Pinellas County Florida marriage records are official documents that prove two people got married in Pinellas County. These records are kept by the Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court.
You can search for marriage records, order certified copies, and apply for a marriage license through the clerk’s office. This page covers how to find records, how to apply for a license, fees, rules, and answers to common questions.
Pinellas County Clerk of Court Office
The Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller handles all marriage records for the county. This office issues marriage licenses, performs civil ceremonies, and stores marriage records. The clerk acts as a state agent under Florida Statute 741.01. Every marriage that takes place in Pinellas County goes through this office.
Main Office Location and Contact
The main office sits inside the Clearwater Courthouse at Room 150. The address is 315 Court Street, Clearwater, FL 33756. You can call the clerk at (727) 464-3341 for questions about marriage records or licenses. The office also runs a website at mypinellasclerk.gov where you can search records and order copies online.
Branch Offices in the County
The clerk has three locations that handle marriage services. The Clearwater Courthouse is the main office. The St. Petersburg branch serves south county residents. The North County branch serves cities like Palm Harbor and Tarpon Springs. All three offices issue licenses and perform ceremonies.
Hours and Walk-In Service
Each branch office stays open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. No appointment is needed for license applications or ceremonies. Walk-ins are accepted during business hours. Bring valid photo ID and be ready to fill out a short form.
How to Apply for a Marriage License
Both people in the couple must apply in person at the same time. Florida law requires both parties to appear together at the clerk office. The process takes about 20 to 30 minutes. After you apply, the clerk issues your license.
Who Can Apply for a License
Any single person who is 18 years or older can get a marriage license in Florida. You do not need to be a Florida resident. Both U.S. citizens and non-citizens can apply. If you were married before, you must tell the clerk how that marriage ended.
Documents You Need to Bring
Each person must show valid photo ID. The clerk accepts several types of ID. U.S. citizens also need their Social Security number.
- Driver license
- Passport
- Military ID
- State ID card
- Alien registration card (green card)
If you were married before, bring the exact date your divorce was final, the date a spouse died, or the date of annulment. The clerk does not need the divorce paper itself, only the date.
Steps to Get Your License
- Visit any clerk office location in Pinellas County
- Both parties go to the recording services window
- Show valid photo ID and give Social Security numbers
- Fill out the marriage license application
- Pay the license fee
- Receive your license
The whole process usually takes less than 30 minutes. You can leave with your license the same day.
Marriage License Fees
The base license fee in Pinellas County is $86. You can pay less if you both finish a premarital preparation course from an approved provider. With proof of course completion, the fee drops to $61.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard marriage license | $86 |
| License with premarital course | $61 |
| Civil ceremony | $30 |
| Marriage photo | $10 |
| Decorative wedding certificate | $5 |
| Additional certified copies | $3 each |
The clerk accepts cash, checks, and most major credit cards. A small card fee may apply for credit payments.
Marriage License Rules in Pinellas County
Florida law sets specific rules for marriage licenses. Pinellas County follows these same rules. Knowing the rules helps you avoid problems with your license.
Waiting Period Explained
Florida residents face a three-day waiting period after they buy a license. This means the license becomes valid three days after purchase. If you buy a license on Monday, you can use it starting Friday. The waiting period does not apply to non-residents or to couples who complete a premarital course.
License Validity Period
A Florida marriage license stays valid for 60 days from the issue date. After 60 days, the license expires. If your license expires before your ceremony, you must buy a new one. Under Florida Statute 741.041, the license cannot be extended.
Benefits of a Premarital Course
A premarital preparation course from an approved provider gives you two benefits. The fee drops from $86 to $61. The three-day waiting period goes away for Florida residents. The course must be finished within one year before your license application.
Civil Marriage Ceremony at the Clerk Office
The Pinellas County clerk performs civil marriage ceremonies at all three office locations. You do not need an appointment for a ceremony. Walk in during business hours and ask for a ceremony.
What Happens at the Ceremony
The ceremony is short and simple. A clerk deputy serves as the officiant. You exchange vows and sign the license. Florida law does not require witnesses, but you can bring guests. The whole process takes about 10 minutes.
Ceremony Costs and Add-On Services
The basic ceremony costs $30. You can add a marriage photo for $10. You can also buy a decorative wedding certificate for $5. These extras make Pinellas County a popular choice for simple ceremonies.
Who Can Perform Your Ceremony
Under Florida Statute 741.07, several people can perform marriage ceremonies. Ordained ministers, judges, clerks, clerk deputies, and Florida notaries public can all officiate. Your ceremony does not have to happen at the clerk office.
Searching Pinellas County Marriage Records Online
Pinellas County keeps one of the longest-running online marriage record archives in Florida. You can search records from home using the clerk’s online portal. The search is free.
Online Records Database
The Pinellas County Official Records portal lets you search marriage records by name. Visit officialrecords.mypinellasclerk.gov to start a search. You can search by last name, first name, or both names. The results show the recording date and document number.
Records Available from 1972 to Present
The online database covers marriage licenses from May 1972 to today. This means more than 50 years of records are available online. The database updates regularly with new filings.
Records Before May 1972
Older marriage records are not in the online database. To find records from before May 1972, call the clerk office at (727) 464-3341. Older records may be on microfilm or stored in physical files at the Clearwater Courthouse.
Ordering Certified Copies of Marriage Records
A certified copy proves your marriage took place. Banks, government agencies, and insurance companies often ask for certified copies. You can order copies from the clerk or from the state.
From the Pinellas County Clerk
You can order certified copies online through the Copy Request and Payment Center on the clerk website. You can also visit any branch office in person. The fee is $3 for each certified copy. The clerk office records the license and gives one free certified copy to the couple.
From the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics
The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics keeps all marriage certificates from June 6, 1927 to the present. The state office sits in Jacksonville. A search and one certified copy from the state costs $5. Each additional copy costs $4.
Online Ordering Through VitalChek
VitalChek is the official partner for online vital records orders. Visit vitalchek.com to place an order. The base fee is $15 plus a $7 processing fee. You can pay extra for UPS shipping if you need the copy fast.
Florida State Marriage Records
The state of Florida keeps a central record of all marriages. These records work as backup to county records. They also help when you need to prove a marriage for legal reasons.
Bureau of Vital Statistics Coverage
The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics stores marriage certificates from all 67 counties. Records date back to June 6, 1927. The state certificate shows the marriage license details as an abstract.
State Fees and Processing Times
A search and one certified copy from the state costs $5. Additional copies cost $4 each. Standard processing takes 5 to 7 business days. Rush service is available for an extra fee.
Special Situations
Some marriage record needs do not fit the standard process. This section covers common special cases.
Common Law Marriage in Florida
Florida does not recognize common law marriage for couples who started living together after January 1, 1968. If you lived together before that date and still act as a married couple, you may have a valid common law marriage. The state stopped new common law marriages in 1968.
Name Changes After Marriage
A marriage certificate does not automatically change your name. You must update your name with the Social Security Administration first. Then update your driver license and other records. The marriage certificate proves your name change to agencies.
Apostille for International Use
If you need your marriage certificate for use in another country, you may need an apostille. An apostille certifies the document for international use. The Florida Department of State issues apostilles. You must get a certified copy first.
Marriage Record Corrections
If your marriage record has a mistake, you can ask for a correction. Contact the clerk office where the license was filed. You may need to show proof of the correct information. Small clerical errors can often be fixed without a court order.
Marriage Verification Services
Some jobs and agencies ask for marriage verification instead of a full certified copy. The Pinellas County clerk offers verification letters. These letters confirm the marriage without giving all the details of the record.
Who Needs Verification
Insurance companies, employers, and government agencies may ask for verification. A verification letter costs less than a full certified copy. Call the clerk office for details on the verification process.
Privacy Rules for Records
Marriage records are public under Chapter 119 of Florida Statutes. Section 119.07 lets anyone see and copy these records. You do not need to be part of the marriage. Social Security numbers are hidden for privacy, but most record details stay public.
Cities in Pinellas County
All marriage licenses in Pinellas County come from the same clerk office. No matter which city you live in, you go to one of the three branch locations. Cities served include St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Largo, Pinellas Park, Dunedin, Tarpon Springs, Palm Harbor, and East Lake.
Main Cities Served
St. Petersburg is the largest city in Pinellas County. Clearwater is the county seat and home to the main clerk office. Other cities include Largo, Pinellas Park, and Dunedin. Each city uses the same county clerk for marriage services.
Nearby Counties for Marriage Records
Pinellas County sits on a peninsula in west Florida. Three counties border Pinellas County. If you need records from a nearby area, you can contact those county clerks.
Hillsborough County
Hillsborough County sits east of Pinellas County. Tampa is the county seat. The Hillsborough County Clerk of Court handles marriage records for that county.
Pasco County
Pasco County sits north of Pinellas County. New Port Richey is a main city. The Pasco County Clerk of Court keeps marriage records for that area.
Manatee County
Manatee County sits south of Pinellas County. Bradenton is the county seat. The Manatee County Clerk of Court handles marriage records there.
Contact Details and Location
The Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller handles all marriage records, licenses, and ceremonies. The main office is in the Clearwater Courthouse. You can call, visit in person, or use the online portal. The Recording Services page on the clerk website has the latest fees, hours, and forms.
Official website: mypinellasclerk.gov
Recording Services: mypinellasclerk.gov/Home/Recording-Services
Official Records search: officialrecords.mypinellasclerk.gov
Phone: (727) 464-3341
Main office address: 315 Court Street, Room 150, Clearwater, FL 33756
Office hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
The Florida Department of Health also keeps marriage certificates for Pinellas County. Their website is floridahealth.gov/certificates-records/marriage-certificates. State records cover June 6, 1927 to the present. You can order copies by mail, walk in at the Jacksonville office, or use VitalChek online.
Frequently Asked Questions
These questions cover the most common things people ask about Pinellas County Florida marriage records. The answers below give clear, direct facts based on current Florida law and clerk office rules. Each answer focuses on the specific need or concern behind the question.
How long does it take to get a marriage license in Pinellas County?
The application process takes about 20 to 30 minutes at the clerk office. Both people must appear in person with valid photo ID. Florida residents face a three-day waiting period before the license becomes valid. The waiting period goes away for non-residents and for couples who complete a premarital course. After the waiting period, you can use the license for your ceremony within 60 days of the issue date.
Can I search Pinellas County marriage records for free?
Yes. The Pinellas County Official Records portal at officialrecords.mypinellasclerk.gov lets you search marriage records at no cost. The database covers licenses from May 1972 to today. You can search by last name, first name, or both names. The search shows the recording date and document number. To get a certified copy, you must pay a fee.
What if I need a marriage record from before 1972?
Records from before May 1972 are not in the online database. You must contact the Pinellas County clerk office at (727) 464-3341. Older records may be on microfilm or stored in physical files at the Clearwater Courthouse. You can also check the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics, which keeps records from June 6, 1927 to the present.
How much does a certified copy of a marriage certificate cost?
The Pinellas County clerk charges $3 for each certified copy after the first free copy. The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics charges $5 for a search and one certified copy. Additional state copies cost $4 each. VitalChek charges $15 plus a $7 processing fee for online orders. You can also pay extra for rush shipping.
Do both people have to be present to get a marriage license?
Yes. Florida law requires both parties to apply in person at the same time. You must go to the clerk office together. Each person must show valid photo ID. U.S. citizens must also give their Social Security number. The clerk will not issue a license if only one person appears.
What is the difference between a marriage license and a marriage certificate?
A marriage license is the document you get before your ceremony. It proves you have permission to marry. A marriage certificate is the document you get after the ceremony, once the clerk records the signed license. The certificate proves the marriage actually took place. Most legal and government agencies ask for the certificate, not the license.
Can I use a Pinellas County marriage license anywhere in Florida?
Yes. A marriage license from any Florida county works for a ceremony anywhere in the state. After the ceremony, the signed license must go back to the county that issued it. If you got your license in Pinellas County, you must return it to the Pinellas County clerk for recording. This rule applies even if your ceremony takes place in another county.