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: