Pompano Beach City Florida marriage records are held by the Broward County Clerk of Courts in Fort Lauderdale. The city has no local marriage office.
Couples apply for licenses and order record copies at the county courthouse. This page explains fees, hours, search steps, and copy rules. It also covers state and genealogy searches for older records.
Where to Get a Marriage License in Pompano Beach
Pompano Beach sits inside Broward County. All marriage license services run through the county clerk office. The clerk serves every city in Broward from a single location in Fort Lauderdale. The office is about 15 minutes south of Pompano Beach on I-95. Couples must go to that office in person to apply.
Broward County Clerk Courthouse Location
The clerk office for Pompano Beach marriage records sits in the Central Courthouse. The Midrise Building holds the marriage department on the ground floor. The full address is 540 SE 3rd Avenue, Room 02460, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. Couples from Pompano Beach drive south on I-95 to reach it. Free parking is available in the county garage next to the building.
Office Hours and Phone Number
The clerk marriage office is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The office closes on weekends and county holidays. Couples can call (954) 831-7283 with questions before visiting. The phone line gets busy during lunch hours. Calling early in the morning often works best for short wait times.
What to Bring to Apply
Both people must show up at the clerk office together. Each person needs a valid photo ID. Accepted IDs include a driver license, passport, state ID, military ID, or alien registration card. U.S. citizens must give their Social Security number. If either person was married before, bring proof of the divorce or death certificate. The clerk will not issue a license without this proof.
Marriage License Fees in Pompano Beach
Fees for Pompano Beach marriage records follow the Broward County fee schedule. Every city in the county pays the same rates. The fees are set by Florida law. Payment methods include cash and major credit cards. The clerk office does not accept personal checks.
Standard License Cost
The base fee for a marriage license in Pompano Beach is $86.00. This fee applies to all couples who do not complete a premarital course. The fee must be paid at the time of application. Both Florida residents and non-residents pay this rate without the course certificate.
Reduced Fee With Course
Couples who finish an approved premarital course pay $61.00 instead. The savings equal $25.00 off the standard fee. The course must be completed within one year before the license application. Couples must show the course completion certificate at the clerk window.
Ceremony Cost and Other Fees
A ceremony performed by the clerk costs $30.00. This fee covers a brief civil ceremony by a deputy clerk. Certified copies of marriage records cost $3.00 each. Extra certified copies ordered at the same time cost the same $3.00 rate per copy. There are no hidden fees added to Pompano Beach applicants.
| Service Type | Fee Amount | Who Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Marriage License | $86.00 | All couples without course |
| License With Course | $61.00 | Couples with valid course |
| Clerk Ceremony | $30.00 | Optional civil ceremony |
| Certified Copy | $3.00 | Per copy requested |
How to Apply for a License
The application process is simple and follows Florida law. Both partners must appear in person. There is no online application for the first license. Couples can save time by filling out the pre-application form on the clerk website before arriving.
Steps for Florida Residents
Florida residents must follow these steps to get a Pompano Beach marriage license:
- Complete the online pre-application on the Broward Clerk website
- Visit the clerk office together with photo ID and Social Security numbers
- Provide proof of prior marriage end if applicable
- Pay the fee at the cashier window
- Wait three days before the ceremony unless the wait is waived
- Return after three days to pick up the license
- Use the license within 60 days anywhere in Florida
Steps for Non-Florida Residents
Couples who do not live in Florida skip the three-day waiting period. The same basic steps apply for the application. Non-residents can get married right after the license is issued. They still must appear together at the clerk office. They still must pay the same fees.
Who Can Perform the Ceremony
Florida allows several types of people to perform marriage ceremonies. Authorized officiants include judges, ordained ministers, clerks, deputy clerks, and Florida notaries public. The officiant must sign the license after the ceremony. Witnesses are not required by Florida law, but most couples still have them.
Waiting Period and License Rules
Florida law sets clear rules about how marriage licenses work. Pompano Beach couples must follow these rules. The rules protect both partners and keep the records accurate.
3-Day Wait Rule
Florida residents face a three-day waiting period after getting a license. The clock starts the day after the license is issued. The couple cannot marry during those three days. The rule does not apply to non-residents. The rule also ends early if the couple completes a premarital course.
60-Day Validity Period
Every marriage license stays valid for 60 days from the issue date. The couple must hold the ceremony within that window. After 60 days, the license expires and cannot be used. Couples who miss the deadline must apply and pay the fees again for a new license.
Premarital Course Benefits
An approved premarital course gives two key benefits. First, the license fee drops from $86 to $61. Second, the three-day wait is waived for Florida residents. The course must come from a registered Florida provider. The provider must sign the completion certificate for the clerk.
How to Search Marriage Records
Searching Pompano Beach marriage records can be done several ways. The fastest method depends on how old the record is. Records from 1915 to today sit at the county clerk. State records start in 1927. Older records need a genealogy search.
Broward County Records Portal
The Broward County Clerk runs a free online search for marriage records. The portal lets users search by name. Results show both spouses and the marriage date. Records that do not show up online may still be on paper at the office. The staff can pull older records on request.
Florida Statewide Marriage Index
The Florida Department of Health keeps a statewide marriage index. The index covers all Florida counties starting in 1927. A certified copy from the state costs $5 for the first copy and $4 for each extra copy. Search requests can be made online through VitalChek. New records can take 60 days to show up at the state level.
FamilySearch and Other Sites
FamilySearch has free marriage record collections for Florida. The records cover many older marriages from counties across the state. Other genealogy sites also hold indexes that link to Florida marriage records. These free sites work well for family tree research and historical lookups.
Request Certified Copies
Certified copies of Pompano Beach marriage records are needed for legal use. Banks, courts, and government agencies often ask for certified copies. Plain printouts from the portal are not the same. Only stamped certified copies carry legal weight.
In-Person Request
Walk into the Broward County Clerk office at 540 SE 3rd Avenue, Fort Lauderdale. The records counter sits on the first floor. Pay $3 per copy with cash or credit card. Same-day pickup is the norm for recent records. Older records may need a manual search by the staff.
Mail-In Request
Mail requests work for Pompano Beach marriage records. Send a letter with both full names and the approximate marriage date. Include a check or money order for $3 per copy. Add a self-addressed stamped envelope for return mail. Mail the packet to the clerk office at the Fort Lauderdale address.
Online Order Through VitalChek
VitalChek handles online orders for Florida vital records. The service adds a processing fee on top of the state fee. Orders can be placed 24 hours a day. Credit cards are the only payment method accepted by VitalChek. Delivery times run about 5 to 10 business days.
Florida Marriage Laws You Must Know
Florida marriage laws control how licenses and records work in Pompano Beach. The rules cover everything from who can marry to who can see the records. Knowing the law helps couples and researchers avoid problems.
Chapter 741 Statutes
Florida Statutes Chapter 741 covers marriage laws. The chapter lists requirements for licenses, waiting periods, and ceremony rules. Chapter 741 also covers the premarital course waiver and fee discount. Couples and clerks must follow Chapter 741 for every Florida marriage.
Public Record Rules
Florida Statutes Chapter 119 makes marriage records public. Anyone can ask for a copy. The clerk removes Social Security numbers and other protected details before release. People do not need to be named on the record to order a copy. This rule keeps family research open to the public.
Apostille for Foreign Use
A Florida marriage certificate used in another country may need an apostille. The apostille proves the document is real to foreign governments. The Florida Department of State issues apostilles. The clerk office can help guide the request but does not issue apostilles directly. Apostille processing takes several weeks.
Genealogy and Historical Records
Family researchers often need Pompano Beach marriage records from many decades ago. Older records take more effort to locate. The clerk office and state archives both help with historical searches.
Records Before 1927
The statewide marriage index starts in 1927. Records before that year sit only with the county clerk. Broward County keeps marriage records from 1915 onward. Researchers can ask the clerk to pull older paper records. Some early records may be damaged or incomplete.
Older Paper Archives
Paper archives hold the oldest Pompano Beach marriage records. The clerk office stores these archives in Fort Lauderdale. Staff can search the paper files by name and year. A manual search may take several business days. The fee for a manual search is $3 per record found.
Other Broward County Cities
Every city in Broward County uses the same clerk office for marriage services. The fees, hours, and rules apply to all cities. Pompano Beach residents share the Fort Lauderdale office with neighbors across the county. The cities listed below all use the same Broward County Clerk office for marriage records.
- Fort Lauderdale
- Pembroke Pines
- Hollywood
- Miramar
- Coral Springs
- Davie
- Deerfield Beach
- Plantation
- Sunrise
- Lauderhill
- Tamarac
- Weston
- Coconut Creek
- Cooper City
- Oakland Park
- North Lauderdale
- Margate
- Lauderdale Lakes
- Hallandale Beach
- Dania Beach
- Parkland
Contact and Location
The Broward County Clerk office handles all Pompano Beach marriage record needs. The office sits in the Central Courthouse Midrise Building in Fort Lauderdale. Visitors can use the map below to find the building. Free parking is available nearby.
Broward County Clerk of Courts – Marriage Department
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
This FAQ section covers common questions about Pompano Beach marriage records. Each answer gives clear steps and fees. The answers are based on current Florida law and Broward County Clerk rules. Use these answers to plan your application, search, or copy order.
How long does it take to get a Pompano Beach marriage license?
The visit itself takes about 30 minutes at the clerk office. Florida residents then face a three-day wait before the ceremony. Non-residents skip the wait and can marry right away. The license is mailed or picked up after the three-day period for residents. The license stays valid for 60 days from the issue date.
Can I get a Pompano Beach marriage license online?
No full online license exists for a first marriage. Couples can fill out the pre-application form on the clerk website before the visit. This saves time at the counter. Both partners must still appear in person with ID to finish the application and pay the fee. Renewal licenses for officiants follow different rules.
How do I get a copy of my Pompano Beach marriage certificate?
Start at the Broward County Clerk records portal to search by name. If the record shows up, request a certified copy online or in person. Certified copies cost $3 each from the clerk. The state vital records office also issues certified copies for $5 plus extra fees. VitalChek handles online orders with a service fee.
Are Pompano Beach marriage records public?
Yes, marriage records in Florida are public under Chapter 119. Anyone can order a copy. The clerk strips Social Security numbers and other protected data before release. People do not need to be named on the record to request a copy. Researchers and family members often use this rule for genealogy work.
What if my marriage record is not found online?
Older records may not appear in the online portal. Contact the Broward County Clerk records office and ask for a manual search. The staff can search paper archives back to 1915. Manual searches may take several business days. The fee for the search and certified copy is $3 per record found.
Do I need an apostille for a Pompano Beach marriage certificate?
An apostille is only needed for foreign use. The apostille proves the certificate is real to other countries. The Florida Department of State handles apostille requests. Processing can take several weeks. Couples should order the apostille well before any travel deadline. The clerk office can guide the request but does not issue apostilles.
Can same-sex couples get a marriage license in Pompompano Beach?
Yes, Florida issues marriage licenses to all eligible couples regardless of gender. Same-sex couples follow the same steps as other couples. The clerk office does not ask gender-based questions during the application. Both partners must still show up with valid ID and pay the same fee. The marriage certificate shows both names regardless of gender.