Did you know that Florida is one of a few states that allow notaries to perform marriage ceremonies? Florida Statute 741.07 authorized notaries public in the state of Florida to solemnize the rights of matrimonial contract, under the regulations prescribed by law.

 Revised 10/29/24

Each state has different authorized duties that its notaries may perform. Florida notaries are authorized to perform marriage ceremonies. Here are some key points you should know! 

The ceremony must take place within Florida's geographical boundaries, and the marriage license must be issued by the State of Florida. Couples can obtain the license from a clerk of court or a county court judge. The license has a three-day waiting period unless the couple completes a pre-martial course, and the license is valid for only 60 days from the issuance date. Pay attention to those dates on the license.

On the day of the ceremony, confirm the license dates. Next, perform the ceremony. There is no specific wording that must be said; however, there must be a verbal exchange between you and each person. Ask each person, “Do you take this person...?” They must respond to you with a "yes" or "no." After the ceremony, the couple must produce valid identification and sign the license. You will be required to stamp the license. If you keep a notary record book, which we highly recommend, have the couple sign your record book.

You are responsible for returning the completed marriage license to the clerk of court or judge's office within 10 days of the ceremony. The license may be hand-delivered or mailed; the license will almost always include a return envelope.