Highlands County marriage license records are public documents stored by the Clerk of the Circuit Court in Sebring, Florida, and by the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville. These records show every marriage license applied for in Highlands County since the county was formed.
Anyone can request a copy of a marriage license record or a marriage certificate by contacting the local clerk’s office, the state office of vital statistics, or an approved online vendor like VitalChek. This page explains exactly where to go, what to bring, how much it costs, and how long each step takes.
Who Manages Highlands County Marriage License Records
Two main offices keep Highlands County marriage license records. The local clerk handles new applications and copies of recent records. The state office keeps older records and certified copies that work in all 50 states. Both offices can help you search, order, or verify a marriage record.
Highlands County Clerk of the Circuit Court
The Highlands County Clerk of the Circuit Court sits at 590 South Commerce Avenue in Sebring, Florida 33870. This office issues new marriage licenses and keeps records for all licenses filed in the county. You can call the clerk at (863) 402-6565 during regular business hours. Walk-ins are accepted, and no appointment is needed. The clerk’s website at highlandsclerkfl.gov lists hours, fees, and forms.
Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics
The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics is part of the Florida Department of Health. Its main office is in Jacksonville. This office holds statewide Florida marriage records from 1927 to the present. The state office can issue a certified copy of a marriage certificate that works for legal use anywhere in the United States. You can order by mail, in person, or through the state’s approved online partner.
Florida Department of Health Vital Records Office
The Florida Department of Health runs the state’s vital records office. This office works with county clerks across Florida to collect and store marriage data. The state office sends the official Florida marriage license records database to the clerk of court in each county. Records older than 1927 are not on file at the state level and must come from the local county clerk.
How to Get Married in Highlands County
Getting married in Highlands County starts with a trip to the clerk’s office in Sebring. Both people must show up in person together. The process takes about 30 minutes if you bring the right papers and know the fees.
Marriage License Requirements in Highlands County
Florida law sets the rules for every county, including Highlands. Under Florida Statute 741.04, both people must be at least 18 years old. You do not need to live in Florida. You do not need a blood test. You only need a valid photo ID and a Social Security number. The clerk will give you a short form to fill out at the counter. If either person was married before, you must write down the date the last marriage ended and how it ended.
Documents You Need to Bring
Both applicants must bring a photo ID, such as a driver’s license, state ID card, or passport. U.S. citizens must also bring their Social Security number. Non-citizens can show an Alien Registration Number in place of a Social Security number. If either person was married before, bring a copy of the divorce decree, annulment paper, or death certificate. The clerk may ask to see proof of age even if you look older than 18.
- Valid photo ID for each applicant
- Social Security number or Alien Registration Number
- Divorce decree, annulment, or death certificate (if applicable)
- Payment for the license fee
- Certificate of completion for a premarital course (if you want the fee discount)
Who Can Apply for a Highlands County Marriage License
Any two adults aged 18 or older can apply. You do not need to be a Florida resident. Out-of-state and out-of-country couples often come to Highlands County to marry. People under 18 can apply only with parental consent and a judge’s approval under Florida law. Same-sex couples have the same rights as opposite-sex couples under Florida law.
Marriage License Fees in Highlands County
The base marriage license fee in Highlands County is $86.00. This rate is set by Florida Statute 741.01 and is the same across all 67 Florida counties. If you and your partner take a four-hour premarital course from a registered provider, the fee drops to $61.00. This $25.00 savings also waives the three-day waiting period for Florida residents. The clerk accepts cash, money order, and most major credit cards.
| License Type | Fee | Waiting Period |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Florida Marriage License | $86.00 | 3 days for Florida residents |
| License with Premarital Course | $61.00 | No waiting period |
| Out-of-State Applicant Fee | $86.00 | No waiting period |
Highlands County Marriage License Waiting Period
Florida law sets a waiting period before a marriage license becomes active. The waiting period starts the day you apply at the clerk’s office. The license becomes valid on the fourth day after the application date. The license is then good for 60 days.
Three-Day Waiting Rule
Florida residents must wait three full days after applying before the license is valid. This rule applies in Highlands County and every other Florida county. Day one is the day you apply. Day two is the next day. Day three is the day after that. Your license becomes valid on day four. The ceremony must happen between day four and day 60.
Premarital Course Waiver
Under Florida Statute 741.0305, the three-day wait can be waived. You and your partner must take a four-hour premarital course from a registered provider. The course covers communication, conflict resolution, money matters, and parenting. Both people can take the same class or different classes. Bring the original certificate to the clerk when you apply. This also lowers the license fee to $61.00.
Out-of-State Applicant Exception
If both applicants live outside Florida, the three-day wait does not apply. The license becomes valid the same day you apply. This rule helps tourists, snowbirds, and destination wedding couples. You must show proof that neither of you is a Florida resident, such as a driver’s license from another state.
After the Marriage Ceremony in Highlands County
Once the license is active, you can have the ceremony anywhere in Florida. A licensed officiant must perform the ceremony. After the ceremony, the officiant files the signed license with the county clerk where the license was issued.
Officiant Filing Requirements
The officiant, witnesses, and couple all sign the marriage license after the ceremony. The officiant must return the signed license to the Highlands County clerk’s office within 10 days. The clerk records the license in the official marriage index. Late filings can delay the certified copy of the marriage certificate.
State Recording Timeline
After the clerk records the license, a copy goes to the Florida Department of Health in Jacksonville. The state office records the marriage in the statewide Florida marriage index. This state filing takes about 60 days. Once the state has the record, you can order a certified copy of the marriage certificate from the state office, the county clerk, or VitalChek.
Marriage Certificate Copies
You can get a certified copy of your marriage certificate as soon as the clerk records the license. The county clerk can issue a copy the same day in person. The state office can also issue a copy, but the state copy may take longer if the state filing is not yet complete. Both copies are legal proof of marriage.
How to Search Highlands County Marriage Records
Highlands County marriage records are open to the public. You can search by name, by date range, or by license number. There are three main ways to search: in person at the clerk’s office, online through official portals, or by mail.
In-Person Records Search
Walk into the Highlands County clerk’s office at 590 South Commerce Avenue, Sebring, FL 33870. Staff at the public records counter can search the marriage index by name and date. There is no fee to view public records in person. You only pay if you want a printed or certified copy. Bring a photo ID for any official record request.
Online Records Search Options
The MyFloridaCounty official records portal lets you search marriage license records across all Florida counties, including Highlands County. The state portal covers documents recorded in the Official Records index. For marriage license records, the county clerk’s online search tool or the state Bureau of Vital Statistics search tool can help you locate a record by name and year.
Mail-In Records Request
You can mail a request to the Highlands County clerk’s office or to the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics. Include the full name of both spouses, the year of marriage, your contact details, and a check or money order for the fee. The clerk’s office accepts mail requests for certified copies of marriage licenses filed in Highlands County.
Order a Certified Copy of a Highlands County Marriage Certificate
A certified copy of a marriage certificate has a raised seal or stamp that makes it legal for name changes, insurance, immigration, and other legal matters. You can order one from the local clerk, the state office, or VitalChek.
State Office Fees and Processing
The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics charges $5.00 for a search and one certified copy. Each extra copy at the same time is $4.00. The state office processes mail requests in about 5 to 10 business days. In-person requests at the Jacksonville office can be filled the same day.
VitalChek Online Ordering
VitalChek is the official online vendor for Florida vital records. You can order a certified marriage certificate through vitalchek.com. The state fee is $5.00, and VitalChek adds a $7.00 processing fee, plus shipping. Online orders can be processed in as little as one business day. VitalChek accepts credit and debit cards.
In-Person Pickup at Highlands Clerk
You can order and pick up a certified copy at the Highlands County clerk’s office in Sebring. Same-day pickup is common if the marriage license has already been recorded. Call (863) 402-6565 ahead of time to confirm the record is on file before you drive to the office.
Highlands County Marriage Records vs Other Florida Counties
Florida marriage license records follow the same state rules in every county, but each clerk’s office handles its own files. If your marriage license was issued in another Florida county, that county’s clerk holds the original. You can still order a certified copy from the state office for any Florida marriage.
Miami-Dade Marriage Records Search
Miami-Dade County marriage license records are kept by the Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts. The clerk’s office is in downtown Miami. The office processes more marriage license applications than any other Florida county due to high tourism and residency. Online search tools are available on the Miami-Dade clerk’s website.
Broward County Marriage Records
Broward County marriage license records are managed by the Broward County Clerk of Courts in Fort Lauderdale. The office offers online marriage license records search through its official records portal. Broward also accepts walk-in applications for new marriage licenses.
Orange County Florida Marriage Records
Orange County marriage license records are kept by the Orange County Clerk of Courts in Orlando. The Orange County clerk serves a high volume of couples because of Orlando’s wedding industry. Online search tools and in-person services are both available.
Duval County Marriage License Records
Duval County marriage license records are managed by the Duval County Clerk of Courts in Jacksonville. The Duval clerk also handles requests for state-certified copies of marriage certificates filed in any Florida county.
Hillsborough County Marriage Records
Hillsborough County marriage license records are held by the Hillsborough County Clerk of Court in Tampa. The office offers both in-person and online records search. Hillsborough follows the same statewide fees and waiting period rules.
Palm Beach County Marriage Records
Palm Beach County marriage records are held by the Palm Beach County Clerk of Courts in West Palm Beach. The clerk provides online access to the official records index and in-person services for certified copies.
Pinellas County Marriage Records
Pinellas County marriage records are managed by the Pinellas County Clerk of Court in Clearwater. The office serves St. Petersburg, Clearwater, and the Gulf beaches. Pinellas accepts walk-in applications for marriage licenses.
Florida Marriage Records Verification and Archive
Florida marriage license verification confirms that a marriage took place and is on file with the state. Banks, insurance companies, and immigration offices often ask for verification before changing a name or issuing a benefit.
Florida Marriage License Verification
You can verify a Florida marriage license by ordering a certified copy of the marriage certificate. The clerk’s office and the state Bureau of Vital Statistics both issue certified copies that serve as proof of marriage for legal and government use. The certified copy lists the full names of both spouses, the date of marriage, the county where the license was issued, and the file number.
Florida Marriage Records Archive
The Florida marriage records archive goes back to 1927. Records before 1927 are not on file with the state and must be requested from the county clerk of the county where the license was issued. Some older county records have been scanned and placed online. You may need to contact the county clerk for older records that are not on the state database.
Common Questions About Highlands County Marriage Records
Many people ask whether marriage records are free, how long the search takes, and whether they can order records from another state. Below are the most common questions about Highlands County marriage license records and how to handle each one.
Can I Search Highlands County Marriage Records for Free?
Yes. The Highlands County clerk’s office lets you view the marriage index at no charge when you visit in person. The MyFloridaCounty portal lets you search official records online at no charge. You only pay when you want a printed or certified copy of a marriage record.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Certified Copy?
In-person requests at the Highlands County clerk’s office are often filled the same day. Mail requests to the state Bureau of Vital Statistics take about 5 to 10 business days. VitalChek online orders can be processed in as little as one business day, plus shipping time.
Can I Get a Marriage Record From Another State?
No. The Highlands County clerk and the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics can only issue Florida marriage records. For a marriage that took place in another state, contact the vital records office in that state. For marriages in another country, contact that country’s embassy or consulate.
Is the Marriage License the Same as the Marriage Certificate?
No. A marriage license is the application that lets you get married. A marriage certificate is the proof that the marriage took place. The license is signed by the couple, witnesses, and officiant after the ceremony. The clerk then records it as a marriage certificate.
Highlands County Marriage License Records Office Contact
The Highlands County Clerk of the Circuit Court is the main office for all marriage license records filed in the county. You can visit, call, or write to the office during regular business hours.
Office Address: 590 South Commerce Avenue, Sebring, FL 33870
Phone: (863) 402-6565
Website: highlandsclerkfl.gov
Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM Eastern Time
Walk-Ins: Welcome, no appointment needed
Frequently Asked Questions About Highlands County Marriage License Records
The questions below cover common issues people face when looking for marriage records in Highlands County. Each answer gives clear steps so you can complete your search or order without delay. These FAQs target long-tail search queries and help fill gaps found in competing pages.
How Far Back Do Highlands County Marriage Records Go?
Highlands County was created in 1921, but the state Bureau of Vital Statistics only holds Florida marriage records from 1927 onward. Marriage license records from 1927 to the present are on file with the state and the county clerk. For marriages before 1927, you must contact the county clerk directly. Some early county records are stored only in physical ledgers and may take extra time to search. The state archive does not hold pre-1927 Florida marriage records.
Can I Find Out if Someone Was Married in Highlands County?
Yes. Florida marriage records are public records under Florida law. You can search the Highlands County marriage index in person at the clerk’s office or through the MyFloridaCounty online portal. You need the full name of at least one spouse and an approximate year of marriage. There is no fee to view records, but a certified copy costs $5.00 from the state office.
What if the Marriage License Was Never Returned?
If the officiant never returned the signed marriage license to the clerk, the marriage may not appear in the official index. You can contact the clerk’s office to ask about a delayed filing. If a license is missing, the couple and the officiant can sign a statement under oath to correct the record. Florida law allows late filing with proper proof.
Do I Need an Appointment at the Highlands County Clerk?
No. The Highlands County clerk accepts walk-ins for marriage license applications and records requests during regular business hours. You do not need to call ahead or schedule a visit. Both applicants must appear in person at the same time for a new marriage license application.
Can a Non-Citizen Apply for a Marriage License in Highlands County?
Yes. Florida does not require U.S. citizenship to apply for a marriage license. Non-citizens can show an Alien Registration Number in place of a Social Security number. A valid passport or foreign ID is also accepted as photo identification. The clerk does not ask about immigration status during the marriage license application.
What if My Name Changed After Marriage?
You do not need to report a name change to the clerk’s office or the state. The marriage certificate proves the legal name change. To update a Social Security card, take the certified marriage certificate to the Social Security Administration. To update a driver’s license, take the certificate to a Florida DMV office.
Can I Order a Marriage Record Online for Someone Else?
Yes. Florida marriage records are public, so any eligible person can order a certified copy. You can order through VitalChek, the state Bureau of Vital Statistics, or the county clerk. You will need the full name of one spouse, the year of marriage, and a valid payment method. VitalChek charges a $7.00 processing fee on top of the state fee.