1>Tampa City Florida Marriage Records
Tampa City Florida marriage records are official documents that show a couple was legally married in Hillsborough County. The Hillsborough County Clerk of Court keeps local marriage records. The Florida Department of Health keeps statewide records from 1927 forward. This page explains how to get a marriage license, search old records, order certified copies, and use these records for legal or family history needs.
Where Marriage Records Are Filed in Tampa
Marriage records in Tampa are filed at the county and state level. Each level has a different job. Knowing who handles what helps you get the right record faster.
Hillsborough County Clerk of Court Role
The Hillsborough County Clerk of Court is the main office for marriage licenses and local marriage records in Tampa. The clerk office runs out of the George E. Edgecomb Courthouse at 800 E. Twiggs St., Tampa, FL 33602. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can call the clerk at (813) 276-8100 for questions about license applications, ceremonies, or record copies.
Florida Department of Health State Records
The Florida Department of Health runs the Bureau of Vital Statistics. This state office keeps certified copies of all Florida marriage certificates from June 6, 1927 forward. The state office is the right place to order copies when you need a record that crosses county lines or when you cannot visit the Tampa clerk office in person. Orders can be placed online, by mail, or through the state’s authorized vendor VitalChek.
How to Apply for a Marriage License in Tampa
Couples who want to marry in Tampa must apply for a license at the Hillsborough County Clerk office. Both people must appear in person. The clerk office walks you through the steps at the counter.
Documents Needed at the Clerk Office
Bring the right papers to the clerk office so your application goes smoothly. The clerk checks each item at the window before issuing the license.
- Valid photo ID such as a driver license, passport, or state-issued ID card for both applicants
- Social Security numbers for both applicants
- Final divorce decree or death certificate if either person was married before
- Exact date the prior marriage ended
- Payment for the license fee in cash, credit card, or debit card
Who Must Appear at the Courthouse
Both people must come to the clerk office together. Florida law does not allow one person to apply alone or send a representative. If you live out of state and plan to marry in Tampa, you still must appear in person. The clerk checks IDs and confirms both people are entering the marriage by choice.
License Fees and Payment Methods
The base marriage license fee in Hillsborough County is $86. Couples who complete a state-approved premarital course pay a reduced fee of $61. A civil ceremony at the clerk office costs $30 extra. The clerk accepts cash, credit cards, and debit cards. Personal checks are not accepted.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard marriage license | $86 |
| License with premarital course | $61 |
| Civil ceremony at clerk office | $30 |
| Duplicate license copy | $30 |
Florida Marriage License Rules and Waiting Times
Florida law sets clear rules about when a license becomes valid and how long it stays valid. Tampa couples must follow these rules the same way as couples in any other Florida county.
Three-Day Waiting Period for Florida Residents
If both people live in Florida, a three-day waiting period applies after the license is issued. The license becomes valid on the fourth day. This rule comes from Florida Statutes Chapter 741. The waiting period gives couples time to think about the decision before the wedding.
How a Premarital Course Changes the Rules
A premarital course from a Florida-approved provider removes the three-day waiting period for Florida residents. The course also lowers the license fee from $86 to $61. The course certificate must be completed within one year before the license application date. The clerk keeps the certificate on file with the marriage record.
Out-of-State Resident Waiting Rules
Couples with no Florida residency do not have to wait three days. The license becomes valid right after it is issued. The same license fee of $86 applies. The same identification rules apply for out-of-state couples.
How Long the License Stays Valid
A Florida marriage license stays valid for 60 days from the date it is issued. Couples must hold the ceremony within this window. Once the 60 days pass, the license expires and a new application with new fees is required. There is no grace period beyond 60 days.
Tampa Marriage Ceremony Requirements
Florida law lists who can perform a wedding ceremony and what paperwork must be filed afterward. Tampa follows the same state rules as every other county.
Who Can Perform the Wedding Ceremony
Under Florida Statutes Section 741.07, only certain officials can legally perform a wedding. The list includes all licensed ministers, judges, clerks of court and their deputies, and notaries public. The officiant must be active and recognized in good standing at the time of the ceremony.
Witness Rules and Signing the License
Florida does not legally require witnesses at a wedding ceremony. Many couples still choose to have one or two witnesses for personal or religious reasons. After the ceremony, the officiant and both spouses sign the marriage license. The officiant records the date and location of the ceremony on the license form.
Returning the Signed License to the Clerk
The officiant must return the signed license to the Hillsborough County Clerk within 10 days of the ceremony. The clerk records the marriage in the county system and sends the data to the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics. The recording process at the state level can take 60 days or more before a certified copy is available from the state office.
How to Search Tampa Marriage Records Online
Online searches help you check if a marriage record exists before you order a certified copy. Two main systems cover Tampa records.
Hillsborough County Clerk Online Search System
The Hillsborough County Clerk runs an online search page at hillsclerk.com that lists recorded marriages in the county. The search shows both names and the date of the marriage. Searching the county database is free. You still need to pay for certified copies if you need them for legal use.
Statewide Search Through Florida Department of Health
The Florida Department of Health marriage certificate page lets you search statewide records from 1927 forward. You can place an order online through the state’s system. This is the right path when the marriage took place in a different county or when you want a state-issued certified copy.
Records Before June Six Nineteen Twenty-Seven
The State of Florida did not start collecting marriage records until June 6, 1927. Marriages before that date are held only at the county level. For Tampa marriages from that early period, contact the Hillsborough County Clerk directly or check the county archives for older documents.
How to Get Certified Copies of Tampa Marriage Records
Certified copies carry a raised seal or stamped seal and serve as legal proof of marriage. Three ordering paths are available for Tampa residents and non-residents.
Ordering Copies In Person at the Courthouse
Visit the George E. Edgecomb Courthouse at 800 E. Twiggs St., Tampa, FL 33602 during business hours. Bring a valid photo ID. Provide the full names of both spouses and the approximate date or year of the marriage. The clerk handles most in-person requests the same day.
Ordering Copies by Mail
Mail a written request to the Hillsborough County Clerk at 800 E. Twiggs St., Tampa, FL 33602. Include both full names, the approximate date of the marriage, your relationship to the record, a copy of your ID, and a check or money order for the fees. The clerk mails back the certified copies after the search is complete.
Ordering Copies Through VitalChek
VitalChek is the Florida Department of Health authorized vendor for online and phone orders. The base fee through VitalChek starts at $15 plus processing charges. Credit cards and debit cards are accepted. VitalChek orders are good for people who live outside Florida or who need records from multiple counties at once.
| Order Method | Where to Order | Base Fee |
|---|---|---|
| In person at clerk office | Edgecomb Courthouse, Tampa | $5 first copy, $4 each extra |
| By mail to clerk office | 800 E. Twiggs St., Tampa, FL 33602 | $5 first copy, $4 each extra |
| Online through state office | Florida Department of Health | $5 first copy, $4 each extra |
| Online through VitalChek | vitalchek.com | $15 plus processing fees |
Florida Marriage Record Costs and Fees
Fees for Florida marriage records are set by state law and county rule. The total cost depends on how many copies you order and how you place the order.
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Certified copy of marriage certificate (state) | $5 for search and first copy |
| Each extra certified copy (state) | $4 each |
| Certified copy (county clerk) | $5 for first copy, $4 each extra |
| Marriage license (base fee) | $86 |
| Marriage license (with course) | $61 |
| Civil ceremony at clerk office | $30 |
| Duplicate license copy | $30 |
| Year search fee at clerk office | $2 per year searched |
Tampa Marriage Records for Genealogy and History
Family history researchers often need Tampa marriage records to build family trees. Older records can be harder to locate and may take extra steps to get copies.
Older Records Held Only at the County Level
Marriages in Hillsborough County before June 6, 1927 exist only in county files. Researchers should contact the Hillsborough County Clerk archives or the Tampa Bay History Center for older documents. Some early records were handwritten and may not be indexed in online databases.
Florida State Archives and Historical Records
The Florida State Archives in Tallahassee holds historical vital records for research use. Marriage records from 1927 forward can also be checked through the state archives. Researchers can visit in person or send written requests for older record lookups. Some records are available on microfilm for in-house review.
Marriage Record Privacy and Confidentiality in Florida
Florida marriage records are public records. The state sets clear rules about who can see them and how private details are handled.
Public Records Law Under Florida Statute 119
Florida Statutes Chapter 119 makes marriage records open to the public. Any person can view the records or request copies. Sensitive details such as Social Security numbers are redacted from public copies. Personal addresses and contact numbers also stay private on public versions.
How to Request Confidential Records
Couples who want to limit who can see their marriage record can file a confidentiality request with the clerk. A judge must approve the request based on a safety concern. Court orders, protective orders, or other legal proof of danger are required. Without a court order, the record stays open under state public records law.
Apostille and Out-of-State Use of Tampa Records
An apostille is a state-level stamp that proves a Florida document is real for use in another country. Tampa marriage records sometimes need an apostille for immigration, foreign marriage recognition, or dual citizenship cases.
When an Apostille Is Required
An apostille is required when a foreign government agency asks for proof that the Florida marriage certificate is genuine. Common cases include spouse visa applications, foreign property transfers, and dual citizenship filings. The apostille is added on top of the certified copy from the clerk or the state office.
Florida Secretary of State Apostille Process
The Florida Secretary of State handles apostille requests for state-issued documents. You send the certified copy of the marriage record along with a request form and fee to the Secretary of State office in Tallahassee. Processing times vary based on volume. Some private services also handle apostille requests for an extra fee.
Tampa Marriage Records Contact and Location
The main office for Tampa marriage records is the Hillsborough County Clerk of Court at the George E. Edgecomb Courthouse. The clerk handles license applications, ceremonies, record searches, and certified copy requests.
Office Address: George E. Edgecomb Courthouse, 800 E. Twiggs St., Tampa, FL 33602
Phone: (813) 276-8100
Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Official Website: www.hillsclerk.com
Florida Department of Health Vital Records: www.floridahealth.gov/certificates-records
VitalChek Order Portal: www.vitalchek.com
Frequently Asked Questions About Tampa Marriage Records
The questions below cover the most common issues Tampa residents and out-of-state applicants ask about marriage records. Each answer is based on current Florida law, Hillsborough County clerk rules, and the Florida Department of Health procedures as of September 2026. The clerk office and the state office update their fees and forms from time to time, so always check the official website before you place an order or apply for a license.
How long does it take to get a certified copy in Tampa?
In-person requests at the Hillsborough County Clerk office are often handled the same day. Mail requests usually take 7 to 14 business days based on mail volume and staff workload. State-level orders through the Florida Department of Health can take 30 to 60 days because the state office waits for county recording to finish before issuing certified copies. VitalChek orders are faster and often arrive within 5 to 7 business days after the county recording is complete. Always order from the county clerk first if you need the copy quickly.
Can I get a Tampa marriage record if I am not one of the spouses?
Yes. Tampa marriage records are public under Florida Statutes Chapter 119. Any person can request a copy by providing both full names and an approximate date of marriage. The clerk charges the same fee regardless of your relationship to the couple. Sensitive personal details such as Social Security numbers are redacted on public copies. No legal relationship to the couple is required for a regular certified copy.
What if I do not know the exact year of the marriage?
The clerk office charges a small search fee for each year they have to check. You can narrow the search by giving a date range or the age of the couple at the time of marriage. Online county records also let you search by name without a date. Older records before 1927 may not be online and may require a written request to the county clerk archives.
Do I need an appointment to apply for a marriage license?
The Hillsborough County Clerk office in Tampa does not require an appointment for marriage license applications. Walk-in service is open during regular business hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. The online pre-application on the clerk website speeds up the visit by filling out basic facts before you reach the counter. Couples who want a civil ceremony at the clerk office should call ahead to schedule a time.
Can a Tampa marriage license be used in another Florida county?
Yes. A Florida marriage license issued in any county is valid in every Florida county. Tampa couples can hold their ceremony in any other Florida county within the 60-day validity window. The signed license must be returned to the county clerk that issued it, not the county where the ceremony took place. Out-of-state ceremonies are not allowed under a Florida marriage license.
Is a Florida marriage certificate the same as a marriage license?
No. A marriage license is the application document issued before the wedding. A marriage certificate is the official record that proves the marriage took place. The license becomes a certificate after the ceremony is performed and the signed document is filed with the clerk. Most legal requests such as name changes, immigration filings, and insurance updates require the certified copy of the certificate, not the original license.
What happens if the marriage license expires before the ceremony?
If the 60-day validity window passes, the license is no longer legal. The couple must start a new application with new fees. The expired license cannot be renewed or extended. The original fee is not refunded. Plan the ceremony date within 60 days of the application to avoid reapplying.