When ordering certified copies, fees and other service charges will apply. If you do not know the year/case number, an additional search fee of $2 per year, per name will be added for every year searched for all documents.
Accepted methods of payment:
- Online: Visa, Discover, Mastercard or American Express
- By mail: cashier check or money order payable to Clerk of the Courts
- In person: cash, Visa, Discover, Mastercard, American Express, cashier check or money order
Personal checks are not accepted.
Request certified copies for Marriage Licenses
You can request certified copies online or by mail. You can visit state of Florida Vital Statistics Office at 904-359-6900 ext. 9000 to find the date on a marriage license or the county where the license was issued.
Marriage License Requirements for Sumter County
You do not have to be a resident of Florida to apply for a marriage license, however, both parties must be present when applying and the ceremony must be performed in the State of Florida.
We will require picture identification in the form of a valid driver's license, federal or state identification card or passport.
If previously married, we will require written proof of final judgment, annulment or death certificate.
A blood test is no longer required in the State of Florida.
Updated Changes per Florida Statute 741.0405:
Only a minor 17 years of age: In addition to the above-listed requirements, the following documents must be presented when one or both of the applicants are minors:
- Minor's birth certificate, long form, showing parent's names
- Social Security Card
- Valid Identification Card
Both parents must be present with proof of identification to sign a parent consent form for the minor. If only one parent has full custody by divorce or death, written proof must be presented at the time of signing the parent consent form.
The other party cannot be more than 2 years older than the minor and must present the following for age verification:
- Birth Certificate
- Social Security Card
- Valid Identification
The cost of a marriage license is $86.00 and there is a three-day waiting period prior to the license becoming effective. The three-day waiting period may be waived if you live out of state or you elect to take a pre-marital course and submit a certificate of completion when you apply for your license. If you complete a pre-marital course presented by a registered provider, as filed with the Clerk, then the fee for the marriage license will be reduced to $61.00. All marriage licenses are valid for 60 days from the date of issuance and must be returned to the Clerk's office for recording and processing to the Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville, Florida.
A marriage license can be obtained at the courthouse in Bushnell (352-569-6810 - Option 2) or the North Sumter Annex on CR 466, The Villages (352-689-4625).
The Clerk of the Circuit Court can perform the marriage ceremony for a statutory fee of $30.00. Please call one of the above numbers to schedule the ceremony.
A Few Frequently Asked Questions
- Who May Issue a Marriage License
- Is Written Application Required?
- Issuance in Blank Prohibited
- Person performing wedding must sign license and return to Clerk within 10 days.
Every marriage license shall be issued by a county judge or clerk of the circuit court under his hand and seal. The county judge or clerk of the circuit court shall issue such license, upon application for the license, if there appears to be no impediments to the marriage. [F.S. 741.01]
Return to TopIs Written Application Required?No county court judge or clerk of the circuit court in this state shall issue a license for the marriage of any person unless there shall be first presented and filed with him an affidavit in writing, signed by both parties to the marriage, made and subscribed before some person authorized by law to administer an oath, reciting the true and correct ages of such parties; unless both such parties shall be over the age of 18, except as provided in 741.0405. [F.S. 741.04]
Return to TopIssuance in Blank ProhibitedIt is unlawful for any county court judge or clerk of the circuit court in the state to send out of his office any marriage license signed in blank to be issued upon application to persons not in the office of the county judge or clerk of the circuit court. [F.S. 741.03]
Return to TopPerson performing wedding must sign license and return to Clerk within 10 days.Before any authorized person shall solemnize any marriage, he shall require of the parties a marriage license issued according to requirements of Florida Statute 741.01. Within 10 days after solemnizing the marriage and completing the certificate of marriage, shall transmit the same to the office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court from which it issued.
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