Polk County marriage license records are official documents filed with the Polk County Clerk of the Circuit Court in Bartow, Florida. These records show who got married, when they got married, and who performed the ceremony.
Anyone can request a copy of these records for legal, personal, or family history reasons. The clerk’s office keeps all marriage records for Polk County, including cities like Lakeland, Winter Haven, Haines City, and Auburndale. This page explains how to get records, how to apply for a new license, and what fees you will pay.
Polk County Clerk of Court Marriage License Office
The Polk County Clerk of the Circuit Court handles every marriage license in the county. The main office sits at 255 North Broadway Avenue in Bartow, Florida 33830. This office processes new applications, stores old records, and issues certified copies of marriage certificates. All Polk County cities use this single office for marriage services. Lakeland, Winter Haven, Haines City, and smaller towns like Lake Wales and Auburndale do not have their own clerk offices for marriage licenses.
The clerk’s office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. You can call (863) 534-4000 to ask questions before you visit. The website at polkcountyclerk.net has forms, fee schedules, and answers to common questions. Florida Statute 741.01 says the clerk is the only official in the county who can issue marriage licenses. No other office in Polk County has this power.
The image below shows the Polk County Clerk’s homepage where you can find marriage license forms and other services.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Office Name | Polk County Clerk of the Circuit Court |
| Address | 255 North Broadway Avenue, Bartow, FL 33830 |
| Phone Number | (863) 534-4000 |
| Office Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. |
| Website | polkcountyclerk.net |
| County Seat | Bartow |
| Judicial Circuit | 10th Judicial Circuit |
How to Apply for a Polk County Marriage License
Getting a marriage license in Polk County is a simple process. Both people must go to the clerk’s office in Bartow together. The clerk will not let one person apply alone. Plan to spend about 20 to 30 minutes at the counter once you reach it. You will fill out a short form, show your IDs, and pay the fee. The license becomes valid right away or after the waiting period, depending on your situation.
Documents You Need to Bring
Both people must bring a valid photo ID to the Polk County Clerk’s office. A driver’s license, state ID card, or passport all work fine. You also need your Social Security number. You do not need to bring the actual card, just know the number. If either person was married before, bring the divorce decree, death certificate, or annulment papers. The clerk will make a copy and return the originals to you.
- Valid photo ID for each person (driver’s license, passport, or state ID)
- Social Security number for each person
- Divorce decree, death certificate, or annulment paper if previously married
- Premarital course completion certificate (if you want the reduced fee)
- Payment for the license fee ($86 or $61 with the course)
Age Requirements for Marriage in Florida
Florida law says both people must be at least 18 years old to get married without permission. If you are 17, you can still apply with written consent from both of your parents or legal guardians. The parental consent must be signed in front of a notary or come with notarized signatures. The age gap between you and your partner must be two years or less. Anyone under 17 cannot get a marriage license in Florida, even with parental consent.
Prior Marriage Disclosure Rules
If either person was married before, the Polk County clerk will ask how that marriage ended. You must tell the clerk if it ended in divorce, death, or annulment. For divorces, provide the state and county where the divorce was granted. This helps the clerk confirm your legal status. You do not need to wait a set time after a divorce to remarry in Florida. Once your divorce is final, you can apply for a new license right away.
Polk County Marriage License Fees
The standard marriage license fee in Polk County is $86. This fee is the same at every clerk’s office across Florida. The state sets this price, and local counties cannot change it. You can pay with cash, money order, or in some offices with a credit or debit card. If you pay by card, a small surcharge may apply. Part of your fee goes to the Domestic Violence Trust Fund, and part goes to the State Courts Revenue Trust Fund.
Reduced Fee with a Premarital Course
Florida offers a $25 discount on the marriage license fee if both people complete a premarital preparation course. The course must last at least four hours. After you finish, you get a certificate that you bring to the clerk’s office. With the certificate, your fee drops from $86 to $61. Both people can take the same course or different courses. The course covers communication skills, conflict management, financial planning, and parenting basics.
| License Type | Fee | Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Standard License | $86 | No course required |
| Discounted License | $61 | Premarital course certificate |
| Additional Certified Copy | $4 each | Beyond the first copy |
| State Search Fee | $5 | One-year search at state level |
Marriage License Validity and Waiting Period in Polk County
Polk County marriage licenses come with two important time rules. First, there is a three-day waiting period for Florida residents before the license becomes valid. Second, the license expires 60 days after the clerk issues it. If you do not have a ceremony within 60 days, you must apply again and pay a new fee. Understanding these rules helps you plan your wedding date and avoid problems.
The Three-Day Waiting Period
Florida residents must wait three full days after the clerk issues the license before they can have a ceremony. The clerk stamps the issue date on your license. You can have the ceremony on the fourth day or later. For example, if you get your license on Monday, you can marry on Friday at the earliest. This rule does not apply to out-of-state residents. It also does not apply if both people complete a four-hour premarital course and bring the certificate to the clerk.
60-Day License Expiration
Your Polk County marriage license stays valid for 60 days from the date the clerk issues it. After 60 days, the license expires and cannot be used. You would need to apply for a new license and pay the full fee again. The ceremony does not have to happen in Polk County. Once you get your license in Bartow, you can have the ceremony anywhere in the state of Florida. The license is valid statewide.
Who Can Officiate Your Wedding
Florida law lists who can perform a marriage ceremony. In Polk County, your ceremony can be led by an ordained minister, a judicial officer, the clerk of the circuit court, or a notary public. The officiant must sign the marriage license after the ceremony. The officiant then returns the signed license to the Polk County Clerk’s office. The clerk records the marriage and sends a copy to the Florida Department of Health Bureau of Vital Statistics.
How to Search Polk County Marriage Records
You can search for Polk County marriage records online, by mail, or in person. The method you choose depends on how old the record is and what type of document you need. For recent marriages, online searches work well. For older records or certified copies, you may need to visit the clerk’s office or contact the state vital records office. Each method has its own fees and processing times.
Online Search Through MyFloridaCounty
The MyFloridaCounty official records portal lets you search marriage documents across all Florida counties. You can search by name, date, or document type. The portal shows images of recorded documents for free viewing. If you need a certified copy, you must order it through the clerk’s office or the state vital records office. The portal works well for finding out if a marriage was recorded in Polk County.
Florida Department of Health Records
The Florida Department of Health Bureau of Vital Statistics keeps marriage records from 1927 to the present. You can order certificates online through VitalChek, which is the state’s approved vendor. The state charges $5 for a one-year search and one certified copy. Each extra certified copy costs $4. Processing takes about 5 to 10 business days. For marriages before 1927, contact the Polk County Clerk’s office directly because the state does not have those older records.
In-Person and Mail Requests at the Clerk’s Office
You can visit the Polk County Clerk’s office in Bartow to request marriage records in person. Bring a photo ID and the names of the people on the record. The clerk will search the records and give you a certified copy. If you cannot visit, you can mail your request to the clerk’s office. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope, a copy of your ID, and a check or money order for the fee. Mail requests take longer than in-person visits.
| Search Method | Record Years | Fee | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| MyFloridaCounty Portal | All recorded years | Free viewing | Instant |
| Florida Dept. of Health | 1927 to present | $5 search + $4 per copy | 5-10 business days |
| Polk County Clerk (in person) | All years | Varies by request | Same day |
| Polk County Clerk (mail) | All years | Varies by request | 1-2 weeks |
Marriage License Number and Date Search
If you know the marriage license number or the exact date of the marriage, you can search records faster. The Polk County Clerk’s office indexes records by name, date, and license number. Having the license number makes the search nearly instant. With a date range, the clerk can narrow the search to find the right record. Many people find old marriage records this way when they only know the approximate year.
For online searches, the MyFloridaCounty portal lets you enter a date range. You can search by groom name, bride name, or both. The portal also has an advanced search option that lets you filter by document type. Marriage licenses are recorded as “marriage certificates” in the system. Once you find the right record, you can view the image or order a certified copy through the proper channels.
Polk County Marriage Records by City
Polk County covers about 2,000 square miles in central Florida. The county has many cities and towns, but all marriage license services go through the Bartow clerk’s office. Whether you live in Lakeland, Winter Haven, or a small community, you apply for your license at the same place. Your marriage is then recorded in Polk County regardless of which city you live in.
Lakeland Marriage Records
Lakeland is the largest city in Polk County with over 110,000 residents. Lakeland residents apply for marriage licenses at the Polk County Clerk’s office in Bartow. After the ceremony, the signed license comes back to the Bartow office for recording. Lakeland couples can request copies of their marriage records from the clerk’s office or through the state vital records office. The process is the same as for any other Polk County city.
Winter Haven Marriage Records
Winter Haven sits in the eastern part of Polk County. It is known for its chain of lakes and proximity to LEGOLAND Florida. Winter Haven residents follow the same process as other Polk County cities. They apply at the Bartow clerk’s office and receive a license valid anywhere in Florida. The Winter Haven area has many wedding venues, and the license works at any of them.
Haines City, Auburndale, and Lake Wales
Haines City, Auburndale, and Lake Wales are smaller Polk County cities. Each has its own character and community, but all use the Bartow clerk’s office for marriage licenses. There are no satellite offices for marriage services in these cities. If you live in any of them, plan to drive to Bartow for your license application. The drive from these cities to Bartow usually takes 30 to 45 minutes.
Nearby Florida Counties for Marriage Records
Polk County borders several other Florida counties. You can apply for a marriage license in any Florida county, and the license is valid statewide. Some people choose to apply in a different county for convenience or to avoid waiting times. If you live near a county line, you might find it easier to apply in a neighboring county. Here are the counties that border Polk County.
- Hillsborough County (west of Polk)
- Pasco County (northwest of Polk)
- Lake County (north of Polk)
- Orange County (northeast of Polk)
- Osceola County (east of Polk)
- Hardee County (south of Polk)
- Highlands County (southeast of Polk)
- Sumter County (north of Polk)
- Manatee County (southwest of Polk)
Florida Marriage License Verification
If you need to check whether a marriage license is valid or if a marriage was recorded, you have a few options. The Polk County Clerk’s office can search their records by name or license number. The Florida Department of Health also keeps a statewide database of recorded marriages. Online portals like MyFloridaCounty let you view recorded documents for free. For official verification, you need a certified copy of the marriage certificate, which has the state seal and the clerk’s signature.
Verification matters for legal name changes, immigration cases, Social Security updates, and insurance purposes. Most agencies accept a certified copy with a raised or stamped seal. Photocopies and informational copies do not work for legal purposes. When you order a certified copy, make sure you request enough copies for all the agencies that need them. The Polk County Clerk and the state vital records office both issue certified copies with valid seals.
Certified Florida Marriage Certificates
A certified Florida marriage certificate is an official copy with the state seal. It proves that a marriage took place and is recorded with the government. Certified certificates work for legal purposes like changing your name, getting a passport, or proving marital status. You can get a certified certificate from the Polk County Clerk’s office or the Florida Department of Health Bureau of Vital Statistics. Each certified copy costs $4 from the state, in addition to the $5 search fee.
The state vital records office keeps records from 1927 to today. For older marriages, contact the Polk County Clerk’s office. The clerk has records going back to when Polk County was formed. If you need an apostille for international use, you must get it through the Florida Department of State after you have your certified certificate. Apostilles add another step but are required for some foreign legal matters.
Polk County Clerk Contact Details
For direct questions about marriage licenses or records in Polk County, contact the clerk’s office using the details below. The office handles all marriage license applications, record searches, and certified copy requests for Polk County residents.
Official Website: polkcountyclerk.net
Phone Number: (863) 534-4000
Address: 255 North Broadway Avenue, Bartow, FL 33830
Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Common Questions About Polk County Marriage Records
Below are answers to questions people often ask about Polk County marriage license records. These cover fees, waiting periods, record searches, and other common concerns. If you have a question that is not answered here, call the Polk County Clerk’s office at (863) 534-4000 during business hours.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Marriage Certificate After the Ceremony?
The officiant returns the signed marriage license to the Polk County Clerk’s office after your ceremony. The clerk records the document and forwards a copy to the Florida Department of Health Bureau of Vital Statistics. This state filing takes about 60 days. You can request a certified copy once the state processes the record. Many people order their certified copy through VitalChek for faster service. Some couples need the certified copy sooner for legal reasons, so plan ahead if possible.
Can I Get a Marriage License If I Live Outside Florida?
Yes, out-of-state residents can apply for a marriage license in Polk County. Both people still need to appear at the clerk’s office in Bartow with valid photo IDs. Out-of-state applicants skip the three-day waiting period, so the license becomes valid right away. The same $86 fee applies unless you bring a premarital course certificate for the $61 reduced fee. You can have your ceremony anywhere in Florida using this license.
What If My Marriage License Expires Before the Ceremony?
Florida marriage licenses expire 60 days after the clerk issues them. If your 60 days pass without a ceremony, the license cannot be used. You must apply for a new license and pay the full fee again. There is no grace period. To avoid this, schedule your ceremony within 60 days of getting the license. Some couples set their wedding date first, then apply for the license close to that date to make sure it stays valid.
Are Polk County Marriage Records Public?
Yes, marriage records in Polk County are public records under Florida law. Anyone can search for and view recorded marriage documents. The MyFloridaCounty portal lets you search records from all Florida counties for free. Certified copies cost a small fee. Some people use marriage records for genealogy research, legal verification, or personal reasons. The records include names, dates, and the officiant who performed the ceremony.
Can I Get a Copy of My Parents’ or Grandparents’ Marriage Record?
Yes, you can request older marriage records through the Polk County Clerk’s office or the Florida Department of Health. For marriages from 1927 to today, the state has records. For older marriages, the clerk’s office may have records in their archives. You will need the full names of both people and the approximate year of the marriage. The clerk can search their index to find the exact record. Certified copies cost a small fee per copy.
Do I Need an Appointment for a Marriage License?
The Polk County Clerk’s office takes walk-in applications for marriage licenses. You do not need an appointment in most cases. However, calling ahead at (863) 534-4000 is a good idea to confirm hours and ask about current wait times. Some busy periods, like Friday afternoons or the days before holidays, may have longer waits. Going early in the day usually means shorter lines and faster service at the counter.
What Payment Methods Does the Clerk Accept?
The Polk County Clerk’s office accepts cash, money orders, and checks for marriage license fees. Some locations also accept credit and debit cards, but a small surcharge may apply. Call (863) 534-4000 to confirm which payment methods are accepted when you plan to visit. Mail requests typically require a check or money order. Plan your payment method before you go to avoid delays at the counter.