All Love, All Couples, Always
Florida Specifically
Same-sex marriages have been performed in Florida since January 6, 2015 following a series of court decisions — including Brenner v. Scott (U.S. District Court, Northern District of Florida, August 21, 2014), which found Florida's same-sex marriage ban unconstitutional. The U.S. Supreme Court declined to extend the stay on December 19, 2014, and marriages began January 6, 2015.
Florida Statute 741.07 — the law that governs who may perform marriages in Florida — applies equally to all couples. Marriage licenses are issued by Florida county clerks regardless of the genders of the applicants. The process, the fees, the waiting periods, and the requirements are identical for all couples.
Sarasota County and Charlotte County — the two county clerks serving Venice, Nokomis, and Englewood — issue marriage licenses to all couples without distinction. There is no additional process, no additional form, and no additional requirement for same-sex couples.
What This Means for Your Beach Wedding
✓ You can legally obtain your Florida marriage license at the Sarasota County Clerk (Venice/Nokomis ceremonies) or Charlotte County Clerk (Englewood ceremonies) — same process as any couple.
✓ Your Florida beach ceremony is legally recognized in all 50 states under the Respect for Marriage Act.
✓ All officiants listed at OurBeachVows.com serve all couples. Florida Notary Public officiants — legal under Florida Statute 741.07 — are a popular option for couples who want a fully secular ceremony.
✓ Every vendor, every hotel, every beach, and every restaurant in our guides serves all couples equally. Florida law prohibits discrimination in public accommodations.
A Note on an Ongoing Legislative Question
Florida Statute 741.212 contained language originally written to prohibit same-sex marriage recognition. That language was rendered unenforceable by Obergefell v. Hodges in 2015 but was never formally removed from the books by the Florida Legislature. A 2025 bill (Florida SB 144) to repeal it formally died in committee in June 2025. This has no practical effect on your ability to marry in Florida — federal law governs and your marriage is fully protected — but we include it here in the interest of full transparency. The Respect for Marriage Act (federal, 2022) serves as the statutory backstop that protects your marriage regardless of any state statute.
OurBeachVows.com is proudly LGBTQ+ affirming. You deserve a beautiful beach wedding — and you deserve to know your rights. Say YES to the Beach. 🌊
This information is provided for educational purposes. We are not attorneys. For legal advice specific to your situation, consult a Florida family law attorney.
LGBTQ+ Couples Are Fully, Legally Welcome Here 🏳️🌈
Same-sex marriage is fully legal in Florida and federally protected under U.S. law. Here is exactly where things stand as of 2026, with the actual laws and dates you deserve to know.
The Federal Protection Layer — Your Strongest Guarantee
Obergefell v. Hodges — U.S. Supreme Court — June 26, 2015 The Supreme Court ruled that same-sex couples have a constitutional right to marry under the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. This decision invalidated all state laws banning same-sex marriage nationwide, including Florida's. It remains binding law.
Respect for Marriage Act (H.R. 8404) — Signed into federal law December 13, 2022 Passed with bipartisan support — 258–169 in the House, 61–36 in the Senate. This law formally repealed the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act and codified marriage equality into federal statute. Specifically, it requires every U.S. state to recognize same-sex marriages that were legally performed in any other state or jurisdiction. It also guarantees federal recognition of same-sex marriages for all federal benefits, immigration rights, tax purposes, and legal protections. This law means that even if the Supreme Court were to revisit Obergefell in the future, your federally recognized marriage remains protected under statute.