Here is a complete guide to obtaining a marriage license in Franklin County, Florida:
Requirements
To obtain a marriage license in Franklin County, both parties must:
- Appear together in person at the Clerk’s office
- Provide valid photo identification (driver’s license, state ID, passport, or I-94 card)
- Provide social security numbers (if you have one)
- Pay the required fee
Fees
The marriage license fees in Franklin County are:
- $86.00 standard fee
- $61.00 with completion of a premarital preparation course (saves $25)
Payment can be made by cash or credit card. There is a 3.5% processing fee for credit card payments. Checks are not accepted.
Premarital Course
Couples can save $25 on the license fee by completing an approved premarital preparation course. The course must be completed by a provider on the state’s approved list, and a certificate of completion must be presented when applying.
Waiting Period
There is a 3-day waiting period between when the license is issued and when the marriage ceremony can take place. This waiting period is waived for non-Florida residents.
License Validity
The marriage license is valid for 60 days from the date of issuance.
Additional Information
- No blood test is required
- If previously married, you must provide the date your last marriage ended
- Both parties must read the “Family Law Handbook” provided by the clerk’s office
- The license can be used anywhere in Florida, not just Franklin County
- You do not need to be a Florida resident to obtain a license
Where to Apply
Marriage licenses are issued at:
Franklin County Clerk’s Office
33 Market Street, Suite 203
Apalachicola, FL 32320
Phone: 850-653-8861
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5:00pm
By following these guidelines and bringing the required documentation, couples can efficiently obtain their marriage license in Franklin County, Florida. The clerk’s office staff can answer any additional questions about the process.
For more information, visit the Franklin County Clerk’s Office or the Florida Department of Health Marriage Certificates page.