The Florida Premarital Course Discount, Explained#
If you''re getting married in Florida, you can save money and time on your marriage license by completing a premarital preparation course. Here''s what you get:
- $32.50 off your marriage license fee (reduced from $93.50 to $61.00 in most counties)
- 3-day waiting period waived — you can use your license the same day you apply
- A head start on your marriage — the course covers communication, conflict resolution, and relationship skills
Both Florida residents and non-residents are eligible for the discount. You just need to complete the course before applying for your license.
Requirements#
To qualify for the discount:
- Complete a premarital preparation course of at least 4 hours in length
- The course must be taught by a registered provider — a licensed psychologist, licensed clinical social worker, licensed marriage and family therapist, licensed mental health counselor, or an ordained clergy member registered with the county
- Receive a certificate of completion from the provider
- Present the certificate when you apply for your marriage license at the county clerk''s office
- The certificate must be dated within one year of your license application
Who Can Teach the Course?#
Florida law (Statute 741.0305) allows premarital courses to be taught by:
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT)
- Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHC)
- Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW)
- Licensed Psychologists
- Ordained clergy members registered with the clerk of court
This means your pastor or clergy member can be your premarital course provider — they just need to be registered with the county where you''re applying for your license.
Can We Do the Course Online?#
Yes. Florida accepts online premarital courses as long as the provider is properly licensed and registered. Many couples choose online courses for flexibility — you can complete them from home at your own pace.
Online courses typically cost $15–$50 and take 4 hours. In-person courses with a licensed counselor or pastor are more expensive ($150–$400) but offer personalized attention and deeper conversation.
What Does the 4-Hour Course Cover?#
Florida''s statute requires the course to include:
- Communication skills — how to express needs and listen effectively
- Conflict resolution — productive strategies for handling disagreements
- Financial planning basics — budgeting and managing money as a team
- Goal setting — shared vision for your marriage and future
Some providers also cover intimacy, family-of-origin dynamics, and parenting expectations. The depth depends on whether you''re doing a quick online course or working with a counselor in person.
Florida Marriage License Fees by County#
Fees vary slightly by county. Here are some of the most common:
| County | Standard Fee | With Premarital Course |
|---|---|---|
| Miami-Dade | $93.50 | $61.00 |
| Broward | $93.50 | $61.00 |
| Palm Beach | $93.50 | $61.00 |
| Orange (Orlando) | $93.50 | $61.00 |
| Hillsborough (Tampa) | $93.50 | $61.00 |
| Duval (Jacksonville) | $93.50 | $61.00 |
| Pinellas (St. Pete) | $93.50 | $61.00 |
The discount is set by state law, so it''s the same $32.50 reduction in every county — but base fees can vary slightly.
The Waiting Period Waiver#
Without the premarital course, Florida residents must wait 3 days between receiving their marriage license and having the ceremony. Completing the course waives this waiting period entirely.
Non-Florida residents are already exempt from the waiting period regardless of whether they take the course — but they still get the $32.50 discount.
Step-by-Step: How to Get the Discount#
- Find a registered provider. Browse Florida premarital counselors →
- Complete the 4-hour course (online or in-person) and receive your certificate.
- Apply for your marriage license at any county clerk''s office in Florida. Both partners must be present with valid photo ID.
- Present your premarital course certificate at the time of application.
- Pay the reduced fee ($61.00 in most counties instead of $93.50).
- Use your license — with the course completed, there''s no waiting period for Florida residents.
Is It Worth Doing the Full Course With a Counselor?#
The $15–$50 online courses satisfy the state requirement and get you the discount. But research shows that couples who complete more thorough premarital preparation — with a trained counselor or pastor — report significantly higher marital satisfaction.
If budget allows, consider using the state requirement as motivation to invest in deeper preparation:
- Work with a licensed counselor who can tailor the 4+ hours to your specific relationship (find one in Florida →)
- Do a structured assessment like PREPARE/ENRICH — many Florida providers offer it
- Meet with your pastor — if your clergy member is registered, you can knock out the state requirement and church preparation at the same time
Other States With Marriage License Discounts#
Florida isn''t the only state that rewards premarital preparation. See all states with discounts:
Free Guide: 10 Questions Every Couple Should Discuss Before Marriage
Get the guide counselors use with their clients — plus personalized recommendations for your area.
No spam. Just the guide and a few helpful emails. Unsubscribe anytime.