Marriage licenses in Charlotte County, Florida, are issued by the Clerk of the Circuit Court as an agent for the State of Florida. The licenses are valid for 60 days from the date of issuance and must be used within Florida.
Florida Marriage License Requirements
To obtain a marriage license in Charlotte County, both parties must apply in person and present proper identification. Acceptable forms of ID include a valid U.S. State Driver’s License, Passport, U.S. State ID card, Alien Registration Card, or U.S. Military ID card. Completing the online form only initiates the request process and doesn’t constitute license issuance.
Knowing Florida Marriage Laws
Florida marriage laws require the license to be returned to the clerk’s office within 10 days after the marriage ceremony. The application process is designed to ensure compliance with Chapter 741 of Florida Statutes. It’s important to note that the license is only valid for use within the state of Florida, regardless of where the couple resides.
Charlotte County Clerk of the Circuit Court
Address: 18500 Murdock Circle, Port Charlotte, FL 33948
Phone: (941) 743-1400
Services: Issues marriage licenses, provides marriage license applications, and processes completed licenses after ceremonies.
Applying for a Marriage License
To apply for a marriage license in Charlotte County, Florida, you must appear in person at one of the designated Clerk of Courts Official Records locations. The process requires specific documentation and adherence to state regulations.
How to Apply for a Marriage License
To apply for a marriage license in Charlotte County:
- Visit the Charlotte County Clerk of Courts Official Records division in person
- Bring the required identification and documents
- Apply between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. at either location:
- Charlotte County Justice Center, 350 East Marion Ave., 2nd Floor, Punta Gorda, FL 33950
- Murdock Administration Building, 18500 Murdock Circle, Port Charlotte, FL 33948
- Complete the online application beforehand to streamline the process (optional)
Documents Needed for a Florida Marriage License
To obtain a marriage license in Charlotte County, you’ll need:
- Valid government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver’s license or passport)
- Social Security numbers for both parties
- Proof of divorce or death certificate if previously married
- Birth certificates (if required)
- Completed marriage license application form
Florida Marriage License Application Process
The application process in Charlotte County involves:
- Starting the application online (optional but recommended)
- Appearing in person at the Clerk’s office with your partner
- Presenting required documents and identification
- Paying the applicable fee
- Receiving your marriage license, valid for 60 days from issuance
Charlotte County Clerk of Courts (Marriage License Services)
Address: 350 East Marion Ave., 2nd Floor, Punta Gorda, FL 33950
Phone: (941) 637-2115
Services: Issues marriage licenses, processes completed licenses after ceremonies
Marriage License Details
Charlotte County’s marriage license requirements ensure a straightforward process for couples planning to tie the knot. Here’s what you need to know about obtaining a marriage license in this Florida county:
Marriage License Fees
Charlotte County’s marriage license fee is $86.00 for Florida residents who don’t complete an approved Premarital Preparation Course. This fee includes a mandatory three-day waiting period. Couples who take the course may receive a discount on the license fee and avoid the waiting period, streamlining their marriage process.
Marriage License Validity
Once issued, your Charlotte County marriage license remains valid for 60 days. It’s best to use the license within this timeframe to ensure its validity for your ceremony. After your wedding, return the completed license to the clerk’s office within 10 days. Remember, the license is only valid for use within Florida’s borders.
Expedited Marriage License
Charlotte County doesn’t offer an expedited marriage license service. However, couples can streamline the process by initiating their application online before visiting the clerk’s office in person. This preparation can significantly reduce wait times and expedite the overall application process, getting you one step closer to your special day.
Charlotte County Clerk of the Circuit Court
Address: 18500 Murdock Circle, Port Charlotte, FL 33948
Phone: (941) 743-1400
Services: Issues marriage licenses, processes completed licenses after ceremonies, and maintains marriage records.
Special Considerations
Charlotte County has specific requirements for obtaining a marriage license. Both parties must apply in person and present proper identification. Here are some important considerations:
Florida Marriage License for Same-Sex Couples
Same-sex couples follow the same marriage license application process as opposite-sex couples in Charlotte County. There are no additional requirements or special considerations for same-sex couples. They must meet the same eligibility criteria, provide the necessary documentation, and pay the standard fees.
Florida Marriage License for Out-of-State Couples
Out-of-state couples can obtain a marriage license in Charlotte County without being Florida residents. They must apply in person at the Clerk’s office, provide valid identification, and meet all other requirements. The license is valid for 60 days and can be used anywhere in Florida, but it’s not valid in other states.
Marriage License Renewal
Charlotte County doesn’t offer marriage license renewals. Marriage licenses are valid for 60 days from the date of issuance. If a couple doesn’t use their license within this period, they must reapply and pay the fee again to obtain a new license.
Charlotte County Clerk of the Circuit Court
Address: 350 E Marion Ave, Punta Gorda, FL 33950
Phone: (941) 743-1400
Services: Issues marriage licenses, processes completed licenses after ceremonies, and maintains marriage records.
Additional Resources
For detailed information about obtaining a marriage license in Charlotte County, Florida, visit the Charlotte County Clerk of Courts website. This official resource provides comprehensive guidelines and forms for the marriage license application process.
Florida Marriage License Office Locations
Charlotte County Clerk of Courts Official Records division has two locations for marriage license services:
- Charlotte County Justice Center
Address: 350 East Marion Ave., 2nd Floor, Punta Gorda, FL 33950
Services: Issues marriage licenses, processes completed licenses, maintains marriage records - Murdock Administration Building
Address: 18500 Murdock Circle, Port Charlotte, FL 33948
Services: Issues marriage licenses, processes completed licenses, maintains marriage records
Online Marriage License Application
Charlotte County offers an online option to initiate the marriage license application process. Complete the online form to streamline your visit to the Clerk’s office. Remember, this doesn’t constitute the issuance of a marriage license. Both parties must still apply in person at one of the designated locations to finalize the process and receive the license.
Marriage License Hours of Operation
The Charlotte County Clerk of Courts offices are typically open Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. For specific hours of operation and any potential changes due to COVID-19 restrictions, contact the office directly or check their official website. It’s advisable to call ahead or check online for the most up-to-date information before visiting.