Miami City Florida marriage records are official documents that prove a couple got married in Miami-Dade County. These records include the marriage license, the marriage certificate, and any certified copies you can order later.
The Miami-Dade County Clerk of Court keeps all marriage records from 1971 to now in an online system. Older records before June 6, 1927 only exist at the county level because Florida did not collect statewide marriage data before that date.
Who Handles Miami Marriage Records
Two main offices handle Miami City Florida marriage records. The Miami-Dade County Clerk of Court handles local marriage licenses and recent records. The Florida Department of Health Bureau of Vital Statistics handles statewide records from 1927 forward. Most people get faster service through the county clerk than the state office.
Miami-Dade County Clerk of Court
The Miami-Dade County Clerk of Court runs the Marriage License Bureau. The main office sits at Overtown Transit Village South, 601 NW 1 Court, Suite 1900, Miami, FL 33136. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. You can reach the clerk office at (786) 469-2400. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments help reduce wait time.
Florida Department of Health Vital Records
The Florida Department of Health keeps statewide marriage certificates from 1927 to the present. The state charges $5 for a search and one certified copy. Each extra copy costs $4. You can order online through the Florida Department of Health website or through VitalChek for $15 plus a $7 processing fee.
Marriage License Fees in Miami
The marriage license fee in Miami depends on whether you take a premarital course. Without the course, the license costs $86. With a completed premarital course from an approved provider, the fee drops to $61. Florida Statute 741.0305 sets the rules for approved premarital courses.
Accepted Payment Methods
The clerk office accepts cash, Visa, Discover, Mastercard, and American Express for in-person payments. Personal checks are not accepted. Online orders only take credit cards. Mail-in requests need a cashier’s check or money order payable to Clerk of the Courts.
Other Marriage-Related Fees
The ceremony fee for a clerk office wedding costs $30. A duplicate license costs $30. Amendments to a marriage record require a court order plus $30. If you do not know the year of the marriage, the clerk adds a $2 search fee for each year checked.
Certified Copy Fees
Certified copies of a Miami-Dade County marriage record cost $9 for the first copy and $7 for each extra copy. You can order certified copies online, in person, or by mail. The online option ships directly to your address and accepts credit cards.
Certified Copy Costs Compared
| Source | First Copy | Extra Copies | Search Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miami-Dade Clerk | $9 | $7 each | $2 per year |
| Florida DOH | $5 | $4 each | Included |
| VitalChek | $15 | $15 each | $7 processing |
How to Get a Marriage License in Miami
Getting a marriage license in Miami takes a few clear steps. Both people must appear together at the clerk office. You need valid photo ID and a Social Security number for U.S. citizens. The whole visit usually takes less than an hour with an appointment.
Documents You Need
- Valid photo ID for both people (driver license, passport, military ID, alien registration card, state ID, or naturalization certificate)
- Social Security number for U.S. citizens
- Exact date the last marriage ended (if either person was married before)
- Payment for the license fee
The Application Process
- Fill out the online pre-application on the Miami-Dade clerk website
- Go to the Marriage License Bureau with your partner
- Show your photo ID and Social Security card to the clerk
- Sign the application in front of the clerk
- Pay the $86 fee or $61 fee with premarital course proof
- Wait three days if you are a Florida resident without a course
- Use the license within 60 days anywhere in Florida
Waiting Period and License Rules
Florida law requires a three-day waiting period for Florida residents under Florida Statute 741.04. Non-residents do not have to wait. The waiting period gets waived for everyone who completes a registered premarital course within one year of the application date.
License Validity Period
A marriage license stays valid for 60 days from the date of issue. You can use the license anywhere in Florida, not just in Miami-Dade County. After 60 days, the license expires and you must apply for a new one and pay the fee again.
Who Can Perform the Ceremony
Florida Statute 741.07 lists who can perform a marriage ceremony. Ordained ministers, judges, clerks and their deputies, and Florida notaries public can all officiate. Witnesses are not legally required but are a good idea for proof. After the ceremony, the officiant signs the license and returns it to the clerk within 10 days.
How to Search Miami Marriage Records Online
The Miami-Dade Online Marriage License Bureau portal holds records from 1971 to the present. You can search by name or license number at no cost. Results show both parties’ names and the marriage date. The portal runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Online Search Steps
- Go to the Miami-Dade clerk website marriage records page
- Enter the last name of one spouse in the search box
- Add the first name if you know it
- Enter the license number if you have it
- View the search results
- Order a certified copy if needed through the certified copies page
Records Before 1971
Records before 1971 are not in the online system. Contact the Miami-Dade clerk office directly for older records. Records before June 6, 1927 only exist at the county level. The state did not start collecting marriage data until that date, so older records stay with each county clerk.
Florida Statewide Marriage Records
The Florida statewide marriage index covers all 67 counties from 1927 forward. The Florida Department of Health keeps this index through the Bureau of Vital Statistics. You can search the statewide database through the Florida Department of Health website or through approved third-party vendors.
Statewide Search Options
- Florida Department of Health online portal
- VitalChek online ordering service
- Mail-in request to the state vital records office
- In-person visit to a county health department
Free Marriage Records Search Options
Several free search options exist for Miami City Florida marriage records. The Miami-Dade online portal offers free name searches. FamilySearch.org provides free access to Florida marriage indexes. Ancestry.com and MyHeritage offer free searches at their libraries and family history centers.
FamilySearch Florida Records
FamilySearch.org holds Florida marriage records from 1830 to 1957 in its free database. The site includes indexes and images of original documents. You can search by name, county, and year. Creating a free account gives you full access to view and save images.
Other Free Genealogy Sources
Local libraries in Miami-Dade County offer free access to Ancestry.com and HeritageQuest through their public computers. The Miami-Dade Public Library system has a genealogy section with staff who help with marriage record searches. The Family History Library in Salt Lake City also has microfilm copies of many Florida marriage records.
Marriage Records by County in Florida
Florida marriage records are kept at the county level for recent records and the state level for older records. Each county clerk of court handles licenses issued in that county. The following table shows key counties and their clerk contact details.
Major Florida County Clerk Offices
| County | Main Office Address | Phone Number |
|---|---|---|
| Miami-Dade | 601 NW 1 Court, Suite 1900, Miami, FL 33136 | (786) 469-2400 |
| Broward | 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 | (954) 831-6525 |
| Orange | 425 N Orange Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801 | (407) 836-2000 |
| Hillsborough | 800 E Twiggs Street, Tampa, FL 33602 | (813) 276-8100 |
| Duval | 501 W Adams Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 | (904) 255-2000 |
| Palm Beach | 205 N Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach, FL 33401 | (561) 355-2996 |
| Pinellas | 315 Court Street, Clearwater, FL 33756 | (727) 464-7000 |
| Lee | 2115 Second Street, Fort Myers, FL 33901 | (239) 533-5000 |
| Polk | 255 N Broadway Avenue, Bartow, FL 33830 | (863) 534-4000 |
Marriage Records for Genealogy Research
Marriage records are one of the best sources for genealogy research in Florida. They list full names, ages, birth dates, parents’ names, and witnesses. Older records may include race, occupation, and home address. These details help build a full family tree back several generations.
What Old Marriage Records Show
- Full name of bride and groom
- Age at time of marriage
- Date and place of birth
- Parents’ full names including mother’s maiden name
- Home address at time of marriage
- Occupation of the groom
- Names of witnesses who attended the ceremony
- Name of the officiant who performed the ceremony
Historical Florida Marriage Records
Florida marriage records from the 1800s exist for some counties but not all. The state started statewide collection on June 6, 1927. Records before that date depend on each county. Some southern Florida counties lost early records due to fires, floods, and courthouse damage over the years.
Florida Marriage Records Before and After 1970
The year 1970 marks a key division in Florida marriage records. Records after 1970 are easier to find because most counties have them in digital systems. Records before 1970 may only exist on microfilm, in old books, or in state archives.
Records After 1970
Marriage records from 1971 forward in Miami-Dade County are searchable through the online portal. The clerk indexes these records by name and license number. Most counties in Florida have similar online systems for recent records. Certified copies can be ordered online and shipped within days.
Records Before 1970
Records from 1927 to 1970 are kept by the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics. Records before 1927 stay with the county clerk where the marriage happened. These older records often need a manual search through paper books or microfilm. You can request them in person or by mail with the date and location of the marriage.
Marriage License Application Details
The Florida marriage license application asks for personal details about both people. You must answer each question truthfully. False information on a marriage license is a misdemeanor under Florida law. The application form must be signed in front of the clerk or a notary.
Required Application Information
- Full legal name of both applicants
- Date of birth for both applicants
- Place of birth (city, state, or country)
- Social Security number for U.S. citizens
- Current home address
- Race and ethnicity
- Number of previous marriages
- Exact date each previous marriage ended
- Name of parents for both applicants
Marriage License Lookup After the Ceremony
After the ceremony, the officiant returns the signed license to the clerk office. The clerk records the marriage and sends the data to the state Bureau of Vital Statistics. The recording process takes about 60 days. After that, the marriage appears in the statewide marriage index.
Timeline for Recording
- Day 0: Officiant performs the ceremony and signs the license
- Days 1 to 10: Officiant returns the signed license to the clerk
- Days 11 to 30: Clerk records the marriage in the county index
- Days 31 to 60: Clerk sends the data to the state Bureau of Vital Statistics
- Day 60+: Marriage appears in statewide searches and certified copies become available
Requesting a Certified Copy
Certified copies of Miami City Florida marriage records work as legal proof of marriage. Banks, insurance companies, and government agencies accept them. You can order certified copies through the county clerk or the state vital records office.
Ways to Order a Certified Copy
- Online through the Miami-Dade clerk certified copies page
- In person at the Marriage License Bureau at 601 NW 1 Court, Suite 1900, Miami, FL 33136
- By mail to the same address with a cashier’s check or money order
- Through the Florida Department of Health vital records office
- Through VitalChek for an extra fee
Marriage Certificate Apostille Services
A Florida marriage certificate can get an apostille for use in foreign countries. The Florida Department of State handles apostille requests. You need a certified copy of the marriage certificate first. The apostille confirms the document is real for countries that belong to the Hague Convention.
Apostille Process Steps
- Order a certified copy of the marriage certificate
- Download the apostille request form from the Florida Department of State website
- Fill out the form with your contact details and document type
- Mail the form, certified copy, and $10 fee to the Florida Department of State
- Wait 5 to 10 business days for processing
- Receive the apostilled document by mail
Marriage Record Verification
Third parties can verify a Miami marriage record through the clerk office. Employers, attorneys, and government agencies often request verification for legal reasons. The verification confirms the marriage took place and shows the official record number.
Who Can Request Verification
- The people named on the marriage record
- Immediate family members with proof of relationship
- Attorneys with a signed authorization from a party to the record
- Government agencies for official business
- Insurance companies with the policyholder’s written consent
Confidentiality for Marriage Records
Florida marriage records are public under Florida Statutes Chapter 119. Anyone can inspect or copy them. Certain details like Social Security numbers get redacted from public copies. People who qualify under Section 119.071 can file a Request for Confidentiality to protect their records from public view.
Who Qualifies for Confidentiality
- Law enforcement officers and their families
- Judges and their families
- Victims of domestic violence
- Witnesses in criminal cases
- Other people at risk of harm if their address is public
Replacement Marriage Certificates
If your original marriage certificate is lost or damaged, you can order a replacement. The replacement is a certified copy with the same legal power as the original. Miami-Dade County charges $9 for the first certified copy and $7 for each extra copy.
When You Need a Replacement
- Original certificate was lost in a move or natural disaster
- Original certificate was damaged by water, fire, or age
- Bank or insurance company needs proof of marriage
- Passport application requires proof of marriage
- Name change paperwork needs proof of marriage
Contact Details and Office Location
The Miami-Dade County Marriage License Bureau is the main office for Miami City Florida marriage records. The office handles license applications, certified copies, and marriage record searches. Plan to visit during business hours for in-person service.
Miami-Dade Clerk Marriage License Bureau
Address: 601 NW 1 Court, Suite 1900, Miami, FL 33136
Phone: (786) 469-2400
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Website: https://www.miamidadeclerk.gov/clerk/marriage-licenses.page
Frequently Asked Questions
The questions below cover common concerns about Miami City Florida marriage records. These answers reflect current Florida law and clerk office procedures as of 2026. Check with the clerk office for the most recent fee and rule changes before placing your order.
How long does it take to get a certified copy of a Miami marriage record?
Online orders for certified copies of Miami marriage records process within 2 to 5 business days. Mail orders take 7 to 14 business days depending on the postal service. In-person requests at the Marriage License Bureau give you the certified copy the same day in most cases. Rush service is not available for mail or online orders but walk-in customers get same-day service if the record is in the system.
Can I get a Florida marriage certificate if I got married in another state?
Florida cannot issue a marriage certificate for a marriage that took place in another state. You need to contact the vital records office in the state where the marriage happened. Each state has its own rules for certified copies and fees. If you got married in Miami and now live in another state, you can still order your Florida certified copy through the Miami-Dade clerk or Florida Department of Health.
Are Miami marriage records public for everyone to see?
Yes, Miami marriage records are public under Florida law. Anyone can search the online portal by name and view basic record details. Certified copies have the same public access with limited redaction of Social Security numbers. People at risk of harm can file for confidentiality under Section 119.071 to keep their records private.
What if I do not know the exact year of my marriage in Miami?
The clerk office charges a $2 search fee for each year checked when you do not know the marriage year. The clerk will search the records and find the correct entry. You can also try searching the online portal by name and narrowing down by approximate age or spouse name. Genealogy researchers often need this search service when working with old family records.
Can I search Miami marriage records from my phone?
Yes, the Miami-Dade online marriage portal works on phones, tablets, and computers. The mobile site lets you search by name and view record details. Ordering certified copies from a phone requires a credit card and a valid email address. The site works on both iPhone and Android browsers without a special app.
What is the difference between a marriage license and a marriage certificate?
A marriage license is the legal permission to get married. It must be obtained before the ceremony and signed by the officiant, witnesses, and the couple. A marriage certificate is the official record that proves the marriage took place. The clerk creates the certificate after recording the signed license. Certified copies of the certificate serve as legal proof for name changes, benefits, and other purposes.
Do I need an appointment to get a marriage license in Miami?
No appointment is required for a marriage license in Miami-Dade County. Walk-ins are welcome at the Marriage License Bureau Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Appointments help reduce wait time and can be scheduled through the clerk website. Both parties must appear together regardless of whether you have an appointment or walk in.