Charlotte County Marriage Records Lookup

Charlotte County marriage records are available through the Clerk of the Circuit Court in Punta Gorda. The clerk office handles marriage license applications, ceremonies, and record keeping for the entire county. Residents of Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda, and surrounding areas all use this office. You can search for a marriage record, get a certified copy, or apply for a new license at the Charlotte County clerk. The state Bureau of Vital Statistics also keeps marriage certificates going back to June 1927. Both the local and state offices serve the public, and anyone can request Charlotte County marriage records regardless of their connection to the people named on the document.

Charlotte County Clerk of Court

The Charlotte County Clerk of the Circuit Court manages all marriage license services in the county. The main office is in Punta Gorda. Both people must appear in person. Bring a valid photo ID like a driver license or passport. U.S. citizens need their Social Security number. If you were married before, have the exact date your last marriage ended ready. Under Florida Statutes Chapter 741, the Charlotte County clerk issues licenses as an agent of the state. Section 741.01 establishes the fee structure, including the $2 application charge and $25 for the Domestic Violence Trust Fund. Both parties sign an affidavit under Section 741.04.

The Charlotte County clerk phone number is (941) 637-2191. Call to check office hours or ask about specific requirements before your visit.

Charlotte County Marriage License Costs

A marriage license in Charlotte County costs $86 without a premarital course. Couples who present a certificate from an approved premarital preparation course pay $61 instead. Under Section 741.0305, the course must be completed within one year of applying. Finishing the course does two things: it saves $25 on the license fee and it removes the three-day waiting period for Florida residents. That means couples who take the course can apply and get married on the same day in Charlotte County.

Non-Florida residents do not face any waiting period. No blood test is needed. The license is valid for 60 days from the issue date and works at any location in the state per Section 741.041. Ceremony services cost $30 at most clerk offices. Under Section 741.07, ordained ministers, judges, clerks, and Florida notaries can officiate.

Note: Ask the Charlotte County clerk about accepted payment methods before your visit, as some offices do not take personal checks.

Getting Charlotte County Marriage Records

Copies of marriage licenses recorded in Charlotte County are available from the clerk office in Punta Gorda. Under Section 741.09, the clerk records every completed marriage license and keeps it on file. The couple receives one free certified copy when the license is first recorded. If you need copies later, contact the clerk at (941) 637-2191. Ask about the current fee for Charlotte County marriage record copies. In-person and mail requests are both options at most clerk offices.

The Florida Department of Health in Jacksonville has marriage certificates from June 6, 1927 to the present. A search of one year plus a certified copy costs $5. Additional copies are $4. Mail your request to P.O. Box 210, Jacksonville, FL 32231-0042 with a check payable to Vital Statistics. Provide both spouse names before first marriage, birth dates, the marriage date, and that it was in Charlotte County. Processing takes 3 to 5 business days for records from 1970 forward. Older records take longer.

For online orders, VitalChek is the only vendor the state works with. The cost is $15 for the state fee plus $7 for processing. UPS shipping is extra. This is useful when you cannot visit the Charlotte County clerk in Punta Gorda and want a state certificate mailed directly to you.

Charlotte County Records and Public Law

Marriage records in Charlotte County are public under Florida Statutes Chapter 119. The law says all county records are open for inspection. Anyone can ask. No relationship to the couple is required. Section 119.07 mandates that the record custodian allow access at any reasonable time. Copy fees are 15 cents per page for standard copies and $1 for certified copies under the public records law.

Certain information is exempt. Social Security numbers and bank account data get redacted from Charlotte County marriage records under Section 119.071. Medical details are also protected. The core content of the record stays open. The My Florida County Records site can help search official records across counties if you are not sure where a marriage was filed.

The Charlotte County Clerk of Court website provides details on marriage license services and other recording functions.

Visit the Charlotte County clerk site for the latest fee information, office hours, and instructions for getting a marriage license in the county.

Charlotte County License Steps

Both applicants go to the Charlotte County clerk in Punta Gorda. Bring photo ID and your Social Security number. If divorced before, bring the date. Sign the affidavit. Pay the fee. The clerk issues the license. Florida residents wait three days unless they have a premarital course certificate. Non-residents can marry right away.

After the ceremony, the officiant signs the license and it must go back to the Charlotte County clerk within 10 days. The clerk records the license and sends the data to the state Bureau of Vital Statistics, which takes about 60 days. Need proof of marriage sooner? Get it from the Charlotte County clerk. Both parties must be 18 or older. A 17-year-old can marry with parental consent if the other party is no more than two years older. The Florida Court Clerks and Comptrollers website has links to all county clerk offices for marriage records and other services.

Cities in Charlotte County

Charlotte County includes Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte. Port Charlotte is the largest community by population. All Charlotte County residents go to the Punta Gorda clerk office for marriage license services.

Punta Gorda, Englewood (partially in Charlotte County), and other smaller communities also use the same clerk office for all marriage record needs.

Nearby Counties

Charlotte County sits on the Gulf Coast of Florida. Neighboring counties each run their own clerk office with marriage license services.