Find Santa Rosa County Marriage Records

Santa Rosa County marriage records are managed by the Clerk of Court in Milton, Florida. The clerk office issues new marriage licenses, keeps filed records, and provides certified copies to anyone who requests them. Santa Rosa County is in the Florida panhandle, just east of Pensacola. Residents of Pace, Navarre, Milton, and the rest of the county all go through this one office. Whether you need to apply for a license or look up a past marriage record, the clerk can help. You can reach out by phone or go in person. This page walks through how to get Santa Rosa County marriage records and what to know before you start.

Santa Rosa County Clerk of Court

The Santa Rosa County Clerk of Court issues marriage licenses at the courthouse in Milton. Both applicants must appear together in person. You each need a valid photo ID such as a driver license, passport, or state ID card. U.S. citizens must provide their Social Security number. If either person was married before, bring the exact date of the divorce, death, or annulment that ended it. The clerk checks everything on the spot and processes the application the same day.

The clerk office handles more than just new licenses. If you need a certified copy of a Santa Rosa County marriage record that was already filed, this is where to go. The office also performs civil marriage ceremonies. Under Florida Statutes Chapter 741, Section 741.07, the clerk and deputies are authorized to solemnize marriages. The ceremony fee is $30 at most Florida clerk offices.

Marriage License Fees in Santa Rosa County

A Santa Rosa County marriage license costs $86 without a premarital course. Couples who take an approved course pay $61. The course must be completed within one year before applying, per Section 741.0305. Taking the course also removes the three-day waiting period for Florida residents. Non-residents do not wait regardless.

Part of the fee goes to a $2 application charge and $25 for the Domestic Violence Trust Fund under Section 741.01. These are included in the total you pay. Cash and major credit cards are typically accepted. Check with the Santa Rosa County Clerk about specific payment options since some offices add a surcharge for card payments. Personal checks are usually not taken.

The license is valid for 60 days from the issue date. Section 741.041 sets this rule. You can use a Santa Rosa County marriage license to get married anywhere in Florida. After the ceremony, the officiant signs the license and it must go back to the clerk within 10 days. The clerk records it and sends a copy to the state. One free certified copy goes to the couple after recording.

Note: Both parties must read the Family Law Handbook before the clerk will issue the license.

Getting Copies of Santa Rosa Marriage Records

Certified copies of Santa Rosa County marriage records are available from the clerk office in Milton. Call (850) 981-5555 to ask about fees and how to submit your request. For records filed since June 6, 1927, you can also get a state-issued marriage certificate from the Florida Department of Health in Jacksonville. The state fee is $5 for a search plus one certified copy. Extra copies are $4 each. Mail requests go to P.O. Box 210, Jacksonville, FL 32231-0042.

Online orders go through VitalChek at $15 for the state fee plus $7 for processing. VitalChek is the only vendor the state has a contract with for online marriage certificate orders. Phone orders work too at 1-877-550-7330. The state processes computer certificates in 3 to 5 business days for records from 1970 forward. Older records and rush requests cost more.

For records before 1927, only the Santa Rosa County Clerk has them. The state does not hold anything from before that date. Historical marriage records in Santa Rosa County may be on microfilm or in paper archives at the courthouse.

Public Access and Santa Rosa County Records

All marriage records in Santa Rosa County are public under Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes. Anyone can ask to see or copy them. You do not have to be a spouse or family member. Section 119.07 sets the copy fees at up to 15 cents per page for standard copies. Certified copies are $1 under the state schedule, though the clerk office may have its own pricing. Social Security numbers and financial information are redacted under Section 119.071.

The Florida Court Clerks and Comptrollers website lists all 67 county clerk offices. The My Florida County Records search tool lets you check official records across counties from one place. These are good starting points if you are not sure which county holds the record you need. Under Section 741.09, the clerk keeps a complete record of every license issued in Santa Rosa County.

The Florida Clerks Association site above can help you find the Santa Rosa County office or any other county clerk in the state.

Cities in Santa Rosa County

Santa Rosa County includes the communities of Pace and Navarre. Residents of these areas get marriage licenses through the Santa Rosa County Clerk in Milton.

Nearby Counties

These counties are next to Santa Rosa County. Each one has its own clerk office for marriage records.