Access Sun City Center Marriage Records

Marriage records in Sun City Center are managed by the Hillsborough County Clerk of Court. This retirement community in south Hillsborough County uses the county courthouse in Tampa for all marriage license and record requests.

Where Sun City Center Residents Apply

Sun City Center is in Hillsborough County. The Hillsborough County Clerk of Court at the George E. Edgecomb Courthouse, 800 E. Twiggs St., Tampa, FL 33602, is the office for marriage licenses. Sun City Center sits in the far south of the county, so the drive to the Tampa courthouse runs about 35 to 40 minutes via I-75 North.

Hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The phone number is (813) 276-8100. Both applicants must show up together with valid photo ID. A driver license, passport, military ID, or state-issued card all work. Your Social Security number is also needed.

If you were married before, the clerk needs proof that marriage ended. A final divorce decree or death certificate with the exact date is required.

Marriage License Fees

The fee is $86 in Hillsborough County. Couples with a completed premarital course pay $61. The course must be done within one year of the application and come from a state-approved provider. Under Florida Statutes Chapter 741, the course also removes the three-day waiting period for Florida residents.

A ceremony at the clerk office is $30. Cash and credit cards are accepted. No personal checks. Duplicate licenses cost $30 each.

Certified marriage record copies are $5 for the first and $4 per additional copy. If the year of the marriage is uncertain, there is a per-year search fee.

Searching Sun City Center Marriage Records

Start at the Hillsborough County Clerk marriage records page. The clerk maintains an online database where you can search for marriage records by name. Searching is free. Fees apply only for certified copies.

The Florida Department of Health has statewide certificates from 1927 on. A search and certified copy costs $5, plus $4 for extras. VitalChek provides online orders at $15 plus processing. For Sun City Center marriages, going through the county is generally quicker than the state route.

Records from before 1927 exist only at the county. The state did not begin collecting marriage data until June 6, 1927. Contact the Hillsborough County Clerk for older records.

Steps to Get a Marriage License

Sun City Center couples should follow these steps:

• Use the Hillsborough County Clerk website to fill out the pre-application
• Both people bring photo ID and Social Security numbers
• Drive together to the Edgecomb Courthouse in Tampa
• Pay $86 (or $61 with a completed premarital course)
• If you live in Florida and did not take the course, wait three days
• The license is valid for 60 days anywhere in the state

Out-of-state visitors do not have a waiting period. The premarital course removes it for everyone. Courses take about four hours and cover communication, finances, and handling disagreements. Multiple approved providers are available around Tampa Bay.

Florida law says ordained ministers, judges, court clerks, deputy clerks, and notaries public can officiate. After the wedding, the officiant signs the license and returns it to the clerk within 10 days. Recording happens after that. The full process from ceremony to state registration takes about 60 days.

Ordering Certified Copies

The fastest way for Sun City Center residents to get certified copies is in person at the Tampa courthouse. It is a bit of a drive, but same-day service makes it worthwhile. By mail, send a request with both names, the approximate marriage date, and a check or money order to the clerk at 800 E. Twiggs St., Tampa, FL 33602. Phone questions go to (813) 276-8100.

Florida makes marriage records public under Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes. Anyone can ask for copies. The clerk takes out sensitive information such as Social Security numbers. If you qualify for confidentiality protections under state law, ask the clerk about your options.

Got married recently? Contact the county clerk first. New marriages take about two months to show up in the state system.

Other Cities in Hillsborough County

All Hillsborough County cities share the same clerk for marriage records. Pick a city for local information.