Marriage records in DeSoto County, Florida, are maintained by the Clerk of the Circuit Court and can be accessed through several channels. DeSotoFLCourt.us can help you find publicly available marriage record information for DeSoto County. You can also request records directly from the DeSoto County Clerk of Court, visit the office in person at the county courthouse in Arcadia, or submit a request by mail. The Florida Department of Health also issues marriage certificates at the state level.
DeSoto Marriage Records Search
The DeSoto County Clerk of the Circuit Court is the official custodian of marriage records in DeSoto County. Under Florida law, after a marriage ceremony is performed, the officiant returns the completed marriage license to the Clerk's office, where it is filed and recorded. The Clerk then forwards the marriage record to the Florida Department of Health in DeSoto County, which maintains statewide vital records.
The Clerk's marriage records collection includes:
- Marriage licenses issued in DeSoto County
- Marriage certificates filed after ceremonies
- Historical marriage records on file with the county
You can search available court records through the Clerk's online records search portal. For records not available online, contact the office directly or visit in person.
Certified Marriage Record Copies and Fees in DeSoto County
Fees for marriage record copies in Florida are established by state statute (Florida Statutes § 28.24 and § 382.0255). The table below outlines standard fees:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified copy of marriage certificate (from Florida Department of Health) | $5.00 |
| Additional certified copy (same order, from FDOH) | $4.00 |
| Search fee (Clerk of Court) | $2.00 per year searched |
| Certified copy from Clerk of Court (per page) | $2.00 first page; $1.00 each additional page |
Fees may vary slightly depending on whether you order from the county Clerk's office or the Florida Department of Health. Contact the issuing office to confirm current fees before submitting payment. Processing times for in-person requests are typically same-day; mail requests may take several weeks.
Order Marriage Certificates Online or In Person in DeSoto County
There are three ways to obtain a marriage certificate in DeSoto County:
Online
The Florida Department of Health offers an online vital records ordering system at FloridaHealth.gov. You can order certified marriage certificates through the state's VitalChek portal. An additional processing fee applies for online orders.
In Person
Visit the DeSoto County Clerk of the Circuit Court at the courthouse in Arcadia:
Walk-ins are accepted. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID. Payment is typically accepted by cash, check, or money order — confirm accepted methods before visiting.
By Mail
To request a marriage certificate by mail, send the following to the Clerk's office or to the DeSoto County Health Department:
- A written request including the full names of both spouses, approximate date of marriage, and your relationship to the individuals listed
- A photocopy of your valid government-issued photo ID
- The appropriate fee (check or money order payable to the office you are requesting from)
- A self-addressed stamped envelope
You may also submit a public records request through the Clerk's website for records maintained by that office. Allow additional time for mail processing and delivery.