Monroe County Florida marriage records are kept by the Clerk of the Circuit Court in Key West. The office stores original marriage licenses, performs civil ceremonies, and issues certified copies.
These public records include names, dates, and county details for every marriage performed in the Florida Keys. Anyone can search these files because Florida law makes them public.
Monroe County Clerk of Court and Marriage Records
The Monroe County Clerk of the Circuit Court runs the marriage license office in Key West. The clerk issues licenses, records the signed documents after the wedding, and provides certified copies. Visitors and Florida residents can both apply at the same counter. The same office also files and indexes older marriage books going back more than a century.
Office Location and Contact Details
The Monroe County Clerk’s main office sits at 500 Whitehead Street in Key West. The mailing address is P.O. Box 1980, Key West, Florida 33041. Call the office at (305) 295-3100 for office hours, fees, and record request details. The website at monroe-clerk.com lists forms, fee schedules, and branch office details.
Office Hours and Walk-in Services
The Key West office accepts walk-in customers for marriage license applications Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Holiday closures follow the county calendar. Both applicants must appear together at the counter. No appointment is required for a license, but civil ceremonies may need to be scheduled ahead of time.
Who Can Apply for a Marriage License
Any two adults can apply for a Monroe County marriage license. Both people must be at least 18 years old, or meet Florida’s emancipation rules for younger applicants. Florida residents and visitors can both apply. The clerk does not check immigration status when issuing a license.
Requirements for a Marriage License in Monroe County
Applicants need proper photo ID, a Social Security number for U.S. citizens, and payment for the license fee. Each person signs an affidavit in front of a clerk. The couple reads a short family law handbook from the Florida Bar before the license is printed.
ID and Documents Required
Each applicant must show one valid government-issued photo ID. Accepted IDs include a driver license from any U.S. state, a U.S. passport, a military ID, a state ID card, or an alien registration card. U.S. citizens must give their Social Security number. Divorce or death records may be required if either person was married before.
Residency and Citizenship Rules
Florida law does not require either person to live in the state. Tourists coming to the Keys for a destination wedding can apply the same day they arrive. U.S. citizenship is not required to get a Monroe County marriage license. The clerk only checks the documents listed in the law.
Age and Consent Rules
Both applicants must be 18 or older under Florida law. People aged 16 or 17 can marry with parental consent and a court order. Anyone under 16 cannot marry in Florida. The clerk will not issue a license if these rules are not met. A birth certificate or passport may be requested for younger applicants.
Waiting Period Rules
Florida residents must wait three days after the license is issued before the ceremony can take place. Non-Florida residents skip the waiting period. Taking an approved premarital course waives the three-day wait for Florida residents. The clerk collects proof of the course at the time of application.
Marriage License Fees and Costs
Monroe County charges a base fee of $86 for a marriage license. Florida residents who complete a premarital course pay $61 instead. Civil ceremonies at the clerk office cost $30 extra. Certified copies of completed licenses have their own fees.
Standard License Fee
The standard marriage license fee in Monroe County is $86. This includes the $2 application fee and a $25 charge for the Domestic Violence Trust Fund under Florida Statute 741.01. The clerk accepts cash, money orders, and major credit cards. Card payments may carry a small surcharge.
Reduced Fee With Premarital Course
Couples who complete an approved premarital course pay a reduced fee of $61. The course cuts $25 off the license cost under Florida Statute 741.0305. The course must be finished within one year before the license application. A certificate from the provider must be shown at the clerk window.
Civil Ceremony Fee
The Monroe County clerk performs civil ceremonies for $30. The ceremony takes place at the Key West courthouse by appointment. Couples bring their own witnesses if they wish. The clerk signs as the officiant and returns the completed license for recording.
Certified Copy Fees
Each certified copy of a recorded Monroe County marriage license costs between $2.50 and $9. The first copy given to the couple after recording is free. Additional copies must be ordered from the clerk or the state records office. Rush service costs extra at the state walk-in counter in Jacksonville.
How to Apply for a Marriage License
The application process is short and done in person. Both people show up together at the Key West office. They present ID, sign the affidavit, and read the family law handbook. The clerk prints the license after payment.
Application Process Steps
Follow these steps at the Monroe County clerk office:
- Arrive together with valid photo ID for both applicants.
- Provide a Social Security number if you are a U.S. citizen.
- Show divorce or death records if either person was married before.
- Read the Florida Bar Family Law Handbook.
- Sign the sworn affidavit at the clerk window.
- Pay the license fee with cash, money order, or credit card.
- Receive the printed license to use within 60 days.
Reading the Family Law Handbook
The Florida Bar publishes a Family Law Handbook that every couple must read. The handbook covers marriage rights, child support, and domestic violence resources. A short quiz at the end shows the clerk you finished the booklet. The handbook is free at the office and online.
Signing the Affidavit
Both applicants sign a sworn affidavit under Florida Statute 741.04. The affidavit lists full legal names, dates of birth, and Social Security numbers. If either party was married before, the exact date the last marriage ended must be on the form. False statements can lead to felony charges under state law.
After the License Is Issued
The clerk prints the license on the spot. The 60-day countdown starts the same day. Florida residents must wait three days unless they have a premarital course certificate. Non-residents can marry right away. The license can be used anywhere in Florida before it expires.
Performing the Wedding Ceremony
The wedding ceremony must follow Florida Statute 741.07. An authorized officiant performs the marriage. Witnesses are not required in Florida but may be added at the couple’s request.
Who Can Officiate
Florida allows ordained ministers, judges, clerks, deputy clerks, and notaries public to officiate weddings. Many destination wedding venues in the Keys provide their own officiants. Out-of-state ministers can register with the county clerk before the ceremony. The clerk keeps a list of registered officiants for each county.
Returning the Signed License
The officiant signs the license after the ceremony. The signed license must be returned to the Monroe County clerk within 10 days. Under Florida Statute 741.09, the clerk records the document and issues one free certified copy to the couple. Late filings may require a sworn statement explaining the delay.
Marriage License Validity Period
A Monroe County marriage license stays valid for 60 days from the date of issue. The license can be used anywhere in Florida during that time. After 60 days, the license expires and a new application is required. Expired licenses cannot be used for a ceremony and are not recorded.
How to Find and Order Monroe County Marriage Records
There are several ways to search for an existing Monroe County marriage record. The local clerk, state records office, and third-party online portals all keep copies. Some records from the 1800s may need special research steps.
Searching the Clerk’s Local Records
The Monroe County clerk office in Key West keeps the original paper files. You can search the indexes in person during office hours. Staff will help locate the book and page number for a specific year. Copies can be printed and certified on the spot for a small fee.
Using the My Florida County Records Portal
The My Florida County Records portal at myfloridacounty.com lets you search official records across many Florida counties. You can search by name, date range, and document type. Results show the county of filing and the clerk’s case number. The portal charges a fee for viewing or printing documents.
Searching the Statewide Marriage Index
The Florida Department of Health keeps a statewide marriage index from 1927 forward. The index lists names, marriage date, and county. The index itself is free to search through FamilySearch or state library tools. Certified copies from the state cost $5 for the first year searched, with extra fees for additional years.
Florida Department of Health Records Office
The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics operates from Jacksonville. The office handles statewide marriage certificates and issues state-level certified copies. Mail orders go to P.O. Box 210, Jacksonville, FL 32231-0042. Walk-in customers can visit the office at 1217 Pearl Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202.
Online Ordering Through VitalChek
VitalChek is the official online ordering service for Florida records. The site lets you order a certified Florida marriage certificate online at vitalchek.com. The base fee is $15 plus a $7 processing charge. Payments go through a secure checkout with credit or debit card.
FamilySearch and Free Genealogy Sites
FamilySearch.org hosts many Florida marriage records from county courthouses and the state archive. The site lets you search by name, year, and spouse name at no cost. Images of older Monroe County marriage books are uploaded as they become available. Local libraries offer free access to Ancestry.com through their genealogy collections.
Certified Copies and Document Replacement
A certified copy of a Monroe County marriage certificate acts as legal proof of marriage. People need certified copies for name changes, immigration paperwork, insurance, and pension claims. The clerk or the state office can both provide them.
Getting Certified Copies in Person
Visit the Key West clerk office during business hours to request a certified copy in person. Bring a valid photo ID. Staff will search the records and print the certified copy at the counter. Payment is due at the time of request.
Ordering by Mail
Mail orders for state-certified copies go to the Jacksonville office. Include both names before first marriage, dates of birth, marriage date, and county. Add a check or money order payable to Vital Statistics. Do not send cash in the mail. Most mail orders process within 3 to 5 business days for records after 1970.
Online Order Methods
Online orders go through the VitalChek network. You create an account, fill in the record details, and pay by card. The system matches your request to the state index and emails you a tracking number. Most online orders arrive in 5 to 10 business days by mail.
Apostille for Out-of-State or International Use
An apostille is a state certification used in countries that joined the Hague Convention. The Florida Department of State issues apostilles in Tallahassee. The marriage certificate must be a state-certified copy before the apostille can be added. Apostille requests include a separate form and fee.
Historical Monroe County Marriage Records
Older Monroe County marriage records sit in the clerk’s archive. The state started collecting marriage data on June 6, 1927. Anything before that date stays only in the county files.
Records Before June 1927
The Monroe County clerk holds the only copy of any marriage license issued before June 6, 1927. The state did not collect data before that date. Researchers must visit the Key West office or hire a local researcher to view older books. Some early records are in fragile condition and have limited handling rules.
Records From the Statewide Index
The statewide marriage index covers June 1927 to the present. The index lists name, date, county, and certificate number. You can search the index online through FamilySearch or order a search from the state. Older indexes are on microfilm at the state library in Tallahassee.
Genealogy Research Tips
Genealogy researchers should check the county books first, then the statewide index. Many early Florida marriage records list only one spouse’s full name. The other spouse may appear by initials. Old records may have faded ink or torn pages, so a flashlight and patience help. Cross-checking with church and census records improves results.
Florida Marriage License Verification
Couples, employers, and attorneys may need to verify a marriage license or certificate. Florida offers a few ways to confirm a marriage took place and was recorded properly.
Verifying a License Is Active
Call the Monroe County clerk office to check if a marriage license is still active. The clerk can search the license number and confirm the issue date. A license that has not been returned is not yet recorded. Active means the 60-day clock has not run out.
Verifying a Marriage Was Recorded
A recorded marriage shows up in the statewide index and the county records. Order a verification letter from the state records office for legal proof. The letter lists the marriage date, county, and certificate number. This letter is accepted by courts and federal agencies as proof of marriage.
Nearby County Clerk Offices
Monroe County borders only two other counties in Florida. If your search crosses county lines, contact one of these nearby clerk offices:
- Collier County Clerk of Courts, 3315 Tamiami Trail E, Naples, FL 34112, (239) 252-2646
- Miami-Dade County Clerk of Courts, 73 W Flagler Street, Miami, FL 33130, (305) 275-1155
Monroe County Clerk Contact and Hours
The Monroe County Clerk of the Circuit Court operates the marriage license office at 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040. The main phone line is (305) 295-3100. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The official website is monroe-clerk.com. Mail goes to P.O. Box 1980, Key West, FL 33041. Walk-in customers for marriage licenses do not need an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section answers common questions about Monroe County marriage records. Each answer gives you the current rule, fee, or process based on Florida law and county practice. Use these answers as a starting point before you contact the clerk for your specific situation.
How long does the license process take?
The marriage license application takes about 20 to 30 minutes at the Key West clerk window. Both applicants must appear together at the counter because Florida law requires both parties to be present. Each person shows a valid government-issued photo ID such as a driver license, passport, or state ID card. Each person signs a sworn affidavit that lists full legal names, dates of birth, and Social Security numbers. After the affidavit is signed, the clerk prints the license on the spot and starts the 60-day clock. Florida residents must wait three days before the ceremony takes place under Florida Statute 741.04. The three-day wait is skipped if the couple brings a valid premarital course certificate from a registered provider. Non-Florida residents can marry the same day they apply because the waiting period does not apply to out-of-state applicants. The whole visit usually takes under one hour from check-in to license in hand if all paperwork is ready.
Can I get married the same day in Key West?
Yes, if you are not a Florida resident. Visitors from other states or countries skip the three-day waiting period. You apply, get the license, and have the ceremony all on the same day. The license stays valid for 60 days and works anywhere in Florida, including the Keys, Miami, Orlando, and Tampa. Florida residents who want to marry the same day must complete an approved premarital course and bring the certificate to the clerk window. Without the course, residents face the three-day delay even for a quick courthouse wedding. Many Keys wedding venues arrange same-day ceremonies for out-of-state couples because the law makes the process simple. Always confirm the ceremony location and the officiant before you apply for the license to avoid any gaps in timing.
Where do I order a certified copy?
Order from the Monroe County clerk in Key West or the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville. Online orders go through VitalChek.com, the state’s official ordering vendor. The clerk charges a small fee per certified copy, often between $2.50 and $9 for the first copy depending on the year. The state charges $5 for the first search year plus extra fees for additional years and copies. Mail orders to the state take 3 to 5 business days for records after 1970. Walk-in orders at the Jacksonville office can be processed the same day. Include both names before first marriage, dates of birth, the marriage date, and the county where the license was filed. A check or money order payable to Vital Statistics is required for mail orders.
What if my record is not at the state level?
Very recent marriages take time to reach the state index. The state usually receives the file about 60 days after the clerk records it. If your record does not show up yet, contact the Monroe County clerk office directly. The county file is the source of truth until the state copy is filed. The clerk can search the local books and provide a certified copy even if the state index has not updated. State system delays can also happen for older records that were filed before the modern statewide database went online. In those cases, the state office can run a manual search for a small fee per year checked. Always keep a personal copy of your certified marriage certificate in case future searches are needed.
Can I search for someone else’s record?
Yes. Florida law makes marriage records public under Chapter 119. You do not need to be a spouse to ask for a copy. Social Security numbers and certain protected details get redacted from copies. Anyone can search the index and order a copy with a valid photo ID and the small fee. The clerk will ask for a name and date range to locate the record. Genealogists, attorneys, employers, and private investigators use these records for legal and personal research. Some online portals may require an account and credit card for searches. Marriage records are also used for background checks, family history projects, and legal proof of relationship for inheritance or insurance claims.
How do I get an apostille?
First order a state-certified copy from the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics. Then send that certified copy to the Florida Department of State in Tallahassee. Fill out the apostille request form and pay the fee. The Department of State mails the apostilled document back to you. Apostilles are needed when a Florida marriage certificate will be used in a country that joined the Hague Convention. The processing time is usually a few business days at the Tallahassee office. Mail orders add transit time on both ends. If the destination country is not part of the Hague Convention, a different authentication process through the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C. may be required.
What if I lost my certificate?
You can order a replacement certified copy from the Monroe County clerk or the state records office. The clerk office handles local records and the state handles statewide records. A certified replacement has the same legal weight as the original under Florida law. Bring ID and pay the copy fee to get a new certified copy. If you need multiple copies for immigration, name changes, or insurance, order them at the same time to save on processing fees. Keep the certified copy in a safe place such as a fireproof safe or bank deposit box. Many couples also scan and store a backup copy in a secure cloud account for future reference.