Lafayette County marriage license records are kept by the Clerk of the Circuit Court in Mayo, Florida. The clerk’s office issues new marriage licenses and stores all old records from the county.
Mayo is the only place in Lafayette County where couples can apply for a license. Every couple who wants to get married in this county must start at this office. The clerk follows Florida state laws for every part of the process. This page explains how the system works, what documents you need, how much it costs, and where to get copies of old records.
Where to Apply in Lafayette County
Couples who want to get married in Lafayette County must go to one specific office. The county is small, with one main town, so there is only one place to handle marriage licenses. All records, new and old, pass through this single office.
The Clerk of Court Office Location
The Lafayette County Clerk of the Circuit Court sits at 120 West Main Street in Mayo, Florida. The office handles every marriage license in the county. Both members of a couple must visit the office together. No appointment is needed, and walk-ins are welcome during business hours.
Office Hours and Contact Details
The clerk’s office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The staff stops issuing marriage licenses at 4:30 p.m., so couples should arrive earlier in the day. You can call (386) 294-1600 with questions. The fax number is (386) 294-4231. Mail goes to P.O. Box 88, Mayo, FL 32066. The website at lafayetteclerk.com lists general office details and service hours.
Lafayette County Quick Facts
Lafayette County is one of the smallest counties in Florida by population. Mayo serves as the county seat. The county falls under the 3rd Judicial Circuit. The standard marriage license fee runs $86, and couples can lower it to $61 by taking a four-hour premarital course. Florida residents face a three-day wait after the license issues, while out-of-state couples do not wait at all.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| County Seat | Mayo |
| Office Address | 120 W Main St, Mayo, FL 32066 |
| Mailing Address | P.O. Box 88, Mayo, FL 32066 |
| Phone Number | (386) 294-1600 |
| Fax Number | (386) 294-4231 |
| Office Hours | Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. |
| License Cutoff Time | 4:30 p.m. |
| Standard License Fee | $86 |
| Reduced Fee After Course | $61 |
| Waiting Period for FL Residents | 3 days |
| Waiting Period for Out-of-State | None |
| License Validity | 60 days |
| Judicial Circuit | 3rd |
Who Can Apply and What to Bring
Florida law sets clear rules for who can get a marriage license and what papers each person must bring. Lafayette County follows these rules exactly. Missing a single document can delay the process or stop the application altogether.
Age and Identity Rules
Both people must be at least 18 years old to apply without parental consent. This rule comes from Florida Statute 741.04. The clerk checks each person’s photo ID to confirm age and identity. Minors can apply only in rare cases, such as when a girl is pregnant or already a parent. A doctor must sign a written statement for this exception. Same-gender couples have the same rights and follow the same steps as all other couples.
Documents You Must Bring
Each person needs a valid government photo ID. A driver’s license, state ID card, or passport all work. The clerk also asks for each person’s Social Security number. If either person was married before, extra paperwork is needed. The clerk must know whether the prior marriage ended in divorce, annulment, or death of a spouse.
If You Were Married Before
People who were married before must share the exact date the previous marriage ended. They also need to name the state and county where the divorce, annulment, or death was recorded. Florida requires this to confirm that no legal marriage still exists. The clerk uses this data to decide if the person is free to marry again.
Marriage License Fees and Payment
The cost of a marriage license in Lafayette County depends on whether the couple takes a premarital course. The state sets these fees through Florida law, so the price is the same across most counties in Florida.
Standard License Cost
The standard fee for a marriage license is $86. This cost covers the license itself, state filing fees, and other charges required by Florida law. Couples pay this fee at the clerk’s office in Mayo at the time of application. The clerk accepts different payment methods, and couples should ask about accepted forms before visiting.
Reduced Fee With a Course
Couples who take a four-hour premarital preparation course pay only $61 for the license. They save $25 this way. Florida Statute 741.0305 allows this discount. The course must come from a registered provider approved by the Lafayette County Clerk. Both people must complete the course together for the discount to apply. The clerk asks for the original certificate of completion at the time of application.
What the Fee Covers
A portion of every license fee goes to the Domestic Violence Trust Fund. Another portion goes to the State Courts Revenue Trust Fund. These funds support state programs that help families and court systems. The remaining amount covers the cost of issuing the license and storing the record permanently.
The 3-Day Waiting Period
Florida created a three-day waiting period for marriage licenses in 1999. This rule gives couples time to think before the license becomes valid. Lafayette County applies this rule to all Florida residents who apply for a license.
Who Must Wait
Florida residents must wait three full days after the license issues before the wedding can take place. The day of application does not count toward the three days. Couples should plan their wedding date based on this rule to avoid scheduling problems. The clerk calculates the exact date the license becomes valid.
How to Skip the Wait
Couples can skip the three-day wait by completing a four-hour premarital course together. The course must come from a registered minister or counselor approved by the clerk’s office. Both people must take the course together. If only one person takes the course, the waiting period still applies. The clerk needs the original course certificate at the time of application. Out-of-state residents also skip the wait. Florida exempts anyone whose home state does not require a waiting period.
License Validity Window
Every Florida marriage license stays valid for 60 days after the date of issue. The wedding ceremony must happen within this window. If the couple does not marry within 60 days, the license expires. They must apply for a new license and pay the fee again. Florida Statute 741.041 sets this 60-day limit for all counties in the state.
The Ceremony and Officiant Rules
Florida law decides who can perform a wedding ceremony and how the paperwork must be returned. Lafayette County follows these state rules exactly. Couples should choose an officiant who meets Florida’s standards.
Who Can Perform the Ceremony
Florida Statute 741.07 lists who can perform weddings. Ordained ministers, priests, rabbis, and other religious leaders can officiate. Judicial officers, clerks of the circuit court, and notaries public can also perform ceremonies. The officiant must be active and in good standing with their religious body or professional license. Florida recognizes online ordinations as long as the group meets the state’s standards.
Returning the Signed License
The officiant must return the signed marriage license to the Lafayette County Clerk’s office after the ceremony. Florida law gives the officiant up to 10 days to send the document back. The clerk records the marriage and files the original document. A copy goes to the Florida Department of Health for permanent storage. This state filing usually takes about 60 days to complete.
Where the Ceremony Can Happen
A Florida marriage license works in any of the state’s 67 counties. Couples who apply in Lafayette County can hold their wedding anywhere in Florida. Many couples apply in one county but marry in another. The license does not limit the location of the ceremony as long as it happens inside Florida state lines.
Getting Copies of Marriage Records
Couples and family members often need certified copies of marriage records for name changes, legal matters, or genealogy research. Florida offers several ways to request these documents. The method depends on how old the record is and what type of copy you need.
From the Lafayette County Clerk
The Lafayette County Clerk’s office in Mayo keeps all marriage records filed in the county. You can visit the office in person, call (386) 294-1600, or send a request by mail. The clerk provides certified copies with a raised seal for legal use. Standard fees apply, and processing times vary based on the request method.
From the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics
The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics stores marriage certificates from June 1927 to the present. You can order copies through the Florida Department of Health or through VitalChek, the state’s official online ordering service. The bureau can mail certified copies to any U.S. address. Out-of-state and international requests are also accepted, though shipping fees may differ.
Older Records Before 1927
Marriage records from before June 1927 stay only at the county clerk’s office where the original license was issued. The state did not collect these records at that time. Lafayette County marriage records before 1927 can only be requested directly from the clerk’s office in Mayo. Researchers tracing family history often need to visit or write to the county clerk for these older documents.
Online Search Tools
The MyFloridaCounty portal lets users search official records filed in any Florida county. This online tool shows recorded documents including marriage licenses. The portal works for basic lookups but does not issue certified copies. For a certified copy with a raised seal, you must contact the clerk’s office directly or use VitalChek through the Florida Department of Health.
Correcting or Updating Records
Sometimes marriage records contain errors. Names may be misspelled, dates may be wrong, or other details may need to change. The Florida Department of Health handles most corrections for marriage certificates issued after 1927. The process requires a signed application, a copy of the original record, and valid ID showing the correct data. Some corrections also require a sworn statement or court order. The Lafayette County Clerk can help with corrections to records that were filed in the county but not yet recorded with the state.
Contact Information and Map
The Lafayette County Clerk of the Circuit Court is the official source for all marriage license records in the county. The office is located at 120 West Main Street, Mayo, Florida 32066. You can reach the office by phone at (386) 294-1600 during business hours. The mailing address is P.O. Box 88, Mayo, FL 32066. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with license services stopping at 4:30 p.m. The official website is lafayetteclerk.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section answers common questions about Lafayette County marriage license records. The answers cover fees, waiting periods, copies, and other details people often ask before visiting the clerk’s office. Each answer uses current Florida law and Lafayette County office practices as of 2026.
Can I apply for a Lafayette County marriage license online?
No. Lafayette County does not offer a full online application for marriage licenses. Both applicants must appear in person at the clerk’s office in Mayo. Florida Statute 741.04 requires both people to be present at the time of application. Some counties allow couples to fill out parts of the application online before visiting, but the final step still requires an in-person visit with both applicants and valid ID. Lafayette County follows the strict in-person rule.
How long does it take to get a certified copy of a marriage record?
The processing time depends on how you request the copy. Walk-in requests at the Lafayette County Clerk’s office often finish the same day. Mail requests usually take 5 to 10 business days. Orders through VitalChek and the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics take 5 to 15 business days for standard shipping. Rush processing is available for an extra fee through VitalChek. Processing times may be longer during peak seasons like spring and early summer.
What happens if my marriage license expires before the wedding?
The license becomes void 60 days after the issue date. The couple cannot use it for the ceremony. They must start the application process again, pay the full fee, and meet all current requirements. No extensions are allowed under Florida law. The waiting period rules apply to the new license based on the couple’s current residency status.
Do I need to be a Lafayette County resident to apply there?
No. Florida does not require applicants to live in the county where they apply. Many couples apply in a county that is most convenient for them. A Florida marriage license is valid in all 67 counties, so the application location does not matter for the wedding itself. The license fee and waiting period are set by state law and do not change by county.
Can a premarital course provider be from any Florida county?
The provider must be registered with the Lafayette County Clerk’s office for the reduced fee to apply. Florida does not have a single statewide list of approved providers. Each county clerk maintains their own list. Couples should contact the Lafayette County Clerk before taking the course to confirm the provider is registered. The clerk also needs the original certificate of completion at the time of application.
Are Lafayette County marriage records public information?
Marriage records become public after they are filed with the clerk. The Lafayette County Clerk’s office keeps the original document, and the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics stores a copy. Anyone can search basic index data through the MyFloridaCounty portal. Certified copies with a raised seal require proof of identity or a direct relationship to the people named on the record.
What forms of ID are accepted for a marriage license?
The clerk accepts a driver’s license, state-issued ID card, or passport as the primary photo ID. Military IDs are also accepted. The ID must be current and not expired. The clerk uses the ID to confirm the person’s full legal name, date of birth, and photo. A Social Security number is also required for each applicant. If a person does not have a Social Security number, the clerk explains the next steps at the time of application.