If you’re considering marrying your cousin in Florida, you might wonder about the legality of such a union. Florida’s laws regarding cousin marriages are fairly clear, and it is legal for first cousins and other types of cousins to marry in the state.
This article will break down everything you need to know about cousin marriages in Florida, from the types of cousins who can marry to what steps you need to take when applying for a marriage license.
Types of Cousins That Can Get Married in Florida
In Florida, marriage laws are lenient when it comes to cousin relationships. All types of cousins can legally marry in the state, including:
- First cousins
- First cousins once removed
- Second cousins
- Third cousins
- Fourth cousins and beyond
If you are unsure about what these relationships mean, you can easily find explanations and examples online. However, it’s crucial to distinguish between cousins and half-siblings.
Half-siblings are not allowed to marry in Florida, so make sure that the person you’re considering as your spouse is indeed your cousin and not a half-sibling.
What You Should Know About First Cousin Marriage in Florida
While it’s legal for first cousins to marry in Florida, there are a few things to keep in mind when applying for a marriage license. The state requires all couples to apply for a marriage license from the clerk of any court in the state.
You do not need to be a resident of Florida to marry there, which makes it a popular destination for couples from other states that prohibit cousin marriages.
The application form doesn’t ask if the couple is related, so there is no need to mention that you are cousins when filling it out. However, the county clerk might ask you about your relationship. In that case, you can simply explain the situation.
Waiting Period
When applying for a marriage license in Florida, be aware that there is a three-day waiting period before the license is issued. However, you can bypass this waiting period if you complete a pre-marital course offered in Florida. The course can be helpful in speeding up the process if you’re eager to marry quickly.
Who Can’t Get Married in Florida?
Florida law does prohibit certain marriages based on close blood relationships. According to the Florida Family Code, the following marriages are not allowed:
- A man cannot marry any woman related to him by lineal consanguinity (direct bloodline), including his sister, aunt, or niece.
- A woman cannot marry any man related to her by lineal consanguinity, including her brother, uncle, or nephew.
However, you’ll notice that first cousins are not included in this list, which means that such marriages are legal in Florida.
What Is Lineal Consanguinity?
The term “lineal consanguinity” refers to blood relationships in a direct line, such as between parents and children or between grandparents and grandchildren. This excludes cousins, so first cousins and other types of cousins are not restricted by this law.
Do Cousins Travel to Florida to Get Married?
Florida is surrounded by states like Alabama and Georgia, where cousin marriages are also legal. While there has been some concern in the media that people from states with stricter laws might travel to Florida to marry their cousins, this is not a major issue.
The surrounding states generally have similar laws on cousin marriages, so there isn’t a large influx of out-of-state cousins coming into Florida to get married.
Catholic Marriages and Cousin Unions
If you plan to marry in a Roman Catholic Church in Florida, there might be additional steps to take. Historically, the Catholic Church has not been in favor of first cousin marriages. However, the rules have become more relaxed in recent years.
To marry your cousin in a Catholic Church in Florida, you’ll need to go through a process known as dispensation, where you request permission from church authorities.
For second cousins and beyond, no special permission is needed, but it is a good idea to inform your priest about your cousin relationship beforehand. This way, there will be no confusion during the ceremony, especially if family members casually mention the cousin relationship.
In Florida, it is completely legal for cousins, including first cousins, to marry. The process of applying for a marriage license is straightforward, and you do not need to worry about any restrictions on cousin relationships when filling out the application.
While there are a few other legal considerations, such as waiting periods and potential challenges with religious institutions, Florida remains a place where cousin marriages are legally recognized.
If you’re thinking about getting married in Florida, it’s always a good idea to double-check your relationship to avoid any confusion, especially if you’re dealing with distant cousins or half-sibling concerns.
