Lauderhill City marriage license records are public files managed by the Broward County Clerk of Courts. Lauderhill is a city in Broward County, Florida, with about 76,000 residents. The city sits between Fort Lauderdale and the western suburbs of the county. Marriage licenses for Lauderhill couples are issued by the Broward County Clerk because Florida law gives this job to the county clerk of the circuit court, not to cities. Any couple in Lauderhill can apply for a marriage license at one of four Broward Clerk office locations. The closest office for most Lauderhill residents is the West Regional Courthouse in Plantation, which is a short drive east on Commercial Boulevard to Pine Island Road.
How Florida Marriage Records Work
Florida marriage records have two main parts: the marriage license and the marriage certificate. The marriage license is the legal paper that lets two people get married. After the wedding, the officiant signs the license and sends it back to the county clerk. The clerk then sends the signed license to the Florida Department of Health, where it becomes a permanent marriage certificate. Both papers are public records. Anyone can request a copy by paying a small fee.
The Role of the County Clerk
The county clerk of the circuit court issues all marriage licenses in Florida. This rule comes from Florida Statute 741.01. Each of the 67 counties in Florida has a clerk that handles marriage paperwork for the cities inside that county. In Broward County, the Clerk of Courts runs four offices where couples can apply for a license. Lauderhill couples apply at any Broward Clerk location, not at a Lauderhill city office.
The Role of the Florida Department of Health
The Florida Department of Health keeps all marriage records from June 6, 1927, to the present day. After the Broward Clerk receives a signed marriage license back from the officiant, the clerk sends it to the state office in Jacksonville. The state office stores the record and issues certified copies when people ask for them. People who need a certified copy can order one from the Broward Clerk or from the Florida Department of Health.
Where to Apply for a Marriage License Near Lauderhill
Broward County has four clerk office locations that handle marriage licenses. All four offices offer the same services and charge the same fees. Walk-ins are welcome at every location, and no appointment is needed. Both people in the couple must appear together. The clerk will not start the application if only one person shows up.
West Regional Courthouse
The West Regional Courthouse is the closest option for most Lauderhill residents. The address is 100 N. Pine Island Road, Plantation, FL. This office sits about six miles west of central Lauderhill. Couples can drive east on Commercial Boulevard to reach Pine Island Road. The office accepts walk-ins Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM. The main phone number for the Broward Clerk marriage division is 954-831-7283.
Other Broward Clerk Office Locations
Three other Broward Clerk offices can also issue marriage licenses. The Central Courthouse is at 540 SE 3rd Avenue, Room 02460, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. The North Regional office is at 1600 W. Hillsboro Blvd., Deerfield Beach, FL. The South Regional office is at 3550 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, FL. All four offices have the same hours and fees.
| Office Name | Address | City |
|---|---|---|
| West Regional | 100 N. Pine Island Road | Plantation, FL |
| Central Courthouse | 540 SE 3rd Avenue, Room 02460 | Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 |
| North Regional | 1600 W. Hillsboro Blvd. | Deerfield Beach, FL |
| South Regional | 3550 Hollywood Blvd. | Hollywood, FL |
Marriage License Requirements in Lauderhill
Both people in the couple must go to the clerk office together. They need to bring valid photo ID. The clerk accepts a driver’s license, state ID card, passport, or military ID. Each person also needs to know their Social Security number. The actual Social Security card is not required, but the number is.
Age and Consent Rules
Florida law requires both people to be at least 18 years old. This rule comes from Florida Statute 741.04. A 17-year-old can apply for a license with parental consent, but only when the other person is no more than two years older. People under 17 cannot get married in Florida. Both applicants must sign the application in front of the clerk or a notary.
Documents Needed at the Clerk Office
The clerk asks for a few key items during the application. A valid photo ID is the main document. The clerk also asks for the Social Security number of each person. If either person was married before, they need to know the date the last marriage ended and how it ended (divorce, death, or annulment). No blood test is required in Florida. There is no residency rule, so people from other states or countries can apply in Lauderhill.
Common Children Form
If the couple has children together who were born in Florida, the Broward Clerk requires a form called the Affirmation of Common Children. Staff at any location can help fill out this form on site. It only adds a few minutes to the visit. The form is not required for children from other relationships or children born outside Florida.
Marriage License Fees in Lauderhill
The standard marriage license fee in Broward County is $86. This fee is the same at every office location and is set by Florida law. The fee includes a portion that goes to the Domestic Violence Trust Fund and the State Courts Revenue Trust Fund. Cash and credit cards are accepted at all Broward Clerk locations.
Reduced Fee with a Premarital Course
Couples who take a four-hour premarital preparation course can pay a lower fee. The reduced fee is $61, which saves $25. Both people must bring proof of course completion to get the discount. Florida Statute 741.0305 explains this rule. The course also removes the three-day waiting period for Florida residents.
Other Fees for Services
The Broward Clerk charges extra fees for some services. A courthouse ceremony costs $30. Each certified copy of a marriage certificate costs $3. A duplicate license costs $30. The administration of oath costs $3.50. Most couples pay the $86 base fee plus a few dollars for certified copies of their marriage certificate.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard marriage license | $86 |
| License with premarital course | $61 |
| Courthouse ceremony | $30 |
| Certified copy of certificate | $3 each |
| Duplicate license | $30 |
| Administration of oath | $3.50 |
Waiting Period and License Validity
Florida residents face a three-day waiting period after the clerk issues the marriage license. Three calendar days must pass before the wedding ceremony can happen. The license is not legal during the wait. Non-Florida residents do not have a waiting period. They can get married right away.
How to Skip the Waiting Period
Florida residents can skip the three-day wait by completing a four-hour premarital preparation course. Both people must attend the course together. They must bring the proof of completion to the clerk office when they apply. The course provider sends the proof directly to the clerk, or the couple can bring a paper copy. The same course also lowers the license fee from $86 to $61.
How Long the License Stays Valid
A Florida marriage license stays valid for 60 days from the date the clerk issues it. This rule comes from Florida Statute 741.041. If the couple does not have the wedding within 60 days, the license expires. The couple would need to apply for a new license and pay the fee again. After the wedding, the officiant must return the signed license to the Broward Clerk within 10 days.
How to Search Lauderhill Marriage Records Online
The Broward Clerk offers online access to marriage license records. People can search for existing records filed in the county. The search tool shows basic details like the names of the couple, the date of the license, and the date the license was filed. The Broward Clerk marriage page has the search tool and links to online services.
Searching the Broward Clerk Website
Visit the Broward Clerk marriage division page at browardclerk.org to search for marriage records. The website lets users look up records by name or by license number. The online records include licenses filed in Broward County from the 1950s to the present. Some older records may not be online and may require an in-person visit or a mail request.
Searching Through the MyFloridaCounty Portal
The MyFloridaCounty portal links to official records for all 67 Florida counties. Users can search by county, by name, or by date range. The portal shows public records from county clerks across Florida. Marriage records show up under the official records section of each county page. The portal is free to use for basic record searches.
Searching the Florida Department of Health Records
The Florida Department of Health keeps marriage records from June 6, 1927, to the present. People can order certified copies of marriage certificates through the Florida Department of Health website. The state office charges a fee for each certified copy. Processing times vary, but most orders ship within a few business days.
Ordering Certified Copies of Marriage Certificates
Couples who need a certified copy of their marriage certificate can order one from the Broward Clerk or from the Florida Department of Health. A certified copy has a raised seal or stamp that proves the record is real. Banks, insurance companies, and government agencies usually require a certified copy when a married person changes their name.
Ordering from the Broward Clerk
The Broward Clerk issues certified copies of marriage certificates filed in Broward County. Each copy costs $3. People can order copies in person at any clerk office, by mail, or online through the clerk website. The clerk can only issue copies of records filed in Broward County. For records filed in other Florida counties, people must contact that county’s clerk.
Ordering from the Florida Department of Health
The Florida Department of Health issues certified copies of all marriage certificates filed in Florida from June 6, 1927, to the present. The state office charges a fee for each copy. Orders can be placed online through the Florida Department of Health website, by mail, or in person at the state office in Jacksonville. The state office can issue copies for any county in Florida.
Florida Statewide Marriage Records Search
People who need to search for marriage records across Florida have several options. The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics is part of the Florida Department of Health. This office keeps the statewide index of marriage records. People can search the statewide index by bride name, by groom name, or by date range.
Florida Marriage Index by Name
The statewide marriage index allows searches by the name of the bride or the groom. The index shows the county where the license was filed and the year of the marriage. The index covers marriages from 1927 to the present. Older records from before 1927 may not be in the statewide database and may be at the county level.
Florida Marriage Records for Genealogy
People doing family research often need to look up old marriage records. The Florida Department of Health has marriage records from 1927 forward. For older records, researchers may need to check county archives or church records. Many Florida counties have archived marriage records that go back to the 1800s. The Broward Clerk has archived records that date back to the early 1900s.
Marriage License Verification
Some employers and government agencies ask for proof of marriage. The Broward Clerk and the Florida Department of Health both offer marriage license verification services. Verification confirms that a marriage record exists in the official database. The verification letter is a stamped and signed document that proves the record is real.
Marriage License Records in Other Florida Counties
Florida has 67 counties. Each county clerk handles marriage licenses for the cities within that county. People who need marriage records from other parts of Florida must contact the county clerk where the license was filed. The Florida Department of Health can also provide records from any county in the state.
Miami-Dade County Marriage Records
Miami-Dade County has its own clerk of courts that issues marriage licenses. The Miami-Dade Clerk has several office locations across the county. The main office is in downtown Miami. Marriage records from Miami-Dade County date back many decades. People can search Miami-Dade marriage records through the county clerk website or order certified copies from the Florida Department of Health.
Orange County Florida Marriage Records
Orange County covers Orlando and the surrounding area. The Orange County Comptroller handles marriage licenses in Orange County. The office is in Orlando. Marriage records from Orange County are available through the county comptroller website or through the Florida Department of Health.
Hillsborough County Marriage Records
Hillsborough County covers Tampa and the surrounding area. The Hillsborough County Clerk of Court issues marriage licenses. The office is in downtown Tampa. People can search Hillsborough marriage records online or order certified copies from the clerk or the Florida Department of Health.
Palm Beach County Marriage Records
Palm Beach County is north of Broward County. The Palm Beach County Clerk issues marriage licenses in that county. The clerk has office locations in West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, and other cities. Marriage records from Palm Beach County are available through the clerk website or through the Florida Department of Health.
Other Major Florida Counties
Several other Florida counties have large populations and active marriage record systems. Duval County covers Jacksonville and keeps records through the Duval County Clerk. Pinellas County covers St. Petersburg and Clearwater. Lee County covers Fort Myers and the surrounding area. Polk County covers Lakeland and Winter Haven. Brevard County covers the Space Coast area, including Melbourne and Cocoa Beach. Each of these counties has its own clerk that handles marriage licenses and records.
| County | Main City | Clerk Office Location |
|---|---|---|
| Miami-Dade | Miami | Downtown Miami |
| Orange | Orlando | Downtown Orlando |
| Hillsborough | Tampa | Downtown Tampa |
| Palm Beach | West Palm Beach | West Palm Beach |
| Duval | Jacksonville | Downtown Jacksonville |
| Pinellas | St. Petersburg | St. Petersburg |
| Lee | Fort Myers | Fort Myers |
| Polk | Lakeland | Bartow |
| Brevard | Titusville | Titusville |
Frequently Asked Questions
This section answers common questions about marriage license records in Lauderhill and across Florida. Each answer gives clear details based on Florida law and current office rules. People who need more help can contact the Broward County Clerk marriage division or the Florida Department of Health.
How Do I Get a Certified Copy of My Lauderhill Marriage Certificate?
You can get a certified copy of your Lauderhill marriage certificate from the Broward County Clerk or the Florida Department of Health. Each certified copy costs $3 from the Broward Clerk. You can order copies in person, by mail, or online through the clerk website. The Florida Department of Health also issues certified copies for a similar fee. The state office has records from June 6, 1927, to the present. Most orders process within a few business days. Certified copies have a raised seal or stamp that proves the record is real.
Can I Search Florida Marriage Records for Free?
Yes, you can search Florida marriage records for free through the Broward Clerk website and the MyFloridaCounty portal. These sites let you look up records by name, by date, or by license number. The search results show basic record details. Certified copies still cost a small fee. The Florida Department of Health has a free statewide marriage index that covers 1927 to the present. Old records may require a paid search request.
What Is the Difference Between a Marriage License and a Marriage Certificate?
A marriage license is the legal paper that lets two people get married. The couple applies for the license before the wedding. A marriage certificate is the final paper that proves the marriage happened. After the wedding, the officiant signs the license and returns it to the clerk. The clerk then sends the signed license to the state, where it becomes a permanent marriage certificate. The certificate is the paper you use for name changes, insurance, and other legal matters.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Marriage License in Lauderhill?
The application process at the Broward Clerk takes about 30 to 45 minutes. Both people must be present. The clerk will not start without both applicants. Plan to arrive at the office before 3:00 PM to allow time for the full process. All offices close at 3:30 PM for marriage license applications. Florida residents then wait three days before the ceremony, unless they completed a premarital course.
Can I Get Married the Same Day I Apply for a License?
Non-Florida residents can get married the same day they apply for a license in Lauderhill. Florida residents must wait three days, unless they completed a four-hour premarital preparation course. The course removes the waiting period for Florida residents and also lowers the license fee from $86 to $61. Both people must attend the course together and bring proof of completion to the clerk office.
How Far Back Do Lauderhill Marriage Records Go?
Lauderhill marriage records at the Broward Clerk go back to the early 1900s. Older records may be on microfilm or in the clerk archives. The Florida Department of Health has marriage records from June 6, 1927, to the present day. Records before 1927 may be at the county level only. People doing genealogy research may need to check county archives and church records for older marriages.
What If My Marriage License Expires Before the Wedding?
A Florida marriage license stays valid for 60 days from the date the clerk issues it. If the license expires before the wedding, the couple must apply for a new license and pay the fee again. The 60-day rule comes from Florida Statute 741.041. After the wedding, the officiant must return the signed license to the clerk within 10 days. Without that filing, the marriage is not part of the official state records.
Broward County Clerk of Courts, Marriage Division: 954-831-7283, 100 N. Pine Island Road, Plantation, FL 33324. Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM. Official Website: https://www.browardclerk.org/Divisions/Marriage