Lutz City Florida marriage records are official documents that prove a marriage took place in or near this unincorporated community in Hillsborough County, Florida. Lutz sits just north of Tampa and crosses the county line into southern Pasco County.
People who live on the Hillsborough side get all marriage services through the Hillsborough County Clerk of Court in Tampa. People on the Pasco side use the Pasco County Clerk of Court in New Port Richey. Both county offices issue licenses, record ceremonies, and keep certified copies of marriage certificates.
Lutz Marriage License Office Location
The main office for Lutz marriage records sits in downtown Tampa. The Hillsborough County Clerk of Court runs the marriage license department at the George E. Edgecomb Courthouse. The drive from central Lutz takes about 25 minutes south on Dale Mabry Highway or I-275. Residents who live in the Pasco County portion of Lutz must go to the Pasco County Clerk instead. Knowing which county your address falls in is the first step before you apply for a license or order a record.
Hillsborough County Clerk of Court Details
The Hillsborough County Clerk of Court handles all marriage duties for the Hillsborough side of Lutz. The office is called the Marriage License Department. It sits on the second floor of the George E. Edgecomb Courthouse at 800 East Twiggs Street, Tampa, Florida 33602. The courthouse is one block east of the Hillsborough River and close to the Marion Transit Center. Parking is available in the nearby Pierce Street garage for a small fee. The clerk’s office records each license, files the signed license after the ceremony, and sends the data to the state Bureau of Vital Statistics.
Office Hours and Contact Information
The clerk’s marriage license counter opens Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The office closes on weekends and all state holidays. You can reach the clerk’s office by phone at (813) 276-8100. The main clerk website at hillsclerk.com lists current hours, wait times, and any service alerts. The Pasco County Clerk of Court can be reached at (727) 847-2415 for residents on that side of Lutz. Phone lines often get busy mid-morning, so calling before 9 a.m. or after 3 p.m. usually means a shorter hold time.
Marriage License Fees and Costs
Marriage license costs in Lutz follow Florida state law. Hillsborough County charges the same base fee that most Florida counties charge. The total cost depends on whether you take a premarital course and whether you need extra copies of the certificate. All fees are paid at the clerk’s office. Cash, credit cards, and debit cards are accepted. Personal checks are not accepted for new licenses, so plan to bring a card or cash.
Standard License Fee
The base fee for a marriage license in Hillsborough County is $86. This fee is set by Florida Statutes Chapter 741 and applies to every couple regardless of residency. The fee covers the cost of the license itself plus the work of recording the signed license after the ceremony. Couples who are not Florida residents pay the same fee but skip the three-day waiting period. The clerk does not offer refunds once the license is issued, so double-check all dates and personal details before you pay.
Reduced Fee With Premarital Course
Couples who complete a state-approved premarital preparation course pay a reduced fee of $61. The course must be finished within one year before the license application. Approved providers in the Tampa Bay area include licensed counselors, clergy, and online courses certified by the Florida Supreme Court. The course must run at least four hours and cover communication, conflict resolution, and financial planning. Bring the signed certificate of completion to the clerk’s office to get the lower fee.
Certified Copy Costs
Certified copies of a Lutz marriage record cost $5 for the first copy and $4 for each additional copy. The clerk provides these copies on security paper with a raised or stamped seal. A small search fee of $2 per year applies when the marriage year is unknown. The clerk charges $30 for a duplicate license if the original is lost before the ceremony. Civil ceremonies performed by the clerk cost $30 on top of the license fee and require an appointment.
How to Search Lutz Marriage Records
Searching Lutz marriage records can be done online, by mail, or in person. The fastest way is the Hillsborough County Clerk online database. The state Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville holds records from 1927 onward. Records before 1927 exist only at the county level or on microfilm at the Florida State Archives in Tallahassee. Knowing the date range helps you pick the right office to contact.
Online Search Through County Clerk
The Hillsborough County Clerk offers a free online search at hillsclerk.com under the marriage and divorce records section. Users can search by last name, first name, and date range. Results show the full names of both parties, the marriage date, and the license number. The search does not charge a fee. Fees apply only when you order a certified copy for legal use. The free search works for marriages recorded from the early 1970s to the present. Older marriages appear in scanned indexes that go back to the 1950s in many cases.
Florida Department of Health Statewide Records
The Florida Department of Health Bureau of Vital Statistics keeps all statewide marriage records from June 6, 1927 to the present. The state office is located at 1217 Pearl Street in Jacksonville. A search fee of $5 covers the lookup and one certified copy. Each extra copy costs $4. Orders can be placed online through the state’s partner site or by mail. Processing time at the state level runs two to three weeks by mail and three to five business days online.
Historical Records Before 1927
Marriage records before June 1927 exist only at the county level or in church files. Florida did not require statewide registration until that date. Early Hillsborough County marriage records are on file at the clerk’s office in Tampa and on microfilm at the Tampa Bay History Center. The Florida State Archives in Tallahassee holds older indexes. Church records from that era can be a strong source for genealogy work, especially for baptisms and marriage bans recorded by local congregations in Lutz and the surrounding rural area.
Steps to Apply for a Marriage License in Lutz
Applying for a marriage license in Lutz follows a clear set of steps. Both people must appear in person at the clerk’s office. The process usually takes 20 to 30 minutes if all paperwork is ready. Bring valid photo ID, your Social Security number, and proof that any prior marriage ended. The clerk will run a final check and print the license once payment clears.
Required Documents and Identification
Both applicants must bring a valid photo ID such as a driver license, state-issued ID card, U.S. passport, or military ID. Foreign applicants can use a passport plus a notarized translation if needed. Each person must know their Social Security number. The clerk verifies identity through the ID and the Social Security Administration database. If either party was married before, bring a final divorce decree, annulment order, or death certificate showing the exact date the prior marriage ended.
Waiting Period and License Validity
Florida residents face a three-day waiting period between the time the license is issued and the date the ceremony can take place. The clock starts the day after the license is issued. Out-of-state residents skip this waiting period. Taking a premarital course also removes the waiting period for Florida residents. Once the waiting period ends, the license stays valid for 60 days. A license that is not used within 60 days expires and a new application with new fees is required.
Who Can Perform the Ceremony
Florida law allows ordained ministers, rabbis, priests, judges, court clerks, deputy clerks, and notaries public to perform wedding ceremonies in Lutz. The officiant must sign the license after the ceremony and return it to the clerk’s office within 10 days. The clerk then records the license and sends the data to the state Bureau of Vital Statistics. The full process from ceremony date to state-level recording runs about 60 days. Many Lutz couples choose local pastors or Hillsborough County judges for the ceremony.
Ordering Certified Copies of Marriage Records
Certified copies of Lutz marriage records are legal proof of marriage. Banks, insurance companies, the Social Security Administration, and passport offices all require a certified copy for name changes. The Hillsborough County Clerk is the fastest source for recent marriages. The state Bureau of Vital Statistics covers older marriages from 1927 onward. Third-party services like VitalChek handle online orders at a higher price.
In-Person Requests
Walk into the marriage license counter at the Edgecomb Courthouse in Tampa. Bring a photo ID and the full names of both spouses along with the marriage date if known. The clerk searches the index, prints the certified copy, and applies the official seal. The process takes about 10 minutes during off-peak hours. Peak hours run from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Mondays and Tuesdays. The office accepts cash, credit cards, and debit cards for in-person orders.
Mail-In Requests
Mail requests work for anyone in the United States. Send a written request that includes both full names, the marriage date or year range, your contact details, and a check or money order for the exact fee. Mail the request to the Hillsborough County Clerk of Court, 800 East Twiggs Street, Room 101, Tampa, Florida 33602. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for the return. Mail orders take two to four weeks to process and return.
Online Ordering Through VitalChek
VitalChek is an official partner for online vital records orders across Florida. The service charges $15 per copy plus a processing fee. Orders placed online are processed faster than mail orders, often within five business days. VitalChek accepts credit cards and electronic checks. The certified copy arrives by mail with tracking. This option works well for people outside Florida who need a copy without driving to Tampa.
Marriage Records for Genealogy Research
Genealogy researchers often use Lutz marriage records to trace family lines in the Tampa Bay region. Lutz has a long history dating back to the 1800s, when it was a small farming community. Marriage records can confirm family ties, ages, and migration patterns. Local libraries and history centers hold indexes and microfilm that cover records not found online.
Historical Record Availability
Hillsborough County marriage records go back to the 1840s when the county was formed. Records before 1927 are partial because statewide registration did not start until June 6, 1927. The clerk’s office holds the original books for Hillsborough County. Some older records are available on microfilm at the Florida State Archives. Researchers should plan a trip to the Tampa courthouse for records older than 1927 since the state office does not have those documents.
Local Archives and Libraries
The Tampa Bay History Center at 401 Water Street in Tampa holds local marriage indexes and church records for the Lutz area. The Hillsborough County Public Library system has a genealogy section at the John F. Germany Public Library in downtown Tampa. Library staff can help with microfilm readers and lookups. The Pasco County side of Lutz is served by the Pasco County Genealogy Library in New Port Richey. Both libraries offer free access to ancestry databases with a library card.
Lutz Marriage Records FAQ
The following questions cover the most common concerns about Lutz marriage records, license applications, and certified copies. Each answer is based on current Florida law, Hillsborough County clerk policy, and state Bureau of Vital Statistics rules. The information reflects the latest updates available as of 2026. Check the clerk’s website before applying for the most current fees and hours.
How long does it take to get a marriage certificate in Florida?
A marriage certificate in Florida is ready about 60 days after the ceremony. The officiant has 10 days to return the signed license to the county clerk. The clerk records the license and sends the data to the state Bureau of Vital Statistics. The state then issues the official certificate. Certified copies can be picked up at the county clerk two to four weeks after the ceremony. State-level certified copies take two to three weeks by mail after the state records the data.
Can I get a Florida marriage license if I am not a U.S. citizen?
Yes. Florida does not require U.S. citizenship to get a marriage license. Both parties need a valid photo ID such as a passport, foreign driver license, or consular ID card. A Social Security number is not required for non-citizens who do not have one. The clerk may ask for a notarized translation of any non-English ID. Tourists and visitors can apply for a license and skip the three-day waiting period like other out-of-state applicants.
What is the cost of an apostille for a Florida marriage certificate?
An apostille is a state certification used for international legal use. The Florida Department of State issues apostilles in Tallahassee. The fee is $10 per document plus a $10 processing fee. The certified marriage certificate must come from the county clerk or state Bureau of Vital Statistics before the apostille can be added. Processing time runs three to five business days by mail. Walk-in service at the Tallahassee office is available with same-day results for an extra rush fee.
Are Florida marriage records public information?
Yes. Florida Statutes Chapter 119 makes marriage records public once they are filed. Anyone can request copies. The clerk redacts Social Security numbers and certain financial details before issuing copies. Some sensitive cases may qualify for confidentiality under Florida law, such as protected persons in domestic violence cases. Public access means genealogy researchers, attorneys, and the general public can all request copies of older marriage records.
What documents do I need to change my name after marriage in Florida?
You need a certified copy of your marriage certificate, your current photo ID, and your Social Security card. Take the certified copy to the Social Security Administration office to update your name. Then visit the Florida driver license office with the new Social Security card and certified copy to update your state ID. Banks, insurance companies, and employers also require the certified copy to update their records. Most couples order at least three certified copies to handle these updates.
Can I apply for a marriage license online in Hillsborough County?
Hillsborough County offers a pre-application form online at hillsclerk.com. The form saves time at the counter but does not replace the in-person visit. Both parties must still appear together to show ID, sign the application, and pay the fee. The pre-application lets the clerk pull up your data quickly and cuts the wait time in the office. No Florida county currently allows a fully online marriage license application without an in-person signature.
Office Location: George E. Edgecomb Courthouse, 800 East Twiggs Street, Tampa, FL 33602 Phone: (813) 276-8100 Official Website: hillsclerk.com Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pasco County Clerk (for Lutz residents on Pasco side): (727) 847-2415