Search Lee County Marriage Records

Lee County marriage records are held by the Clerk of Court in Fort Myers. Whether you need a new marriage license or a copy of an old one, the clerk office is your primary source. Lee County covers Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Lehigh Acres, Bonita Springs, and other communities in southwest Florida. The clerk processes applications, performs ceremonies, and keeps the official record of every marriage license issued in the county. You can start your search online through the clerk website or visit the Fort Myers office in person. Lee County also offers virtual marriage ceremonies through Zoom, which makes it one of the more flexible counties in the state for getting married.

Lee County Clerk of Court

The Lee County Clerk of Court handles all marriage license services for the county. The main office is in Fort Myers. Hours run Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Both parties must appear together in person to apply for a marriage license. Bring a valid government photo ID. U.S. citizens need their Social Security number. If either person was married before, the exact date the last marriage ended is required. These rules come from Florida Statutes Chapter 741, Section 741.04.

Lee County also serves residents of Cape Coral, Lehigh Acres, Bonita Springs, Estero, and North Fort Myers. All of these communities go to the same clerk office for marriage licenses. Florida cities do not issue their own licenses. Everything goes through the county.

Lee County Virtual Marriage Ceremonies

Lee County offers something that most Florida counties do not. You can get married through a virtual ceremony over Zoom. The Lee County marriage services page explains how it works. Your marriage license must have been issued in Lee County. Both spouses need to be in the State of Florida during the ceremony. Each person must have access to an email account on the device they use for the video call. The device needs both video and audio.

To schedule a virtual ceremony, email marriage@leeclerk.org. Include both names, email addresses, phone numbers, the nine-digit Lee County marriage license kiosk transaction number, and your preferred date and time. Available time slots are 9 AM, 10 AM, 11 AM, 1:30 PM, 2:30 PM, and 3:30 PM, Monday through Friday. In-person ceremonies are also available at the Fort Myers office for $30. The virtual option gives Lee County residents more flexibility, especially for couples who cannot easily get to the courthouse.

Note: Both spouses must be physically located in Florida during a virtual ceremony, even though it happens over Zoom.

Marriage License Fees in Lee County

A standard marriage license in Lee County costs $86. Couples who complete an approved premarital course pay $61 instead. The course also waives the three-day waiting period that Florida residents face under state law. Section 741.0305 of the Florida Statutes sets these rules. The course must be done within one year of the application date. A ceremony at the clerk office adds $30 to the total.

Part of the license fee goes to a $2 application charge and $25 for the Domestic Violence Trust Fund. These amounts are built into the total under Section 741.01. After the ceremony, the signed license is returned to the Lee County Clerk for recording. The clerk sends you one free certified copy once it is recorded. Extra copies can be ordered for a small fee. For older Lee County marriage records, the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics has certificates from 1927 forward at $5 for a search and one copy.

Lee County Marriage Records Resources

Lee County does not have a county-specific image from its clerk portal, but the Florida Department of Health maintains statewide marriage certificates that include Lee County records from 1927 to now.

The state portal handles mail and online requests for certified copies. Processing takes 3 to 5 business days for records from 1970 forward. Older records need more time. VitalChek is the only contracted vendor for online orders through the state. Their fee is $15 for the state charge plus $7 for processing. The Florida Court Clerks and Comptrollers directory can help you find the Lee County Clerk or any other county office for direct requests.

Marriage records in Lee County are public under Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes. Anyone can request a copy. You do not need to be a party to the marriage or provide a reason for the request. Social Security numbers and bank account information are redacted from public copies under Section 119.071. The names, marriage date, and county are all part of the open record.

How Lee County Licenses Work

Under Florida law, a marriage license is valid for 60 days from the date it is issued. Section 741.041 sets this rule. The license can be used anywhere in Florida, not just Lee County. After the ceremony, the officiant signs the license and it must be returned to the issuing county clerk within 10 days. Section 741.09 requires the clerk to keep a correct record of all licenses issued. The clerk then forwards the information to the state Bureau of Vital Statistics. This process takes about 60 days. If you need proof of a recent marriage right away, contact the Lee County Clerk directly rather than the state office.

Clergy, judges, clerks, and notaries public can perform marriage ceremonies in Florida. Section 741.07 lists all authorized persons. The Lee County Clerk staff can perform simple ceremonies at the Fort Myers office or over Zoom. No witnesses are required by law, though most couples choose to have them present.

Note: A license issued in Lee County must be returned to the Lee County Clerk after the ceremony for recording, even if the wedding took place in a different county.

Cities in Lee County

Lee County includes several large cities and communities. All residents get their marriage licenses from the Lee County Clerk office in Fort Myers.

Nearby Counties

These counties are next to Lee County. Each one has its own Clerk of Court for marriage records.