Fort Pierce City Florida marriage records cover every marriage license issued in St. Lucie County since the county formed in 1905.
The St. Lucie County Clerk of Court holds all marriage licenses, marriage certificates, and signed ceremony records for Fort Pierce residents. People can request certified copies, search public indexes, and order replacements through the clerk office, the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics, or the official third-party vendor VitalChek.
This page covers how to apply for a marriage license in Fort Pierce, current fees, online search steps, certified copy ordering, and access to older genealogy records. The clerk office phone number, address, and office hours appear at the bottom of the page.
Clerk Office Handles Fort Pierce Marriage Records
Fort Pierce is the county seat of St. Lucie County, Florida. The St. Lucie County Clerk of Court serves as the official recorder for every marriage record in the county. The clerk office issues marriage licenses, performs civil ceremonies, and stores signed marriage certificates after each ceremony. The clerk also sends copies of every record to the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville.
The clerk office sits inside the St. Lucie County Courthouse in downtown Fort Pierce. Fort Pierce residents and other St. Lucie County residents use the same office for marriage record requests. Records from June 6, 1927 forward are available through the state office as well. Records before that date exist only at the county level.
Role of the Clerk of Court
The Clerk of Court acts as the county recorder under Florida law. The clerk office accepts marriage license applications, collects fees, performs civil ceremonies, files signed marriage certificates, and issues certified copies to the public. The clerk also files court orders that amend or correct a marriage record.
Florida law makes marriage records public under Florida Statutes Chapter 119. Any person can search the marriage index or request a certified copy. The clerk office removes Social Security numbers and certain personal details from public records to protect privacy.
State Filing of Marriage Records
The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics sits inside the Florida Department of Health in Jacksonville. The state office keeps all Florida marriage records from June 6, 1927 to the present. The clerk office sends a copy of every signed certificate to the state after processing.
State filing takes about 60 days. People who married recently should start with the county clerk for faster service. The state office also handles record corrections, amendments, and apostille requests.
How to Apply for a Marriage License in Fort Pierce
Both applicants must appear in person at the Fort Pierce courthouse to apply for a marriage license. Florida law requires both people to be present at the same time. The clerk office does not allow one person to apply on behalf of both parties.
The clerk office accepts walk-ins during regular office hours. Appointments help cut wait times. The pre-application form on the St. Lucie County clerk website speeds up the visit at the counter.
Documents You Need to Bring
Both parties must show valid photo ID at the clerk counter. Accepted forms include a driver license, passport, military ID, state ID card, alien registration card, or naturalization certificate. U.S. citizens must also bring a Social Security number.
People who were married before must bring the date the last marriage ended. This includes the date of divorce, annulment, or the date a former spouse died. The clerk office uses this data to confirm each party can legally marry under Florida law.
Florida Marriage License Requirements
Florida law sets the basic marriage license requirements under Florida Statute 741.04. Both parties must be 18 or older, or have parental consent and a court order if younger. Both parties must be of sound mind. Couples cannot marry if either party is already married to someone else.
- Both parties must appear in person together.
- Both parties must show valid photo ID.
- U.S. citizens must bring a Social Security number.
- Both parties must sign the application in front of the clerk.
- Both parties must pay the license fee at the counter.
- Florida residents must wait three days after the license issues.
Out-of-State Applicants
Out-of-state applicants do not face the three-day waiting period. The rule applies only to Florida residents. People from another state can marry the same day they apply. The clerk still requires both parties to appear together with valid photo ID.
The pre-application form asks for state of residence. The clerk enters this data into the state database. People who list a non-Florida address skip the three-day wait. The license stays valid for 60 days anywhere in Florida.
Premarital Course Reduces Fee and Waiting Period
Florida Statute 741.0305 lets couples skip the three-day wait and pay a lower fee when they finish a state-approved premarital course. The course must be finished within one year of applying for the license. The provider must be registered with the Florida Supreme Court.
The certificate from the provider must be shown to the clerk at the time of application. The clerk office scans the certificate and keeps a copy with the marriage file. This certificate proves the couple met the legal training requirement.
Marriage License Fees in Fort Pierce
The Fort Pierce marriage license fee is $86 for most applicants. Couples who finish a state-approved premarital course pay a reduced fee of $61. The clerk accepts cash, Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express. Personal checks are not accepted.
The license stays valid for 60 days from the date of issue. Couples must use the license within 60 days or the license expires. Expired licenses require a new application and a new fee.
Cost Breakdown for Fort Pierce Marriage License
The table below shows common fees charged by the St. Lucie County Clerk of Court for marriage records and services. The clerk office sets these fees under Florida Statutes.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Marriage License (Regular) | $86 |
| Marriage License With Premarital Course | $61 |
| Civil Ceremony by Clerk | $30 |
| Duplicate Marriage License | $30 |
| Amendment With Court Order | $30 |
| Certified Copy First | $9 |
| Certified Copy Each Additional | $7 |
| Record Search Fee Per Year | $2 |
Additional Service Fees
The clerk office charges extra fees for some services. A marriage license amendment needs a court order plus the $30 fee. Apostille requests go through the Florida Department of State and cost extra. Rushed certified copies may cost more through third-party vendors.
The clerk office does not refund fees after the license is issued. Couples who change plans must apply for a new license and pay the fee again if the original expires.
Civil Ceremony at the Fort Pierce Courthouse
The clerk office performs civil marriage ceremonies at the Fort Pierce courthouse. The clerk charges $30 for a civil ceremony. Both parties and any witnesses must appear together. The ceremony takes about 10 minutes.
The clerk office schedules ceremonies during regular office hours. Couples must book the ceremony at the same time they apply for the license. The clerk who issues the license often performs the ceremony.
Who Can Perform a Marriage Ceremony in Florida
Florida Statute 741.07 lists who can perform marriage ceremonies in the state. Ordained ministers, judges, clerks of court, deputy clerks, and Florida notaries public can all perform legal ceremonies. The officiant must sign the marriage license after the ceremony.
The officiant must return the signed license to the clerk office within 10 days. The clerk records the document and sends a copy to the state Bureau of Vital Statistics. Witnesses are not required by Florida law.
Searching Fort Pierce Marriage Records Online
The St. Lucie County Clerk website offers a free online records search for marriage licenses and certificates. Users can search by name for free. The search returns basic record data like the date of marriage, full names, and license number.
Certified copies still cost a fee even when the search is free. Users can order certified copies online through the clerk website, in person at the courthouse, or by mail.
St. Lucie County Clerk Online Records Search
The clerk records search works on desktop and mobile browsers. Searchers enter the last name of one party and the first name of either party. The search also filters by date range and license number.
The search does not show Social Security numbers, driver license numbers, or other private data. Public records only show names, dates, and license numbers. This rule applies under Florida Statutes Chapter 119.
Florida Statewide Marriage Index
The Florida Department of Health runs the statewide marriage index from 1927 forward. Users can search the state index through the Florida Department of Health website. The state search costs $5 for one certified copy plus $4 for each extra copy of the same record.
The state index covers all 67 Florida counties. The clerk office local index only covers St. Lucie County. People who do not know the county where the marriage took place can use the statewide index to locate the record first.
Florida Marriage Records by Name
People who know the full legal name of either spouse can use the name search on the clerk website. The search covers St. Lucie County records from 1970 forward. Older records require a manual search by the clerk staff.
The name search works best when both first and last names are spelled correctly. Common name variations may require extra searches. People with name changes may have older records under a previous name.
Florida Marriage Records by Date
Date-based searches work for people who know the year or month of the marriage. The clerk records search accepts year ranges and full date ranges. The search returns records filed during that time period.
Date searches help people confirm records found through genealogy databases. Many genealogy sites include Florida marriage records by county and date range.
Florida Marriage Records by County
Each Florida county clerk office maintains marriage records for that county. People who know the county of marriage can go directly to that county clerk. The Fort Pierce clerk office serves St. Lucie County residents and visitors.
The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics also searches by county and date. This works for marriages from 1927 forward across all Florida counties.
Getting Certified Copies of Fort Pierce Marriage Records
People need certified copies of marriage records for legal name changes, passport applications, immigration paperwork, Social Security updates, and other legal uses. The clerk office issues certified copies with a raised seal and clerk signature.
Certified copies cost $9 for the first copy and $7 for each extra copy. The clerk offers three ways to request certified copies: online, in person, or by mail.
Online Order for Certified Copies
The fastest way to get certified copies is through the clerk website. Users search the public index, select the record, and pay by credit card. The clerk office mails the certified copy within 5 business days.
Online orders include a small processing fee charged by the payment vendor. This fee sits on top of the clerk fee. Total cost may be slightly higher than the listed record fee.
In-Person Request at the Courthouse
Walk-in customers can request certified copies at the clerk counter inside the Fort Pierce courthouse. The clerk office issues copies the same day for most records. Users must show a valid photo ID when requesting copies.
The clerk counter accepts cash, credit cards, and debit cards. Money orders work too. Personal checks are not accepted at the counter.
Mail Request for Certified Copies
Mail requests need a signed written request, a cashier’s check or money order payable to the Clerk of Court, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. The clerk office mails copies back within 7 to 10 business days.
The mail request form asks for the full names of both spouses, the date of marriage, and the license number if known. The clerk charges an extra $2 for each year searched when the date is unknown.
VitalChek for Florida Marriage Records
VitalChek is the official third-party vendor for Florida vital records. People can order Florida marriage certificates through VitalChek online or by phone. VitalChek charges $15 per copy plus a $7 processing fee.
VitalChek offers expedited shipping for an extra fee. People who need copies for a passport application or travel date can use VitalChek for rush service.
Historical Marriage Records in Fort Pierce
Florida historical marriage records before 1927 exist only at the county level. The Fort Pierce clerk office holds St. Lucie County records from 1905 when the county formed. Older records from Indian River County may also exist, since St. Lucie County was carved from Indian River County in 1905.
Genealogy researchers use both county records and online databases to build family trees. The state does not require the county to keep records older than 1927, but most Florida counties retain older documents.
FamilySearch Florida Marriage Records
FamilySearch.org hosts a free Florida marriage records database with images and indexes. The database covers select Florida counties and years. Researchers can search by name and view scanned images of original documents.
FamilySearch records are free to view but require a free account to access. The site adds new records every month. Florida marriage records from 1927 forward are partly available through this site.
Ancestry Florida Marriage Records
Ancestry.com hosts a larger Florida marriage records collection with paid subscription. The database covers more counties and years than FamilySearch. Researchers can build family trees and save record images.
Ancestry offers Florida marriage index entries and original images. Some records link directly to FamilySearch for free viewing through shared partnerships.
Florida Marriage Records for Genealogy Research
Genealogy researchers often start with the statewide marriage index from 1927 forward. That index confirms names, dates, and counties. Researchers can then request certified copies from the county clerk where the marriage took place.
Older records require direct contact with the county clerk. Researchers should call the clerk office before visiting to confirm what records exist and how to access them.
Marriage Record Replacement and Corrections
People who lost their marriage certificate or need a name correction can request a replacement. The clerk office issues replacement certificates with current data and a new issue date. The original record stays in the file.
Corrections to a marriage record require a court order in most cases. Spelling errors, date errors, and name changes need a court order under Florida law. The clerk office can help with the paperwork but cannot issue corrections without a court order.
Marriage Verification Letters
The clerk office issues marriage verification letters for people who need proof of marriage. These letters confirm the names, date, and county of marriage. Some banks, insurance companies, and government agencies accept verification letters in place of certified copies.
Verification letters cost less than certified copies in some cases. Call the clerk office for current fees and turnaround times.
Florida Marriage Record Apostille
An apostille is a state seal that proves a document is real for use in another country. People who need a Florida marriage record for use abroad must request an apostille from the Florida Department of State in Tallahassee.
The clerk office can certify the marriage record, but the apostille itself comes from the state office. Apostille requests can take several weeks to process depending on the volume of requests.
Florida Marriage Records Public Records Access
Florida marriage records public records are open under Florida law. Any person can search and request copies. The clerk office and the state Bureau of Vital Statistics process requests from the public. Identity is not required for public searches.
Private data like Social Security numbers and driver license numbers are removed from public indexes. Certified copies may show full details but require a valid ID to pick up in person.
Confidential Marriage Records
Florida does not issue confidential marriage licenses at the county level. All marriage records in Fort Pierce are public from the start. Some adoption and court records are confidential, but marriage records are not.
People who need to limit access to marriage records must work with the courts. Florida law does not allow the clerk office to seal marriage records without a court order.
Marriage Records Official Sites and Contact
The following phone numbers, addresses, and websites help people reach the right office for Fort Pierce marriage records. The clerk office serves walk-in customers during regular business hours. The state office processes mail and online orders for the whole state.
St. Lucie County Clerk of Court
201 South Indian River Drive
Fort Pierce, FL 34950
Phone: (772) 462-6900
Website: https://www.stlucieclerk.com/
Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics
1217 Pearl Street
Jacksonville, FL 32202
Phone: (904) 359-6900
Website: https://www.floridahealth.gov/certificates-records/marriage-certificates
Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
VitalChek Official Third-Party Vendor
Website: https://www.vitalchek.com/v/marriage-records/florida
Phone: 1-877-505-7314
Florida Department of State Apostille Requests
Phone: (850) 245-6975
Website: https://dos.fl.gov/
Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Fort Pierce Marriage Records FAQ
The questions below cover the most common requests about Fort Pierce marriage records, marriage license fees, and certified copy orders. The answers reflect current Florida law and St. Lucie County clerk office practices. People who need legal advice should contact a licensed attorney in Florida.
How much does a marriage license cost in Fort Pierce?
The marriage license fee in Fort Pierce is $86 for most applicants. Couples who finish a state-approved premarital course pay $61. The clerk accepts cash, credit cards, debit cards, and money orders. Personal checks are not accepted. The fee must be paid at the time of application.
The lower fee applies only when both partners complete the course. One partner cannot use the course certificate alone. The course must come from a provider registered with the Florida Supreme Court. The certificate must be dated within one year of the license application.
How long is a Fort Pierce marriage license valid?
A marriage license issued in Fort Pierce is valid for 60 days from the date of issue. The countdown starts the day the clerk issues the license. Couples must perform the ceremony before the license expires.
Expired licenses cannot be extended. Couples who miss the 60-day window must apply for a new license and pay the full fee again. The state marriage license application starts fresh each time and a new waiting period applies for Florida residents.
What is the waiting period for a Fort Pierce license?
Florida residents face a three-day waiting period after applying for a marriage license. The wait starts the day after the license is issued. Out-of-state applicants skip the wait and get the license the same day. Couples who finish a state-approved premarital course also skip the wait.
The wait applies only to the license. Couples cannot perform the ceremony until the wait ends. Out-of-state couples can marry the same day they apply. The license still expires 60 days after issue regardless of when the ceremony takes place.
Can I search Fort Pierce records by name online?
Yes. The St. Lucie County Clerk website offers a free name search for marriage records. Searchers enter the last name and first name of either spouse. The search returns names, dates, and license numbers at no charge.
The county search covers St. Lucie County records. State records from 1927 forward are searchable through the Florida Department of Health website. Both sites work on phones, tablets, and desktop computers.
Where do I get a certified marriage copy?
Certified copies of Fort Pierce marriage certificates come from the St. Lucie County Clerk of Court. The clerk office offers three ways to request: online, in person at the courthouse, or by mail. Online orders are fastest and ship within 5 business days.
Third-party vendors like VitalChek also issue certified copies. The state Bureau of Vital Statistics issues copies too, but state filing takes about 60 days after the marriage ceremony. County clerk records are usually ready the same day.
Are Fort Pierce marriage records public?
Yes. Fort Pierce marriage records are public under Florida Statutes Chapter 119. Any person can search the public index or order certified copies. The clerk office removes Social Security numbers and other private data from public indexes.
Certified copies cost $9 for the first one and $7 for each extra copy. The clerk charges a $2 search fee per year when the marriage date is unknown. People who need full certified copies must show ID at the counter.
Do I need an appointment for a marriage license?
No appointment is required at the St. Lucie County clerk office for a marriage license. Walk-ins are welcome during regular office hours. Appointments help reduce wait times but are not required.
The clerk office does offer a pre-application form on the website. Filling out the form before visiting speeds up the counter steps by about 10 minutes. Both parties must still appear in person together with valid photo ID and Social Security numbers for U.S. citizens.