Riverview City Florida marriage records are filed, stored, and issued through the Hillsborough County Clerk of Court. Riverview sits inside unincorporated Hillsborough County near Tampa Bay, so couples who live there use the county clerk for all license applications and certified copy requests.
Any member of the public may request a copy of a Riverview marriage record under Florida’s open records law, with limited redactions for sensitive personal data.
Where Riverview Marriage Records Are Filed
Riverview is an unincorporated community in southern Hillsborough County. State law requires Florida marriage licenses to be filed in the county where the license was issued. Since Riverview has no city clerk, every license, certificate, and copy goes through the Hillsborough County Clerk of Court office located in downtown Tampa. The clerk maintains both paper records for older marriages and electronic indexes for newer filings.
Hillsborough County Clerk Address and Hours
The main office for marriage records in Hillsborough County sits at the George E. Edgecomb Courthouse in downtown Tampa. The clerk’s office serves all Riverview residents and couples who apply in the county. Walk-in services cover license applications, ceremonies, certified copies, and record lookups.
- Office: George E. Edgecomb Courthouse
- Street Address: 800 East Twiggs Street, Tampa, FL 33602
- Phone: (813) 276-8100
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Services: Marriage licenses, ceremonies, certified copies, record search
Travel Routes from Riverview to the Clerk
Riverview residents drive north about 12 miles to reach the courthouse. The trip takes 20 to 30 minutes based on traffic and the route chosen. Three main roads connect Riverview to downtown Tampa, and each offers a different travel time depending on the time of day.
- Interstate 75 North to Exit 260, then west into Tampa
- U.S. Route 301 North to Hillsborough Avenue, then west
- Causeway Boulevard to the Lee Roy Selmon Expressway, then west
Free parking is available at the courthouse garage, but the lot fills up fast before noon. Arrive early in the morning if a same-day license is needed. Public bus service from Riverview to downtown Tampa operates through Hillsborough Area Regional Transit on Route 20, with stops a few blocks from the courthouse.
Marriage License Costs in Riverview
Hillsborough County sets marriage license fees for all Riverview applicants. The total cost covers clerk processing, the license booklet, and statewide recording fees charged under Florida law. Discounts apply for couples who complete an approved premarital education course before applying.
Current License Fees in Hillsborough County
The base marriage license fee in Hillsborough County is $86 for couples who do not complete a premarital course. Couples who finish an approved course pay $61, which is a $25 savings. A clerk-performed ceremony costs $30 on top of the license fee. Certified copies of recorded certificates cost $5 for the first copy and $4 for additional copies ordered at the same time.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard Marriage License | $86.00 |
| License With Premarital Course | $61.00 |
| Clerk-Performed Ceremony | $30.00 |
| Certified Copy (First) | $5.00 |
| Certified Copy (Additional) | $4.00 |
| Unknown Year Search Fee | $2.00 per year |
Cash and credit cards are accepted at the clerk’s counter. Personal checks are not accepted for any marriage license transaction under Florida administrative rules. Money orders are accepted for mail-in requests.
Documents Needed to Apply for a License
Both partners must appear in person at the courthouse with valid photo ID. Florida requires specific identification before issuing any marriage license. The clerk reviews each document at the application window to confirm identity, age, and marital status.
- Government-issued photo ID: driver license, state ID, U.S. passport, or military ID
- Social Security numbers for both applicants
- Birth certificates (helpful but not required)
- Divorce decree or death certificate if either party was previously married
- Premarital course completion certificate (if applying for the $61 rate)
Couples who completed a premarital course must bring the original certificate. A copy or screenshot from a phone is not accepted. The course provider must appear on the state’s approved list maintained by the Florida Department of Children and Families.
Waiting Period and License Validity
Florida law imposes a three-day waiting period after the license is issued before the ceremony can take place. Two exemptions remove this wait: premarital course completion, and proof that one or both applicants are non-Florida residents. The clerk marks the license to show the date the license becomes valid.
Once the waiting period passes, the license remains valid for 60 days. The license expires automatically if the ceremony does not happen within those 60 days. Couples must apply and pay the fee again if the license expires before use. Expired licenses cannot be extended or refunded under Florida law.
How to Search Riverview Marriage Records Online
Public access to Riverview marriage records is available through three main channels: the county clerk’s online portal, the Florida Department of Health statewide index, and authorized third-party vendors. Each channel serves a different need based on the type of search and the timeframe of the record being sought.
Online Search Through the Hillsborough Clerk
The Hillsborough County Clerk operates a free public records search on its website at hillsclerk.com. Users can look up marriage records by name, date range, or license number without creating an account. The portal indexes all marriages filed in the county since electronic records began in the 1990s, plus scanned images of older paper records when available.
A free search returns the names of both parties, the marriage date, and the license number. The site does not display scanned certificate images at no charge. To view a copy of the document or to order a certified copy, the requester must use the online order system and pay the state and county fees.
Florida Statewide Marriage Index
The Florida Department of Health maintains a statewide marriage index through its Bureau of Vital Statistics. The state index covers all Florida counties from June 6, 1927 to the present day. This statewide database is the only place a single search covers every county at once, which helps researchers track families who moved between Florida regions.
Online searches through the Florida Department of Health site show basic facts. Certified copies of certificates ordered through the state cost $5 for the first copy and $4 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. The state office accepts mail orders and online orders through VitalChek for an added convenience fee.
Free vs Paid Search Options
Riverview residents have both free and paid options for searching marriage records. Free channels cover the county clerk’s public portal and walk-in lookups at the courthouse. Paid channels cover VitalChek, third-party genealogy sites, and formal record searches by mail when the date is unknown.
| Source | Cost | Records Covered |
|---|---|---|
| Hillsborough Clerk Portal | Free for indexes | Hillsborough County only |
| Florida Dept. of Health | $5 for certified copy | All FL counties, 1927 to present |
| VitalChek Online | $15 plus processing | All FL counties, 1927 to present |
| County Clerk (in person) | $5 per copy | Hillsborough County, all years |
| Florida State Archives | Free to search | Pre-1927 records |
Ordering Certified Copies of Marriage Records
A certified copy of a marriage certificate carries the official seal of the issuing office. Banks, courts, the Social Security Administration, immigration offices, and federal agencies require certified copies for name changes and proof of marriage. Riverview residents have three channels to request certified copies based on urgency and location.
In-Person Requests at the Tampa Courthouse
The fastest way to get a certified copy is to visit the George E. Edgecomb Courthouse in person. Same-day service is available for records the clerk has on file in either paper or electronic form. The clerk’s office prints the certificate at the counter and attaches the official raised seal during the transaction.
Bring a valid photo ID. State the full names of both spouses and the approximate date of the marriage. If the exact year is unknown, the clerk runs a name search for a small fee per year of search. Payment is by cash, credit card, or money order at the counter. Same-day requests typically process in 15 to 30 minutes when records exist in the county system.
Mail-In Requests for Certified Copies
Riverview residents who cannot visit the courthouse can mail a request to the Hillsborough County Clerk. Mail orders take 5 to 10 business days to process once the clerk receives the request. Mail is a reliable option for people who need proof but do not need it the same day.
A complete mail request packet should include the following items:
- A signed written request listing both names on the record
- The approximate date or year of the marriage
- A copy of a valid photo ID
- A check or money order payable to the Hillsborough County Clerk
- A self-addressed stamped envelope for return delivery
Mail the packet to Hillsborough County Clerk of Court, 800 East Twiggs Street, Tampa, FL 33602. The clerk returns the certified copy through the U.S. Postal Service unless overnight delivery is requested with an additional prepaid label.
Online Orders Through VitalChek
VitalChek is the only state-authorized online vendor for Florida vital records. The service links directly to the Florida Department of Health database. Orders placed through VitalChek include identity verification and ship the certified copy by mail in a secure envelope.
VitalChek charges $15 per order in addition to the state’s certified copy fee. Premium shipping options are available for an extra cost. Most requests through VitalChek process within 5 to 7 business days, with mailed delivery taking an additional 2 to 5 days based on the shipping method chosen at checkout.
Marriage Records for Genealogy Research
Genealogy researchers tracking Hillsborough County and Riverview families use marriage records as a primary source for family relationships. Florida marriage records from 1927 forward often show parents’ names, ages, and birthplaces of both spouses. Older records provide even more detail because Florida clerks typed full names onto each license at the time of filing.
Records Filed Before June 1927
The state of Florida did not collect marriage records centrally before June 6, 1927. Pre-1927 records exist only at the Hillsborough County Clerk of Court. Researchers must contact the clerk directly or visit the Florida State Archives in Tallahassee for older documents on microfilm.
Church records serve as a backup source for early Florida marriages. Many Riverview-area churches kept marriage registers that document ceremonies held before state filing began. FamilySearch.org and Ancestry.com have digitized collections of these church records that researchers can search for free at a local library that partners with these genealogy services.
Records Filed After June 1927
After June 6, 1927, all Florida counties sent copies of marriage licenses to the state Bureau of Vital Statistics. The state index now holds an estimated 14 million Florida marriage records. Researchers can search the statewide database online and order copies through the Department of Health or VitalChek.
Hillsborough County also maintains its own complete index from 1927 forward. Researchers who need neighborhood-level detail sometimes find the county index more useful than the state database, since county records include local officiant details and the exact filing date rather than only the ceremony date.
Other Resources for Family History
Researchers often pull marriage records along with other Florida vital records to build a full family picture. The state Department of Health holds birth, death, and divorce records under the same statewide system. Each record type adds a layer of detail to a family tree across multiple generations.
- Florida State Archives in Tallahassee holds pre-1927 microfilm
- FamilySearch.org provides free indexes and some image access
- Ancestry.com and MyHeritage host Florida marriage record collections
- Local Hillsborough County libraries hold obituary indexes that cross-reference marriage records
Public Access and Florida Law
Florida marriage records are public documents by default. State law treats them the same as other public filings, which means any member of the public can request a copy. Some personal details are protected and redacted from public copies before release.
Florida Public Records Statute
Florida Statute Chapter 119 establishes the public’s right to access government records. Marriage records fall under this law because the clerk of court is a public officer who files them. Anyone can request a copy without showing a reason. The clerk cannot deny a request based on the requester’s identity or motive.
Redacted Personal Information
Florida redacts sensitive details from public copies before release. The clerk stamps out or removes certain identifiers to protect against identity theft. Redacted data still appears on the original certificate, but copies distributed to the public do not display it.
- Social Security numbers are always redacted
- Credit card numbers on file are redacted
- Bank account numbers on file are redacted
Confidential records exist only in narrow cases such as sealed adoptions or court-ordered confidentiality. These cases require a court order before the clerk can release even basic marriage fact data. Most routine requests for Riverview marriage records do not involve these exceptions.
Official Contact Information for Riverview Records
All Riverview marriage records, license applications, and certified copies are handled through the Hillsborough County Clerk of Court at the George E. Edgecomb Courthouse in Tampa. The office holds records for the full history of Hillsborough County marriages filed in the jurisdiction.
Office: Hillsborough County Clerk of Court – Marriage License Department
Address: 800 East Twiggs Street, Tampa, FL 33602
Phone: (813) 276-8100
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Website: https://www.hillsclerk.com
Common Questions About Riverview Marriage Records
Couples and researchers often ask similar questions about Riverview marriage records. The answers below reflect the latest published rules from the Hillsborough County Clerk of Court and the Florida Department of Health. Each answer is based on current Florida law and county procedures as of September 2026 and is intended for citation-ready reference.
Can I look up Riverview marriage records for free?
Yes. The Hillsborough County Clerk of Court runs a free online portal that lets anyone search marriage indexes by name at no charge. Free searches return the names of both spouses, the marriage date, and the license or record number. To view a scanned copy of the certificate itself, or to order a certified copy with the official raised seal, a fee applies through the same portal or by mail. Free walk-in searches at the Tampa courthouse public terminals work for older paper records that the public terminal does not display. Researchers should know that index data on the free portal shows only records that have been processed and entered into the electronic system, which covers most marriages filed in Hillsborough County since the late 1980s.
How long does it take to get a certified copy of a Riverview marriage record?
In-person requests at the Tampa courthouse are processed the same day the request is made, in most cases within 15 to 30 minutes. Mail orders typically take 5 to 10 business days for processing, plus mailing time back to the requester. Online orders through VitalChek are processed in 5 to 7 business days by the Florida Department of Health, with an additional 2 to 5 days for mail delivery based on the shipping option chosen. Rush service options are available through VitalChek for an extra fee. Walk-in customers at the Hillsborough County Clerk’s office also have the option of paying for overnight return delivery when mailing is preferred over a return trip to the counter. Processing times do not include weekends or state holidays observed by the clerk’s office in Tampa.
Are Florida marriage records public record under state law?
Yes. Florida Statute Chapter 119 lists marriage records as public records under the state’s broad open government law. Any member of the public may request a copy of a Florida marriage record, including Riverview records filed in Hillsborough County. The clerk redacts Social Security numbers and financial account numbers before releasing any copy to protect against identity theft. Other basic data on the record remains public, including names, dates, officiant details, and license numbers. Confidential records exist only in limited legal situations such as sealed court orders or specific statutory exemptions. Routine public requests do not involve these confidentiality exceptions and are processed at the counter or by mail based on the requester’s choice.
What documents do I need to get married in Riverview?
Both partners must appear together at the Hillsborough County Clerk’s office in Tampa. Each person must bring a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver license, state ID card, U.S. passport, or military identification. Each applicant must also know their Social Security number for the application form. Couples previously married must bring the original or certified copy of a final divorce decree or a death certificate for the prior spouse. A premarital course certificate provides both a fee discount and removes the three-day waiting period. The course must be taken within one year of the license application through a state-approved provider. Out-of-state residents do not need to provide proof of residency, but bringing proof helps the clerk confirm exemption from the waiting period when applicable.
Can out-of-state couples get a marriage license in Riverview?
Yes. Florida does not require residency for a marriage license. Out-of-state couples receive the same license as Florida residents. Non-residents also skip the three-day waiting period required by Florida law for residents only. The 60-day validity, identification requirements, and license fees are the same for everyone. Couples traveling from outside Florida for a destination wedding should know that the license is valid anywhere in Florida during the 60-day window, so the ceremony can take place in any county the couple chooses. The officiant at the ceremony must be legally authorized to perform marriages in Florida, which includes ordained ministers, judges, court clerks, and Florida notaries public acting within their commission.
Do Riverview marriage records show parents’ names?
Florida marriage records typically show the parents’ names of both spouses starting with records filed in the 1920s and later. Records before 1927 may or may not list parents’ names depending on the local clerk who recorded them at the time. Records held by the Florida State Archives include handwritten detail that later typed records often lack, including signatures and addresses. Records filed with the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics from 1927 forward follow a standardized form that lists full names of both spouses, their ages at the time of marriage, their birthplaces, and the names of their parents. This standardization makes later records especially useful for genealogy research since the data fields are consistent across counties and decades of filing.
How do I replace a lost marriage certificate in Riverview?
Request a certified copy from the Hillsborough County Clerk of Court. A certified copy serves as a legal replacement for a lost certificate. The cost is $5 for the first copy and $4 for each additional copy. Certified copies carry the same legal weight as the original document in Florida courts and federal agencies. To order a replacement, a Riverview resident can visit the courthouse in person, mail a written request with payment, or order through VitalChek online. Each certified copy features the raised state seal and an official signature, making it acceptable for name changes at the Social Security Administration, bank updates, insurance purposes, passport applications, and any other legal matter that requires proof of marriage under federal and Florida law.