. The license is signed by the couple and the officiant after the ceremony. The county clerk records the signed license and issues certified copies, which serve as the marriage certificate.
Are Lauderhill marriage records available to the public?
Yes. Under Florida Statutes Chapter 119, marriage records are public. Anyone can search the index and request a copy. Sensitive details like Social Security numbers are removed before release. The names of both spouses and the marriage date are public information.
Can I get a Lauderhill marriage record apostille for use abroad?
Yes. You must first get a certified copy from the Broward County Clerk. Then send the certified copy to the Florida Department of State for an apostille. Some countries require a federal apostille from the U.S. State Department. The apostille process takes about one to two weeks through the Florida Department of State.
What if my marriage record has a mistake on it?
You can request an amendment through the Broward County Clerk. You will need to show proof of the correct information, such as a birth certificate or valid ID. The clerk will issue a corrected record. There may be a small fee for the correction. The process can take several weeks.
Do I need an appointment to get a marriage license in Lauderhill?
No. The Broward County Clerk takes walk-ins only. You and your partner must both appear in person. No appointment is needed. Arrive early because the office gets busy later in the day. The office closes at 3:30 p.m., so plan to arrive before 2:30 p.m.