Tamarac City Florida marriage records show the legal proof that two people got married in or near Tamarac, Florida. These records are kept by Broward County because Tamarac sits inside that county.
Anyone can ask for a copy of a Tamarac marriage record, even if their name is not on the record. This page covers how to get a marriage license, how to search old records, how to order certified copies, and what to do if you lost the certificate.
Where to Get Marriage Records in Tamarac
Marriage records for Tamarac are handled by Broward County and the State of Florida. Tamarac does not have its own marriage office. The county clerk and the state both keep copies of every marriage that takes place in Florida. Below are the three main places to get Tamarac marriage records.
Broward County Clerk of Courts
The Broward County Clerk of Courts keeps all marriage records for Tamarac couples. The clerk office files the original marriage certificate after the wedding. This office is the fastest place to get a copy if the marriage happened in the last few years. The clerk keeps records dating back to 1915.
The clerk office for Tamarac marriages sits at:
- Address: 540 SE 3rd Avenue, Room 02460, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
- Phone: (954) 831-7283
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- Service Type: Walk-in only, no appointments
State Bureau of Vital Statistics
The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics, which sits under the Florida Department of Health, keeps marriage records from 1927 onward. The state office is a backup copy for every marriage that happens in Florida. You can ask the state for a certified copy if you do not want to deal with the county clerk. State copies work the same as county copies for legal purposes.
Authorized Third-Party Vendors
Third-party vendors like VitalChek can order Tamarac marriage records on your behalf. They charge a processing fee on top of the regular fee. Vendors are useful if you live outside Florida and cannot visit the clerk office. The county clerk and state office both work with these vendors for online and phone orders.
Marriage License Application Process
Couples who want to get married in Tamarac must first apply for a marriage license. The license is the legal paper that lets the wedding take place. Without a valid license, the marriage is not legal in Florida. The application process happens at the Broward County Clerk of Courts office in Fort Lauderdale.
Who Must Appear in Person
Both people applying for the marriage license must show up at the clerk office at the same time. Florida law does not allow one person to apply alone. Both applicants need to be at least 18 years old. If either person is 17, a parent or guardian must come with them and sign a consent form.
Documents You Need to Bring
Each person must bring a valid photo ID. The clerk accepts driver licenses, passports, state IDs, military IDs, and alien registration cards. U.S. citizens also need to bring their Social Security number. If either person was married before, they must know the exact date the prior marriage ended, whether through divorce, death, or annulment.
| Document Type | Who Needs It | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Photo ID | Both applicants | Driver license, passport, state ID, military ID, alien registration card |
| Social Security Number | U.S. citizens | SSN card or memory of the number |
| Prior Marriage End Date | Previously married applicants | Date of divorce, death, or annulment |
| Parental Consent | 17-year-old applicants | Signed form with parent present |
| Court Order | 16-year-old applicants | Family court approval |
Fees and Payment Methods
The marriage license fee in Tamarac follows the same rates as the rest of Broward County. The clerk office accepts cash and credit cards. The clerk does not accept checks for marriage licenses or ceremonies. Below are the current fees for 2026.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Marriage License (standard) | $86.00 |
| Marriage License (with premarital course) | $61.00 |
| Clerk Wedding Ceremony | $30.00 |
| Certified Copy of Marriage Record | $3.00 per copy |
| Additional State Certified Copy | $4.00 per copy |
| State Search with One Certified Copy | $5.00 total |
Taking a premarital course from a Florida-approved provider cuts the license fee by $25. The course must be done within one year before applying for the license. The course also removes the three-day waiting period. Many Tamarac couples choose the course to save money and time.
Waiting Period and Validity Rules
Florida has a three-day waiting period between getting the license and having the ceremony. The waiting period does not apply to non-Florida residents. A premarital course also removes the wait for Florida residents. Once issued, the marriage license stays valid for 60 days. If the couple does not marry within 60 days, the license expires and they must apply again.
Searching Tamarac Marriage Records Online
Many Tamarac marriage records are available to search online at no cost. The Broward County Clerk and the Florida Department of Health both run online search tools. Older records may also appear on genealogy sites like FamilySearch and Ancestry. Below are the main online sources for Tamarac marriage records.
Broward County Records Portal
The Broward County Clerk of Courts runs a free online records search. The portal includes marriage records filed in Broward County from 1915 onward. Users can search by name and view the marriage date, license number, and book and page reference. The portal does not include certified copies, but it does show basic record data.
Records not found online may still exist in paper form at the clerk office in Fort Lauderdale. Some early Tamarac marriage records were filed before digital record-keeping started. A manual search at the clerk office can locate these older records.
Florida Department of Health Index
The Florida Department of Health keeps an online index of marriage records from 1927 onward. The state index covers all Florida counties, including Broward. The state charges $5 for a search and one certified copy, with extra copies at $4 each. The state index is a good backup if the county clerk cannot find a record.
Genealogy and Family History Sources
FamilySearch and Ancestry both have large collections of Florida marriage records. These sites are useful for historical and genealogical research. They often have records going back to the 1800s. FamilySearch offers free access, while Ancestry requires a paid subscription or library card.
Ordering Certified Copies of Tamarac Marriage Records
A certified copy of a marriage record has a raised or multicolored stamp and a signature from the issuing office. Courts, government agencies, and most employers require certified copies. Regular photocopies are not accepted for legal use. Below are the four main ways to order certified copies of Tamarac marriage records.
In-Person Requests
Walk into the Broward County Clerk of Courts at 540 SE 3rd Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. Fill out a records request form at the records desk. Show a photo ID and pay $3 per copy. Most certified copies are ready the same day. The clerk office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Mail-In Requests
Mail a written request to the Broward County Clerk of Courts, P.O. Box 14608, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33302. Include both full names, the approximate marriage date, and a check or money order for $3 per copy. Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope for the clerk to mail the certified copy back. Mail requests usually take two to four weeks.
Online and Phone Orders
Order certified copies through VitalChek, the official vendor for the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics. VitalChek accepts credit card payments online or by calling their toll-free number. VitalChek charges a processing fee on top of the regular fee. Online orders usually arrive in five to ten business days.
Replacement of Lost or Damaged Certificates
Lost or damaged marriage certificates can be replaced by ordering a new certified copy from the clerk office or the state. The process is the same as a regular certified copy request. There is no separate replacement fee. The certified copy carries the same legal weight as the original.
Special Situations and Apostille Services
Some Tamarac marriage records need extra steps before they can be used outside Florida. Common cases include name changes, international travel, and errors on the original certificate. Below are the three most common special cases for Tamarac marriage records.
Name Changes After Marriage
A marriage certificate can be used as proof of a legal name change in Florida. Take a certified copy to the Social Security Administration first to update the Social Security card. Then take a certified copy to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles to update the driver license. Banks, employers, and the passport office also accept a certified copy of the marriage certificate as name change proof.
Marriage Record Apostille for International Use
Countries outside the United States often need an apostille on a Florida marriage certificate. An apostille is a stamp from the Florida Department of State that proves the document is real. Send the certified copy to the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations, Apostille Certification, P.O. Box 6327, Tallahassee, FL 32314. The apostille fee is $10 per document in 2026. Some countries require a translation in addition to the apostille.
Correcting Errors on a Marriage Certificate
Errors on a Tamarac marriage certificate can be corrected through the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics. Common errors include misspelled names, wrong dates, and missing signatures. The clerk office can help start the correction process. A correction usually costs between $20 and $50, depending on the type of error. Court-ordered changes may need a separate court order.
Tamarac Marriage Records Contact and Office Details
The Broward County Clerk of Courts handles all Tamarac marriage records. The office sits in the Central Courthouse, Midrise Building, in downtown Fort Lauderdale. Tamarac couples must travel about 20 to 30 minutes to reach the office.
- Broward County Clerk of Courts Website: https://www.browardclerk.org
- Marriage Records Division: https://www.browardclerk.org/Divisions/Marriage
- Records Request Portal: https://www.browardclerk.org/GeneralInformation/RecordsRequest
- Florida Department of Health Marriage Records: https://www.floridahealth.gov/certificates-records/marriage-certificates
- VitalChek Florida Orders: https://www.vitalchek.com/v/marriage-records/florida
- Florida Statutes Chapter 741: https://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799/0741/0741ContentsIndex.html
- Florida Statutes Chapter 119: https://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0100-0199/0119/0119ContentsIndex.html
- Address: 540 SE 3rd Avenue, Room 02460, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
- Phone: (954) 831-7283
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Tamarac Marriage Records FAQ
Below are common questions people ask about Tamarac City Florida marriage records. These answers cover licenses, certified copies, searches, and special cases. The answers are based on the current 2026 Florida laws and Broward County Clerk rules.
How do I search Tamarac marriage records for free?
Search the Broward County Clerk of Courts records portal at no cost. The portal has marriage records from 1915 onward. Search by last name to see the marriage date, license number, and book and page reference. FamilySearch also offers free access to many older Florida marriage records. The state Department of Health charges $5 for a search plus one certified copy.
Can anyone get a copy of a Tamarac marriage record?
Yes. Florida marriage records are public records under Florida Statutes Chapter 119. Anyone can ask for a copy, even if their name is not on the record. The clerk office redacts Social Security numbers and other protected data before issuing the copy. Walk into the clerk office, mail a request, or order through VitalChek. Each certified copy costs $3 from the county or $4 from the state after the first copy.
How long does it take to get a certified copy of a Tamarac marriage certificate?
In-person requests at the Broward County Clerk office are usually ready the same day. Mail-in requests take two to four weeks to arrive. VitalChek online orders take five to ten business days. New marriages need 60 days before the state office has the record. The county clerk has the record faster for recent marriages.
What is the difference between a marriage license and a marriage certificate in Florida?
A marriage license is the paper that lets the wedding take place. The couple applies for the license before the wedding. A marriage certificate is the record that proves the marriage already happened. The officiant signs the license after the wedding and returns it to the clerk. The clerk files the certificate and the couple gets a certified copy for legal use.
Do I need an appointment to apply for a marriage license in Tamarac?
No. The Broward County Clerk office for marriage licenses serves walk-ins only. There is no appointment system. Both applicants must show up at the same time during business hours. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Plan to arrive at least one hour before closing to allow time for paperwork.
Can I apply for a Tamarac marriage license if I live outside Florida?
Yes. Non-Florida residents can apply for a marriage license in Broward County. There is no residency requirement in Florida. Non-residents do not have to pay the three-day waiting period, but they still pay the same license fee of $86. Out-of-state couples often apply in Florida because of the no-wait rule.
How do I get a Florida apostille on my Tamarac marriage certificate?
First, order a certified copy of the marriage certificate from the Broward County Clerk or the Florida Department of Health. Then send the certified copy to the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations, Apostille Certification, P.O. Box 6327, Tallahassee, FL 32314. Include a check or money order for $10 per document in 2026. The apostille usually takes two to four weeks by mail. Walk-in service is also available at the Tallahassee office.