Parkland City Florida marriage records are public files held by Broward County and the Florida Department of Health. Parkland sits inside Broward County in southeast Florida, so every marriage license and certificate task runs through the Broward County Clerk of Courts office in Fort Lauderdale.
Residents who live in Parkland, who got married there, or who need older records from that city all use the same county office. These records cover license applications, signed licenses after the ceremony, and certified copies that prove a marriage. Florida makes most marriage records open to the public under state law. This page covers how to get a license, how to search old records, how to order certified copies, and what fees apply in 2026.
Who Handles Parkland Marriage Records
Parkland does not run its own marriage license office. The city sits inside Broward County, and the Broward County Clerk of Courts handles every marriage record service for Parkland residents. This office takes marriage license applications, signs and files licenses after the wedding, and stores old marriage records from across the county. The clerk office also issues certified copies of marriage certificates with a raised seal. Parkland residents drive to Fort Lauderdale to reach this office. The drive covers about 20 miles and takes 35 to 45 minutes from most parts of Parkland. No other Parkland office or city hall handles marriage records.
Broward County Clerk of Courts Role
The Clerk of Courts acts as the official record keeper for all marriages in Broward County. Parkland falls under this office. The records go back to 1915 in paper form, and most older records now exist in digital form as well. The clerk checks each application, tracks the three day wait when needed, and stores the signed license after the wedding. The clerk also issues certified copies that serve as legal proof of marriage for name changes, insurance matters, immigration filings, and other legal actions. The clerk office cannot help with choosing a venue, picking an officiant, or planning the wedding day itself. Those tasks belong to the couple and their planner.
Florida Department of Health Role
The Florida Department of Health stores statewide marriage records from 1927 forward. The Department runs the Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville. Parkland marriage records show up in the state database after the county clerk files them. Newer Parkland records can take up to 60 days to reach the state system. The state office offers a search service and sells certified copies for $5 for one search and one copy. Extra copies cost $4 each. The state office works as a backup when the county clerk cannot find a record or when a person lives outside Florida and needs a certified copy mailed. The state office also holds older historical records that the county clerk may not keep.
Broward County Clerk Office Location
The Broward County Clerk marriage license office sits in downtown Fort Lauderdale. Parkland residents travel south on Florida State Road 7, University Drive, or the Sawgrass Expressway to reach the office. The office sits inside the Central Courthouse complex. Visitors enter through the Midrise Building and take the elevator down to Room 02460. The building has public parking garages nearby. Signs inside the building point to the marriage license counter. The drive from Parkland covers about 20 miles. Traffic on I-95 and US-1 can add extra time during morning and evening rush hours.
Courthouse Address and Directions
The full address for the Broward County Clerk marriage license office is 540 SE 3rd Avenue, Room 02460, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. From Parkland, drivers can take Holmberg Road west to Florida State Road 7. Then turn south on SR 7 to I-595 east. From I-595, take I-95 south to Broward Boulevard. Turn east on Broward Boulevard and then south on Andrews Avenue. The courthouse sits east of Andrews Avenue between Broward Boulevard and Davie Boulevard. Drivers from western Parkland can also take the Sawgrass Expressway south to I-595 east, then follow the same route. The trip usually takes 35 minutes outside of peak traffic times.
Office Hours and Phone Number
The marriage license counter opens Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The office closes on weekends and all state holidays. The office takes walk-in customers only, so no appointments are needed. The office stops taking new applications at 3:30 p.m. sharp, so arrive at least 30 minutes before closing. The clerk office phone number is (954) 831-7283. Call this number to check daily hours, ask about required documents, or check if a record is on file. The clerk office does not answer legal questions about marriage laws or officiant rules. Call a lawyer for legal advice.
Parkland Marriage License Requirements
Both people who plan to marry must appear together at the clerk office. Florida law does not allow one partner to apply alone or by mail for a new license. The clerk checks each person, looks at the photo ID, and enters the data into the state system. The clerk also checks prior marriage history. The license can be issued the same day unless a three day wait applies. Both people should plan to spend at least one hour at the office for the application and any wait. Lines can run longer on Fridays, on Saturdays before long weekends, and during peak wedding season in spring and fall.
Documents Both Partners Must Bring
Each partner must bring valid photo ID. Accepted forms of ID include a Florida driver license, a state issued non ID card, a U.S. passport, a military ID, or a permanent resident card. The ID must show the person current legal name and date of birth. U.S. citizens must also provide their Social Security number. Non-U.S. citizens must bring a passport, visa, or other immigration paperwork. The clerk will copy the documents and return them right away. Photocopies of IDs are not accepted. Expired IDs are also not accepted.
- Valid photo ID for each partner
- Social Security number for U.S. citizens
- Passport or visa for non-citizens
- Divorce decree or death certificate for prior marriages
- Premarital course certificate for the fee discount
- Cash or credit card for the fee
Age and ID Rules
Both partners must be at least 18 years old to marry in Florida without parental consent. A 17 year old needs parental consent plus a judge order. A 16 year old needs parental consent only. The clerk asks for a birth certificate or other age proof for anyone under 21. Same sex couples have the same rights as opposite sex couples under Florida law. The marriage license application asks for race, but the answer is optional. The form asks for Social Security numbers for citizens. The form does not ask about immigration status for U.S. citizens.
Prior Marriage Rules
If either partner was married before, the clerk needs the exact date the prior marriage ended. The end can come from divorce, annulment, or death of the former spouse. Bring a divorce decree or death certificate if possible. The clerk checks the name and date against the state system. If the prior divorce happened less than 60 days before the new license date, a judge order may be needed. Florida does not require a waiting period after a divorce, but the clerk still asks for the end date. The clerk cannot issue a new license if a prior marriage is still legally open.
Parkland Marriage License Fees
The base fee for a Florida marriage license is $86 for Florida residents and non-residents. The fee drops to $61 if both partners complete an approved premarital course. The course must come from a Florida approved provider. The course certificate must be less than one year old. Both partners must complete the course to get the discount. The fee must be paid at the time of application. Accepted payment methods include cash, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express. Personal checks are not accepted. Debit cards work like credit cards at the clerk counter.
Standard License Cost
The standard cost for a Parkland couple is $86. This fee covers the license itself and the recording of the signed license after the wedding. No extra fee applies for Parkland residents. All Broward County cities pay the same fee. The fee is set by Florida law and not by the city of Parkland. The clerk office charges the same fee for all Florida residents and non-residents. The fee is set in Florida Statutes Chapter 741. The fee can change by state law, so always check the clerk website for the most current price before going to the office.
Premarital Course Discount
A premarital education course from a registered Florida provider drops the fee from $86 to $61. The course must last at least four hours. The course covers communication, conflict management, and money matters. Both partners must complete the course. Each partner needs a separate certificate showing their name and the completion date. The certificate must be signed by the course instructor. Bring both certificates to the clerk office. The discount also waives the three day wait for Florida residents. Out-of-state couples still get the fee discount.
| Service | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Marriage license (Florida resident) | $86 | Base fee for all couples |
| Marriage license (with course) | $61 | Both need certificates |
| Clerk wedding ceremony | $30 | Cash or card accepted |
| Certified copy (county clerk) | $3 | From Broward Clerk |
| State search and one copy | $5 | Florida Department of Health |
| Extra certified copy (state) | $4 | Each additional copy |
Waiting Period and License Validity
Florida has two key time rules for marriage licenses. The first rule is a three day wait between the application and the license issue date for Florida residents. The second rule is a 60 day window during which the license stays valid for the wedding. Couples must hold the ceremony within the 60 day window. After 60 days, the license expires and a new one is needed. The clerk does not refund fees for expired licenses. A new license requires a new application and a new fee.
Three Day Wait Rule
Florida residents face a three day wait after applying for a marriage license. The wait begins when the clerk takes the application. The license is issued on the fourth day. The wait gives time for any legal objection to be raised. The wait is waived if both partners complete a registered premarital course. Non-Florida residents do not face any wait period. They receive the license the same day. The wait does not apply when a court order waives it for good cause, such as a military deployment or a medical reason.
Sixty Day Validity Period
A Florida marriage license stays valid for 60 days from the issue date. The couple must hold the wedding ceremony inside this window. The license works anywhere in the state of Florida. Parkland couples can marry in any Florida county once the license is issued. After the ceremony, the officiant signs the license and returns it to the Broward County Clerk within 10 days for filing. Late filings can cause problems with certified copies. If the license expires, the couple must apply for a new license and pay the fee again.
How to Search Parkland Marriage Records
Anyone can search Parkland marriage records through several channels. The fastest path is the Broward County Clerk online records portal. The portal covers records from 1915 forward. Users can search by name, date range, or document number. The search shows both partners and the marriage date. The portal is free to search. Certified copies cost $3 each. Other search channels include the Florida Department of Health, FamilySearch, Ancestry, and VitalChek. These channels help with older records and statewide searches.
Broward County Clerk Records Portal
The Broward County Clerk records portal lets users search Parkland marriage records at no charge. The portal address is browardclerk.org. Users click on Records Request and then on Marriage Records. The search fields include last name, first name, and year range. Results show all matching records. Each result shows the document number, both partner names, and the marriage date. Users can view a free image of the record. Certified copies cost $3 each. Payment is by credit card. The portal also has a mail-in option for users who prefer paper records and certified copies.
Florida Department of Health Records
The Florida Department of Health marriage records office in Jacksonville holds statewide marriage records from 1927 forward. Parkland marriages appear in the state system after the county clerk files the signed license. The state office offers a search service. The cost is $5 for a search and one certified copy. Extra copies are $4 each. Mail orders take 2 to 4 weeks. Online orders through VitalChek are faster but add processing fees. The state office is a backup when the county records are missing or lost, or when someone lives outside Florida and needs the records mailed.
Third Party Genealogy Sites
FamilySearch and Ancestry both host Florida marriage record collections. FamilySearch offers free access to many Florida marriage indexes from the 1800s and 1900s. Ancestry requires a paid subscription for full record images. Both sites let users search by name, year, and county. Both sites work well for older Parkland records from the 1900s and early 2000s. The images on these sites come from county clerk offices and the Florida state archives. Records on these sites are not always certified copies. Order a certified copy from the clerk for legal use.
Getting Certified Parkland Marriage Certificates
Certified copies of Parkland marriage certificates come from the Broward County Clerk of Courts. A certified copy has a raised seal and the clerk signature. A certified copy serves as legal proof of marriage for name changes, passport applications, immigration forms, Social Security updates, insurance claims, and other legal matters. A regular photocopy has no legal value. The clerk charges $3 per copy. Several copies can be ordered at once. Payment is by cash, money order, or credit card at the office. Mail orders require a money order.
Requesting In Person
Walk into the Broward County Clerk office at 540 SE 3rd Avenue, Room 02460, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Bring a photo ID. Provide the full names of both partners and the marriage date. Pay $3 per copy. The clerk prints the certified copy while you wait. Most requests take 10 to 15 minutes. The clerk office has self-service kiosks for some records. Bring cash or card since the office does not accept personal checks.
Requesting by Mail
Mail requests go to Broward County Clerk of Courts, 540 SE 3rd Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. Include a signed written request. The request must list both full names, the marriage date, and the reason for the request. Include a money order for $3 per copy. Add a self-addressed stamped envelope for the return. Mail orders take 1 to 2 weeks. The clerk cannot complete mail orders without payment. The clerk returns the records by regular mail unless extra postage is included for faster shipping.
Online Orders Through VitalChek
VitalChek is the official vendor for Florida vital records online orders. Parkland residents can use VitalChek to order certified copies. Go to vitalchek.com and select Florida marriage records. Fill in both names and the marriage date. Pay the $3 clerk fee plus a VitalChek processing fee. Total cost runs about $11 to $15 per copy. Orders are completed in 5 to 7 business days. The certified copy arrives by mail. VitalChek accepts major credit cards and is faster than mail orders.
Other Broward County Cities and Records
All cities in Broward County share the same clerk office for marriage records. Parkland is one of 31 cities in the county. Each city sends residents to the same Fort Lauderdale office. Parkland sits in the far northwest corner of the county. Other northwest cities include Coconut Creek, Margate, and Coral Springs. All these cities use the same clerk office. The fees and rules are the same. The processing times are the same. The only difference is the drive time to the courthouse from each city.
Major Cities Using the Same Clerk
Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pembroke Pines, Miramar, Coral Springs, Pompano Beach, Davie, Deerfield Beach, Plantation, Sunrise, Lauderhill, Tamarac, Weston, Coconut Creek, Cooper City, Oakland Park, North Lauderdale, Margate, Lauderdale Lakes, Hallandale Beach, and Dania Beach all use the Broward County Clerk of Courts. Parkland is grouped with these cities. Each city has its own webpage on the clerk site with local details. The clerk office does not charge different fees based on the city of residence. Marriage laws are the same across all Florida counties, though fees and wait rules can vary by county.
Parkland Marriage Record Contact Details
Parkland residents who need help with marriage records should contact the Broward County Clerk of Courts first. The clerk handles every step from license to certified copy. The office also answers questions about missing records, name changes, and certified copies. The state Department of Health is the backup for older records. VitalChek is the online backup. FamilySearch and Ancestry help with genealogy searches. Below are the contact details for the main offices.
Broward County Clerk of Courts Marriage License Office
540 SE 3rd Avenue, Room 02460
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Phone: (954) 831-7283
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Website: https://www.browardclerk.org/Divisions/Marriage
Florida Department of Health Bureau of Vital Statistics
1217 Pearl Street
Jacksonville, FL 32202
Phone: (904) 359-6900
Website: https://www.floridahealth.gov/certificates-records/marriage-certificates
Common Questions About Parkland Records
Parkland residents often ask similar questions about marriage records. The answers below address the most common concerns about getting married in Parkland, ordering records, and using the county clerk system. Each answer gives direct facts based on Florida law and current clerk office rules in 2026. These answers help Parkland couples and record seekers handle common tasks without extra trips to the courthouse and without delays.
How long to get a marriage license in Parkland?
Florida residents who complete an approved premarital course can get the license the same day. Couples without the course must wait three days. The wait starts when the clerk takes the application at the Fort Lauderdale office. The license is issued on the fourth day. The application itself takes about 30 to 60 minutes at the clerk counter. Parkland couples who need the license quickly should take the course before applying. The course must come from a Florida approved provider and last at least four hours. The course certificate must be less than one year old. Both partners must complete the course for the fee discount and the waived wait. Out-of-state couples get the license the same day with no wait. The license stays valid for 60 days from the issue date. The ceremony must happen within this window for the marriage to be legal. The officiant signs the license after the ceremony. The officiant files the signed license back to the Broward County Clerk within 10 days. Late filings can cause problems with certified copies from the clerk. Expired licenses need a new application and a new fee.
Can couples get married without Fort Lauderdale trip?
No. The Broward County Clerk of Courts is the only office in Broward County that issues marriage licenses. Parkland does not run a satellite office. The license application must happen in person at the Fort Lauderdale courthouse. Both partners must be present at the counter. The marriage ceremony itself can happen anywhere in Florida once the license is issued. Many Parkland couples hold the ceremony at a local venue, park, home, or beach. The officiant files the signed license back to the Broward County Clerk after the wedding for official recording. Some couples use a Notary Public to perform small weddings, which cuts the need for a venue. The clerk office in Fort Lauderdale does not mail licenses to home addresses.
What if a Parkland marriage record is missing online?
Missing records usually mean the marriage is too new or too old for the digital system. Newer Parkland records take up to 60 days to appear in the state database after the wedding. Older Parkland records from before 1990 may not be in the online system. Call the Broward County Clerk at (954) 831-7283 to ask about a specific record. The clerk staff searches paper files if needed. The Florida Department of Health in Jacksonville can also search statewide records. VitalChek and third party sites have copies of many older records. A certified copy must come from the clerk or the state office. Allow 2 to 4 weeks for mail orders of older records.
Are Parkland marriage records open to the public?
Yes. Florida law makes marriage records public under Florida Statutes Chapter 119. Any person can request a search or a copy. The clerk office removes Social Security numbers and other private data before release. The names of both partners, the marriage date, and the document number stay public. The clerk can deny a record request only when a court order seals the record. Sealed records are rare and need a judge order. The clerk office charges $3 per certified copy regardless of the reason for the request. Online indexes show only basic facts without sensitive data. Full images show more facts for certified copies.
Can Parkland couples use Florida license in another state?
No. A Florida marriage license is valid only in Florida. Parkland couples who want to marry out of state must get a license from the destination state. Each state has its own marriage license rules. Some states have waiting periods. Some states require blood tests. Some states require witnesses. Check the destination state rules before planning the trip. A Florida marriage license that is used out of state has no legal effect. The couple must apply for a new license in the destination state. The Florida license becomes void and the fee is not refunded.
What documents prove a Parkland marriage for immigration?
A certified copy of the marriage certificate is the main document. The certificate must show both names, the marriage date, the county, and the clerk seal. The clerk office in Broward County issues certified copies for $3 each. Order at least two certified copies for immigration use. One copy goes to USCIS. One copy stays with the couple for their records. Older records may need a state search through the Florida Department of Health. The state office costs $5 per search and one certified copy. Use VitalChek for online orders with extra fees. The certificate must be a recent copy, no more than 90 days old, when filed with USCIS.
How do Parkland couples change their name after marriage?
A certified marriage certificate is the first document needed for a name change. Take the certified copy to the Social Security Administration office. The SSA updates the name in the federal system and issues a new Social Security card. Then take the SSA form and the certified copy to the Florida DMV. The DMV updates the driver license with the new name. Other name changes happen at banks, employers, insurance companies, and other agencies. The clerk office does not handle name changes directly. The clerk only issues the certified copy that starts the process. Parkland residents can visit the Deerfield Beach DMV office for service closer to home. Most name changes are free at the SSA but cost a small fee at the DMV.