-
Clerk
of the Circuit Court
-
Barbara
S. Butler ------------Hendry County, Florida
-
LaBelle
- Courthouse Complex --- 25 E. Hickpoochee Ave - SR 80 corner
SR 29
-
Clewiston
- Town Center 931 W Sugarland Hwy
-
- Marriage Licenses Commonly
Asked Questions
- HENDRY COUNTY FLORIDA______MARRIAGE
LICENSE______PUBLIC NOTICE
Effective January
1, 1999, all Florida residents who apply for a marriage license
will have a three-day waiting period and must read a marriage
handbook available at the Clerk's office. To avoid this three-day
requirement, couples must complete a pre-marital preparation
course (given by a course provider registered with the Hendry
County Clerk of the Circiut Court). By completing both the course
and the handbook, the marriage license fee will be reduced from
$96.50 to $65.50(a savings of $31.00). To contact the Clerk's
Marriage Division, call 863-675-5217.
Increased fees effective
July 1, 2004
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How much does a Marriage License cost?
-
- The current fee for a Marriage License
is $96.50.
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Is a blood test required?
-
- The State of Florida does not require
a blood test.
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Is a waiting period required?
-
- If both the bride and the groom are not
a resident of the State of Florida, then no waiting period is
required and the fee for the marriage license is $96.50.
- If either the bride or the groom are a
resident of the State of Florida, then Florida requires a three
day waiting period from the date you apply for your license before
you can be married and the fee is $96.50.
- If both the bride and the groom have taken
a premarital preparation course within one year prior to applying
for their marriage license, from a provider that is registered
with the Clerk of Courts, you will qualify for a reduction in
the fee of $31.00, which will make the fee $65.50. The waiting
period will then be waived.
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How is the waiting period counted?
-
- The date the license is issued does not
count as the first day. You will need to wait two additional
full days. You may then be married on the following day.
- For example, assuming you are eligible
for the three day waiting period:
If you obtain your marriage license on Monday, then you can get
married on Thursday.
If you obtain your marriage license on Tuesday, then you can
get married on Friday.
If you obtain your marriage license on Wednesday, then you can
get married on Saturday.
If you obtain your marriage license on Thursday, then you can
get married on Sunday.
If you obtain your marriage license on Friday, then you can get
married on Monday.
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How long is a marriage license good for?
-
- A Marriage License must be used within
60 days from the effective date.
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What kind of identification do I need?
-
- Any legal document with your date of birth
on it: i.e. drivers license, military ID, or passport. Must have
picture ID on it.
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Will I need my social security number to apply for a marriage
license?
-
- Yes. You will need to show social security
card or document with social security number on it.
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Will we have to read any material prior to our marrige license
being issued?
-
- Yes. Both the bride and the groom must
read and make a sworn affidavit that they have read the Florida
Marriage / Family Law Handbook created by the Family Law Section
of the Florida Bar. The handbooks are freely available at the
Clerk's Marriage Division or click here to download a copy from
this website.
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Do I need to bring witnesses?
-
- Witnesses are not required in the State
of Florida
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What is the age limit a person can get a marriage license
without parental consent?
-
- The individual must be at least 18 years
of age.
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Do I need to bring my divorce papers or spouse's death certificate
with me to get my marriage license?
-
- You will need to bring divorce papers
or death certificate when applying.
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What are your hours?
-
- Monday through Friday, 8:30AM to 5:00PM.
You must arrive prior to 4:30PM to have your license issued.
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Where are you located?
-
- We are located in the C. E. Hall Administration
Building, Second Floor, Room 228, 25 E. Hickpoochee Ave, LaBelle,
Florida
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Who can perform marriage ceremonies?
-
- Ordained ministers or elders in communion
with some church, all judicial officers, clerks of the circuit
courts, and notaries public of the State of Florida.
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Can we be married there at the Clerk's office?
-
- Yes. We perform ceremonies at the Clerk's
office for small parties. There is a charge of $30.00 for us
to perform the ceremony. We ask that you be at the office no
later than 3:30PM for your license to be issued and the ceremony
to be performed no later than 4:30PM.
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Can cousins marry each other?
-
- Per the Florida Statute #741.21 - Incestuous
marriages prohibited. A man may not marry any woman to whom he
is related by lineal consanguinity, nor his sister, nor his aunt,
nor his neice. A woman may not marry any man to who she is related
by lineal consanguinity, nor her brother, nor uncle, nor her
nephew.
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If I get a marriage license in the State of Florida, can I
take it to another state to be married?
-
- No. The license is only good in the State
in Florida and you must be married in the State of Florida.
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How much does it cost for a certified copy of my marriage
license?
-
- Each certified copy of a marriage license
cost $2.50.