Port St Lucie City Florida Marriage Records are public files kept by the St Lucie County Clerk of Court. The clerk office issues marriage licenses, performs ceremonies, and keeps certified copies of marriage certificates for everyone in St Lucie County.
Port St Lucie sits inside this county, so all records follow the same state and county rules under Florida Statute Chapter 741.
This page gives you clear answers on license fees, waiting periods, certified copies, name searches, and online tools. You will learn how to order records, who can perform a ceremony, and how to get an apostille for foreign use. Every detail reflects the most current office rules for 2026.
St Lucie County Clerk Office and Port St Lucie
The St Lucie County Clerk of Court runs the marriage license and records program for Port St Lucie and every city in the county. Port St Lucie is the largest city in the county by population. Even so, the clerk office stays in Fort Pierce at the county courthouse. All applications and record requests go through this one office.
Clerk Office Location and Phone
The clerk office sits at 201 South Indian River Drive, Fort Pierce, FL 34950. The mailing address is PO Box 700, Fort Pierce, FL 34954. You can reach the office by phone at (772) 462-6900. Office hours run Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The office closes on state and federal holidays. Walk-in service is open during all business hours. Appointments help reduce your wait time.
Official Clerk Website
The St Lucie County Clerk maintains a public website at www.stlucieclerk.com. The site offers license applications, records search tools, certified copy orders, and fee schedules. Most Port St Lucie residents start their application online before visiting the office. The site also lists waiting times and office announcements.
Distance From Port St Lucie
The drive from Port St Lucie to the Fort Pierce courthouse takes 15 to 20 minutes north on US-1. Plan for about 30 to 45 minutes at the office for the full license application. Parking is free at the courthouse. Public restrooms and waiting areas are open to the public.
Marriage License Requirements in Port St Lucie
Florida law requires both people to apply together in person. The clerk cannot issue a license to one person alone. Each applicant must show valid photo ID and provide personal details. U.S. citizens must give their Social Security number.
Accepted Forms of Photo ID
The clerk accepts several types of photo ID. You can use a driver license from any U.S. state. A U.S. passport also works. Military IDs, state identification cards, alien registration cards, and naturalization certificates all count as valid ID. Bring the original document. The clerk does not accept photocopies or expired cards.
- Driver license from any state
- U.S. passport
- Military identification card
- State identification card
- Alien registration card
- Naturalization certificate
Prior Marriage Details
If either person was married before, bring the exact date the prior marriage ended. This includes the date of divorce, annulment, or spouse death. The clerk asks for this detail on the application. You do not need to bring divorce papers. Only the date matters for the form.
Social Security Number Rule
U.S. citizens must give a Social Security number on the application. Non-citizens do not need one. The clerk enters the number on the license form. State law requires this detail under Florida Statute 741.040.
Port St Lucie Marriage License Fees
The St Lucie County Clerk charges set fees for each marriage license. The state sets these fees under Florida law. Fee changes happen only through new state laws or clerk office updates. The clerk accepts cash, Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express. Personal checks are not accepted.
Standard License Fee
The standard marriage license fee in St Lucie County is $86.00. This fee applies to all couples who do not complete a state-approved premarital course. The fee covers the license itself and state recording costs. The license is valid for 60 days from the issue date.
Premarital Course Discount
Couples who finish a state-approved premarital course pay a reduced fee of $61.00. The course must come from a registered provider listed with the Florida courts. You must finish the course within one year of the license application. Bring the completion certificate to the clerk office at the time of application.
Additional Clerk Fees
The clerk charges extra fees for other services. A clerk ceremony costs $30.00. A duplicate license copy costs $30.00. Amendments to a marriage record require a court order plus a $30.00 fee. Each certified copy of a marriage certificate costs $9.00 for the first copy and $7.00 for each extra copy on the same order.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard marriage license | $86.00 |
| License with premarital course | $61.00 |
| Clerk ceremony | $30.00 |
| Duplicate license copy | $30.00 |
| Amendment with court order | $30.00 |
| First certified copy | $9.00 |
| Each additional certified copy | $7.00 |
Waiting Period and License Validity Rules
Florida law sets a waiting period and a validity window for every marriage license. These rules apply to all couples. Some exemptions exist based on residency and course completion.
Florida Resident Waiting Period
Florida residents face a three-day waiting period after the clerk issues the license. The three days start the day after the issue date. You cannot use the license during the wait. The clerk notes the exact date you can marry on the license form.
Out-of-State Resident Exemption
Couples where neither person is a Florida resident skip the three-day waiting period. They can marry the same day the clerk issues the license. The exemption applies only when both applicants live outside Florida at the time of application.
Premarital Course Waiver
Completing a state-approved premarital course removes the three-day waiting period for Florida residents. The course certificate must come from a registered provider. The clerk keeps the certificate on file with the marriage license record.
License Validity Period
Every Florida marriage license stays valid for 60 days from the issue date. You must hold the ceremony within those 60 days. A license that expires cannot be used for a ceremony. Couples whose license expires must apply for a new license and pay the fee again.
Step-by-Step License Application Process
The clerk office uses a simple process for every Port St Lucie marriage license. Most couples spend less than an hour at the office. The clerk accepts walk-ins and scheduled appointments.
Step One: Online Pre-Application
Visit the St Lucie County Clerk website at www.stlucieclerk.com. Open the marriage license pre-application form. Fill in both applicants’ full legal names, dates of birth, addresses, and Social Security numbers. Submit the form online. The clerk saves your details in the system.
Step Two: In-Person Visit
Both applicants must visit the Fort Pierce courthouse together. Bring valid photo ID for each person. Bring the exact end date of any prior marriage. Bring the premarital course certificate if you finished one. The clerk reviews your ID and your online form.
Step Three: Sign the Application
Each applicant signs the official application under penalty of perjury. The clerk confirms the details. Both applicants swear the information is true. The clerk processes the application and collects the fee.
Step Four: Receive Your License
The clerk prints your marriage license. You receive the license right away. The license shows the issue date and the date you can marry. Keep the license in a safe place until the ceremony.
Step Five: Hold the Ceremony
An authorized officiant performs the ceremony within 60 days. The officiant signs the license and any required witnesses sign the form. The officiant returns the signed license to the clerk within 10 days of the ceremony.
Searching Port St Lucie Marriage Records Online
The St Lucie County Clerk offers free public search tools on its website. Anyone can search by name. Certified copies cost money, but the basic search stays free for all users.
Clerk Online Records Search
Go to www.stlucieclerk.com and click the public records search link. Choose marriage records from the case type menu. Enter the full name of one or both spouses. Add a date range if you know the marriage year. The system returns matching records with the issue date and license number.
Search Limitations
The clerk online search covers marriage records from 1927 forward. Older records before June 6, 1927 exist only at the county courthouse. You must visit the office in person to search pre-1927 files. Records too recent may not show online until the clerk finishes processing.
Free Search Tools
The clerk public search does not charge a fee to view basic record details. You see the names, marriage date, and license number. Certified copies cost extra. The search works on desktop and mobile browsers. No account or login is needed for basic searches.
Florida State Records Search
The Florida Department of Health keeps marriage certificates from 1927 forward at the state level. The state office charges $5.00 for the first certified copy and $4.00 for each extra copy. Search the Florida Department of Health website at www.floridahealth.gov. The state records also work for genealogy and legal proof.
Getting Certified Copies of Marriage Certificates
Certified copies of Port St Lucie marriage certificates serve as legal proof of marriage. You can order copies from the county clerk or the Florida Department of Health. Each office has its own process.
Order From the County Clerk
The county clerk processes certified copy requests the fastest for Port St Lucie marriages. Order online at www.stlucieclerk.com, in person at the Fort Pierce courthouse, or by mail. The fee is $9.00 for the first copy and $7.00 for each extra copy on the same order. Online orders accept credit card payments.
Order From Florida Department of Health
The state office handles requests for marriages across Florida. Visit www.floridahealth.gov or call the Bureau of Vital Statistics at (904) 359-6900. The state charges $5.00 for the first certified copy and $4.00 for each extra copy. Processing takes up to five business days plus mail time.
Order Through VitalChek
VitalChek is the official vendor for online vital records in Florida. Visit www.vitalchek.com to order Florida marriage certificates. The service fee is $15.00 plus $7.00 processing. Orders go through the Florida Department of Health. VitalChek ships copies by mail and offers rush delivery options.
Florida Marriage Records by Name Search
Name searches help you find marriage records for genealogy, legal matters, or personal reasons. Florida law makes marriage records public under Chapter 119. Anyone can search the records.
What Name Search Shows
A successful name search returns the full legal names of both spouses. The record shows the marriage date, license number, and county of issuance. Search results stay public. Sensitive details like Social Security numbers get redacted from online records.
Search Tips for Accuracy
Use the full legal name on the search form. Avoid nicknames. Add the marriage year if you know it. Try variations of the last name. Older records may show spelling differences. The clerk charges $2.00 per year searched when you cannot narrow the year.
Privacy and Public Access
Florida law treats marriage records as public records. No special permission is needed to search. Confidential filing is available only under Florida Statute 119.071 for people with court protection. Contact the clerk office for the confidential filing form.
Historical Marriage Records in St Lucie County
Historical marriage records help genealogy researchers and people tracing family history. St Lucie County holds records going back to the late 1800s. The clerk office keeps older files at the county courthouse.
Records Before June 6, 1927
The clerk office keeps marriage records from before June 6, 1927 at the county courthouse in Fort Pierce. Florida created the state Bureau of Vital Statistics in 1927. Records before that date stay at the county level. You must visit the courthouse to search these older files.
Records From 1927 Forward
The Florida Department of Health holds statewide marriage records from June 6, 1927 forward. The county clerk keeps a local copy of all marriages recorded in the county. The state copy serves as a backup for the county file. Both copies hold the same legal weight.
Genealogy Research Tips
Researchers tracing Port St Lucie marriage history should start at the county clerk. Search the online records for names from 1927 forward. Visit the courthouse for older records. The state archives in Tallahassee also hold microfilm copies of older Florida marriage records.
Who Can Officiate a Marriage in Port St Lucie
Florida law lists the people who can perform marriage ceremonies. The clerk office confirms each officiant before signing the marriage license. Officiants must sign the license after the ceremony and return it to the clerk.
Authorized Florida Officiants
Florida Statute 741.07 lists authorized officiants. Ordained ministers, rabbis, and priests can perform ceremonies. All judges in the state can officiate. The clerk of court and deputy clerks can perform ceremonies. Florida notaries public can also officiate weddings. Each officiant must be active in good standing.
| Officiant Type | Florida Law Reference |
|---|---|
| Ordained minister | Florida Statute 741.07 |
| Judge | Florida Statute 741.07 |
| Clerk of court | Florida Statute 741.07 |
| Deputy clerk | Florida Statute 741.07 |
| Florida notary public | Florida Statute 741.07 |
Witness Requirements
Florida law does not require witnesses for a marriage ceremony. Many couples still choose two witnesses for personal or religious reasons. Witnesses must be at least 18 years old. Witnesses sign the license after the ceremony.
Officiant Duties After Ceremony
The officiant signs the marriage license right after the ceremony. The officiant returns the signed license to the clerk office within 10 days. The clerk records the marriage and sends the data to the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics. State processing takes about 60 days after the clerk files the license.
Marriage License Replacement in Port St Lucie
Lost or damaged marriage licenses can be replaced through the clerk office. A duplicate license costs $30.00. The duplicate works as a valid record but is clearly marked as a copy.
When You Need a Replacement
Couples need replacements when the original license gets lost or damaged. Banks, insurance companies, and government agencies ask for certified copies rather than the original license. The original license stays with the clerk after filing. Most couples need certified copies for legal proof.
Replacement Request Methods
Order a duplicate license online at www.stlucieclerk.com. Visit the Fort Pierce courthouse in person. Send a mail request with payment and ID copy. The clerk mail address is PO Box 700, Fort Pierce, FL 34954. The $30.00 fee covers the duplicate license.
Apostille Services for Port St Lucie Records
An apostille authenticates a Florida marriage certificate for use in foreign countries. Countries that follow the Hague Apostille Convention accept apostilled records. The Florida Secretary of State issues apostilles.
When You Need an Apostille
Couples moving abroad need an apostille to prove their marriage in another country. Immigration offices in many countries require apostilled marriage records. Some visa applications and name change requests in foreign countries require apostilled proof. Each country sets its own rules for foreign marriage records.
Apostille Request Process
Order a certified copy of your marriage certificate from the St Lucie County Clerk first. Send the certified copy to the Florida Secretary of State. The Secretary of State office sits at 500 South Bronough Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399. The apostille fee is $10.00 per document. Processing takes 5 to 10 business days.
Apostille Contact Details
Call the Florida Secretary of State apostille section at (850) 245-6945. The office processes apostille requests by mail and in person. Walk-in service stays open Monday through Friday. The website at www.dos.myflorida.com lists full fee details and request forms.
Marriage License Verification Services
Some employers and government agencies ask for marriage license verification. The clerk office offers verification letters that confirm the marriage record exists in the official file.
Online Verification
The clerk public search lets you confirm a marriage record exists. The search returns the license number and marriage date. Certified copies give stronger legal proof. Online verification works for most personal checks and preliminary legal needs.
Phone Verification
Call the clerk office at (772) 462-6900 for phone verification. Staff confirm the record exists. Phone verification does not replace a certified copy for legal filings. Most agencies require a certified copy for official use.
Other Cities in St Lucie County
Every city in St Lucie County uses the same clerk office for marriage records. Port St Lucie, Fort Pierce, and smaller communities all share one clerk office and one set of county rules.
Fort Pierce Marriage Records
Fort Pierce is the county seat and home of the clerk office. Couples in Fort Pierce apply for licenses at the same Fort Pierce courthouse. Records for Fort Pierce marriages follow the same county rules as Port St Lucie. The same fees, waiting periods, and certified copy process apply.
St Lucie County Clerk Contact Details
The St Lucie County Clerk of Court handles all marriage records for Port St Lucie. Use these contact details for license applications, certified copies, and record searches.
Office Address: 201 South Indian River Drive, Fort Pierce, FL 34950. Mailing Address: PO Box 700, Fort Pierce, FL 34954. Phone: (772) 462-6900. Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Official Website: www.stlucieclerk.com. Florida Department of Health Vital Records Phone: (904) 359-6900. Florida Secretary of State Apostille Phone: (850) 245-6945.
Frequently Asked Questions About Port St Lucie Marriage Records
This section answers the most common questions about Port St Lucie marriage records, license applications, certified copies, and record searches. Each answer reflects current Florida law and St Lucie County Clerk rules for 2026.
How much does a Port St Lucie marriage license cost in 2026?
A standard marriage license in St Lucie County costs $86.00. Couples who finish a state-approved premarital course pay $61.00. The fee covers the license itself and state recording costs. The clerk accepts cash, credit cards, and debit cards. Personal checks are not accepted at the Fort Pierce courthouse.
How long is the Florida marriage license valid?
Every Florida marriage license stays valid for 60 days from the date the clerk issues it. The license expires automatically after 60 days. Couples whose license expires must apply for a new license and pay the full fee again. The clock starts on the issue date printed on the license.
Can I search Port St Lucie marriage records for free?
The St Lucie County Clerk website offers free public search tools. You can search by name without paying a fee. The search returns basic record details like names and marriage date. Certified copies cost extra. Free searches work for genealogy research and personal record checks.
How do I get a certified copy of my marriage certificate?
Order certified copies from the St Lucie County Clerk online at www.stlucieclerk.com, in person at the Fort Pierce courthouse, or by mail. The first certified copy costs $9.00. Each extra copy on the same order costs $7.00. Certified copies from the county clerk work as legal proof of marriage.
What documents do I need to apply for a marriage license in Port St Lucie?
Both applicants must bring valid photo ID like a driver license or passport. U.S. citizens must provide a Social Security number. Bring the exact end date of any prior marriage. Bring a premarital course completion certificate if you finished one within the last year. The clerk does not need divorce papers.
How long does it take to get a marriage certificate after the wedding?
The officiant returns the signed marriage license to the clerk within 10 days of the ceremony. The clerk records the marriage and sends the data to the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics. State processing takes about 60 days. Certified copies from the county clerk are usually available faster than state copies.
Can non-Florida residents get a marriage license in Port St Lucie?
Couples where neither person lives in Florida can apply for a marriage license in St Lucie County. Both people must visit the Fort Pierce courthouse together. Non-residents skip the three-day waiting period. The same $86.00 fee applies. The license works for any Florida location.