A Polk County marriage license costs $86, or $61 if you both complete a premarital preparation course, and you get it by walking into any of three Clerk of the Circuit Court branch offices together with photo ID and your Social Security numbers. Florida residents then wait three days before the ceremony can take place, unless you took the preparation course or both of you live outside Florida.1Polk County Clerk, FL. Marriage Services
Who Can Apply
Both applicants must be at least 18. A 17-year-old can apply with written consent from a parent or legal guardian, and the other partner cannot be more than two years older. No one under 17 can get a marriage license in Florida for any reason.2Florida Senate. Florida Code 741.04 – Issuance of Marriage License
Residency is not a requirement. You don’t need to live in Polk County, or even in Florida, to apply here. Both partners do have to appear together in person before the deputy clerk.1Polk County Clerk, FL. Marriage Services
Florida bars marriage between close relatives, including siblings, parents and children, grandparents and grandchildren, and aunts or uncles with nieces or nephews. These restrictions cannot be waived. Florida also does not recognize common-law marriages established after January 1, 1968, so living together without a license does not make you married in the state’s eyes.3The Florida Legislature. Florida Code 741.211 – Common-Law Marriages Void
What to Bring
Each person needs a valid photo ID: a U.S. driver’s license, a state or federal ID card, or a passport. Both of you must know your Social Security numbers.1Polk County Clerk, FL. Marriage Services
If either of you was married before, you’ll need the exact date that marriage ended, whether by divorce, death, or annulment. You don’t have to produce the decree or death certificate, but you do have to know the date. Look it up before you go. Guessing can hold up the application.
The clerk offers an online application you can start at home.4Polk County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller. Marriage License Application Pre-filling your full legal names, addresses, and biographical details saves time at the counter. Everything you enter becomes part of the permanent public record, so check for typos before your visit.
Where to Apply in Polk County
All three clerk branches process marriage licenses:
- Bartow: 255 N. Broadway Ave., Bartow, FL 33830
- Lakeland: 930 E. Parker St., Room 240, Lakeland, FL 33801
- Lake Alfred (Northeast): 200 Government Center Blvd., Lake Alfred, FL 33850
Every location is walk-in only. The clerk does not take appointments for marriage license services.5Polk County Clerk, FL. Frequently Asked Questions Arrive well before closing. The application includes a sworn oath that both partners take in front of the deputy clerk, followed by signing the license.1Polk County Clerk, FL. Marriage Services
Fees and Payment
The standard license fee is $86. With a valid premarital preparation course certificate, it drops to $61.1Polk County Clerk, FL. Marriage Services That $25 reduction is set by Florida law and applies automatically when you show proof of completion.6The Florida Legislature. Florida Code 741.01 – County Court Judge or Clerk of the Circuit Court to Issue Marriage License; Fee
The clerk accepts cash, major credit cards, and personal checks. Credit card payments may add a small processing surcharge.
The Three-Day Waiting Period
Florida residents face a mandatory three-day delay between the application date and the date the license takes effect. The clerk prints the effective date in bold on the license, and no ceremony can take place before that date.2Florida Senate. Florida Code 741.04 – Issuance of Marriage License
Three situations remove the wait:
- Couples who submit valid premarital course certificates can marry as soon as the license is issued.
- When both applicants live outside Florida, the clerk waives the waiting period automatically.
- The clerk may grant a hardship exception, though the statute does not define qualifying circumstances.
This is the detail that catches people out. If you’re a Florida resident with a wedding date in mind and you haven’t taken the course, apply at least three days ahead.
The Premarital Preparation Course
The optional course saves you $25 and eliminates the three-day wait for Florida residents. It must run at least four hours and can be completed in person, by video, or through another electronic format.7The Florida Legislature. Florida Code 741.0305 – Premarital Preparation Course Topics typically cover communication, conflict resolution, finances, and parenting.
You have to take the course within one year of applying for the license, and the provider must be registered with the state.6The Florida Legislature. Florida Code 741.01 – County Court Judge or Clerk of the Circuit Court to Issue Marriage License; Fee You’ll receive a certificate of completion to bring to the clerk. Partners can take the course together or separately. For Florida residents who want to marry the same day they apply, this is the route.
How Long the License Lasts
Once issued, your Polk County marriage license is valid for 60 days. If the ceremony doesn’t happen inside that window, the license expires and you’ll have to apply again and pay the full fee. There are no extensions. If your wedding is still several months out, don’t apply too early.
Who Can Perform the Ceremony
Florida law authorizes ordained ministers and clergy, all judicial officers (including retired judges), clerks of the circuit court, and Florida notaries public to perform a legally binding ceremony.8Florida Senate. Florida Code 741.07 – Persons Authorized to Solemnize Matrimony Quaker ceremonies conducted according to that tradition’s established practices are also valid.
If a friend or family member wants to officiate, they’ll need to become ordained or obtain a Florida notary commission before the wedding. Online ordinations are widely available; confirm with the officiant that theirs will be recognized.
Returning the Signed License
After the ceremony, the officiant signs the license to certify the marriage and must return the completed document to the Polk County Clerk’s office within 10 days.9The Florida Legislature. Florida Code 741.08 – Marriage Not to Be Solemnized Without a License This is the officiant’s responsibility, not yours, but follow up to confirm it happens. A license that never comes back may not appear in public records.
Once the clerk receives the signed license, the marriage goes into the official record. You get one free certified copy of the marriage certificate.1Polk County Clerk, FL. Marriage Services Additional certified copies are available from the clerk for a small fee. Order two or three extras while you’re there, since name changes, insurance updates, and similar paperwork each tend to want an original.