Monroe County Marriage Records Search

Marriage records in Monroe County are maintained by the Clerk of the Circuit Court in Key West. Monroe County covers the Florida Keys, stretching from Key Largo down to Key West. It is a popular spot for destination weddings, which means the clerk office handles a steady stream of marriage license applications from both residents and visitors. The clerk issues licenses, performs ceremonies, records completed licenses, and provides certified copies. Whether you are planning to get married in the Keys or need to find a record of a past Monroe County marriage, this page walks through how the process works and where to start your search.

Monroe County Clerk of Court

The Monroe County Clerk of the Circuit Court is based in Key West. Call (305) 295-3100 for office hours and questions about marriage licenses. Both people applying must appear in person at the clerk office at the same time. Each person needs a valid government-issued photo ID. Driver licenses from any U.S. state, passports, military IDs, state ID cards, and alien registration cards are all accepted. U.S. citizens must also provide a Social Security number.

Many couples who get married in Monroe County are not Florida residents. They are visiting the Keys for a destination wedding. Non-residents can apply for a license just the same. There is no residency or citizenship requirement under Florida law. The main difference is that non-residents skip the three-day waiting period entirely. A Monroe County marriage license is valid anywhere in Florida for 60 days from the effective date.

Under Florida Statutes Chapter 741, Section 741.04, both parties sign an affidavit. If either person was married before, the exact date the last marriage ended must be provided. Both parties must also read the Family Law Handbook from the Florida Bar before the license can be issued.

Monroe County Marriage License Fees

The standard fee for a Monroe County marriage license is $86. With proof of an approved premarital course, the fee is $61. Florida Statute 741.0305 provides this $25 reduction. The course must be completed within one year of applying. For Florida residents, the course also waives the three-day waiting period. Civil ceremonies at the Monroe County clerk cost $30.

The $86 total includes the $2 application fee and $25 for the Domestic Violence Trust Fund under Section 741.01. Payment options typically include cash, money orders, and major credit cards. There may be a surcharge for card payments. Certified copies of recorded Monroe County marriage licenses have their own fee, usually in the range of $2.50 to $9 for the first copy depending on the county. Call the clerk at (305) 295-3100 for the exact amount in Monroe County.

Finding Monroe County Marriage Records

The Monroe County clerk office in Key West keeps the original marriage licenses on file. You can search for records in person at the courthouse or contact the clerk by phone. The My Florida County Records portal lets you search official records across many Florida counties online. This can help you find Monroe County marriage records without making the trip to Key West.

Under Florida Statutes Chapter 119, marriage records are public documents. Section 119.07 gives any person the right to inspect and copy them. You do not need to be a party to the marriage or give a reason for your request. Social Security numbers and certain other protected information get redacted from copies under Section 119.071. Everything else on the Monroe County marriage record is open to the public.

For records from before June 6, 1927, the Monroe County clerk is the only source. The state did not start collecting marriage data until that date. Newer records are also on file with the Florida Department of Health. State certificates cost $5 for one search year and one certified copy. Order online through VitalChek for $15 plus $7 in processing fees.

Note: Records of very recent Monroe County marriages may not yet be at the state level since the reporting process takes about 60 days.

Destination Weddings in Monroe County

Monroe County is one of the most popular places in Florida for destination weddings. The Florida Keys draw couples from all over the country. Non-residents benefit from a simpler process. There is no waiting period for out-of-state applicants. You can get your license and have the ceremony on the same day. The license is valid for 60 days and works anywhere in Florida, per Section 741.041.

Florida Statute 741.07 allows ordained ministers, judges, clerks and their deputies, and notaries public to officiate. Many wedding venues in the Keys have their own officiant options, but you can also have the Monroe County clerk perform a civil ceremony for $30. After the ceremony, the signed license must be returned to the Monroe County clerk within 10 days for recording. Under Section 741.09, the clerk keeps a correct record of every license issued.

Florida residents who want to marry in Monroe County still face the three-day wait unless they take a premarital course. Plan ahead if you are coming from mainland Florida and do not want to make two trips to Key West.

Certified Copies of Monroe County Records

After the clerk records a completed Monroe County marriage license, one free certified copy goes to the couple. If you need more copies later, contact the clerk office in Key West at (305) 295-3100. You can request copies in person, by mail, or sometimes online depending on what the clerk website offers. State-level certificates are another option for certified copies. The Florida Department of Health processes these from Jacksonville.

Mail orders to the state go to P.O. Box 210, Jacksonville, FL 32231-0042. Include a check or money order payable to Vital Statistics. Do not send cash. You need to provide both names before the first marriage, dates of birth, the date and county of the marriage, and your own contact information. The state processes most requests in 3 to 5 business days for records from 1970 forward. Older records take longer. Rush service is available for an extra $10 at the walk-in office in Jacksonville.

Nearby Counties

Monroe County is unique in that it only borders two other Florida counties. If you need marriage records from a different area, check these neighboring clerk offices.