Clerk of the Court & Comptroller Chronicles

 May 2024

The month of April was a busy and productive one for my office. I had the opportunity to organize my second Operation Green Light event. It was a rewarding experience to help customers find relief by waiving their collections fees, a savings of up to 30% on their financial court obligations.

When I assumed this position, it was important to find ways to bring our services to the community. This month we participated in various community events where our clerks were available to assist residents without them having to visit one of our 16 locations.

Our office is continually advancing and refining our technologies. This includes the enhancement of our Interactive Voice Response (IVR) Systems, the integration of court technology systems, and the improvement of our website, all with the aim of improving our customer service.

I want to personally thank my Clerk and Comptroller team for all of their hard work. It's moments like these that remind me of the positive impact we can make in people's lives, and I look forward to continuing to serve our community with dedication and compassion.

Operation Green Light

Operation Green Light exceeded all expectations and emerged as a resounding success! The initiative not only managed to collect over $604,000 in outstanding debt, but also resulted $268,000 in savings for our residents. Customers saved up to 30% of their court obligations during Operation Green Light, money that goes back into their wallets to pay for everyday essentials. This accomplishment is a testament to our dedication and commitment to achieving remarkable results that benefit both our organization and our valued clients.

Over 1,500 customers have become driver's license reinstatement eligible which allows them to legally drive on our South Florida roads. Thank you to my team for all of their hard work helping our customer during this high demand time.

Take our Daughters and Sons to Work Day 2024

On April 25th my office participated in Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day 2024. This year's theme was "Inspire 2 Aspire," which was about instilling a mindset that children and young adults can choose their own future. The children of our staff were able to participate in a day encompassed with participating in the important and essential functions that their parent and/or guardian performs daily. Thank you to all those that participated.

Community Outreach

&

Mobile Unit

In the month of April, our office attended various community events to allow for the expansion of our services that we provide in-house for those customers who are unable to come to our offices during business hours to be equally served. Events included Commissioner Marlene Bastien's (District 2) resource fair at Gwen Cherry Park and Oak Grove Park, City of North Miami Beach's Heritage Day at Washington Park, and the "Second Chance/Sealing and Expunging Program," where individuals arrested for certain low-level offenses can obtain court orders sealing/or expunging their records.

During the April "Second Chance/ Sealing and Expunging" program two-hundred and six (206) individuals were assisted and one-hundred and fourteen (114) were eligible for the program. Thank you to all the community partners that make this event possible. State Attorney Kathern Fernandez Rundle, Public Defender Carlos Martinez, Commissioner Keon Hardemon, State Attorney's Office Child Support Division, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Affairs. NAACP, Miami-Dade Police Department (MDPD), MDPD Gun Bounty, and Miami-Dade Public Library, and my office.

The next "Second Chance/Seal and Expunging"

 program will be held on

Wednesday, May 22, 2024

4 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Milander Center for Arts & Entertainment

4800 Palm Avenue

Hialeah, Florida 33012

NEW MOTHERS AND JURY DUTY

Effective July 1, 2024, new mothers who have given birth within six months before their reporting date may request to be excused from jury service by submitting the appropriate documentation. 

Additionally, expectant mothers and/or any parent who is not employed full time and who has custody of a child under six years of age may be excused from jury service upon request.

For more information, please visit our website at www.miamidadeclerk.gov/clerk/jurors.page

or contact us at (786) 828-5879.

REQUIREMENTS

When applying for a marriage license both spouses must be present. If one or both of the applicants are minors, under 18 years old, additional requirements apply.

All applicants must present a valid federal or state government photo identification with the correct legal name, date of birth and signature.

Types of photo identification accepted:

• Driver license issued by any state in the U.S.
• Passport
• U.S. military ID
• Alien registration card
• State identification card issued by any state in the U.S.
• Naturalization certificate (original)

Other information required:

• All U.S. citizens and residents must provide their Social Security number.
• Non-U.S. citizens may provide an alien registration card, U.S. state issued driver license, or passport number if Social Security number has not been issued.
• If either applicant has been previously married, they must provide the exact date of the last divorce, death or annulment. If the divorce took place in Miami-Dade County go to the Family Online Case Search and view the docket link for the divorce final judgment date.
• The Family Law Handbook must be read prior to obtaining the marriage license. The Family Law Handbook is also available for viewing at the Central Marriage License Bureau and any of the six District Court locations. 

To expedite the application process, please complete our online marriage license pre-application, and schedule an appointment online.

THREE-DAY WAITING PERIOD & PRE-MARITAL COURSE

All Florida residents have a mandatory three-day waiting period before the marriage license becomes effective or have the option of attending a four-hour premarital course from a registered provider. The waiting period will be waived, and the license will be discounted to $61 upon providing an original four-hour certificate of completion at the time application. 

An Online Premarital Course Provider Directory is available to assist you in locating a premarital course provider. The couple must present the original certificate of completion when applying for their marriage license. Non-Florida residents are exempt from the three-day waiting period. 

CIVIL CEREMONY

Wedding ceremonies are now available. We are accepting walk-ins, however you may experience a longer wait time. To expedite the process, you may schedule an appointment.

The marriage ceremony must be performed on or after the effective date and within 60 days of the issuance of the license. After the marriage ceremony, the marriage license must be returned to the Miami-Dade County Marriage License Bureau within 10 days. 

A marriage ceremony must be performed by any of the following: 

• Any ordained minister, priest, rabbi or other ordained clergy
• All judicial officers (judges) of the state of Florida
• Clerks of the Circuit Court and their deputies of the state of Florida, while performing their duties
• Public notaries of the state of Florida

See the fee schedule for a list of our marriage ceremonial service fees. 

As per the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990; anyone needing special accommodations to access these services should contact the ADA Coordinator. 

Related Fees

PREMARITAL PROVIDERS AFFIDAVIT & INSTRUCTIONS

As authorized by Florida Statute 741.0305, the Clerk of the Court and Comptroller must maintain a roster of qualified registered premarital preparation course providers. To be added to the roster, please read over the instructions listed below and send in a complete affidavit to the Central Marriage License Bureau.

Requirements

AFFIRMATION OF COMMON CHILDREN BORN IN FLORIDA

Pursuant to Florida Statute 741.01, the Affirmation of Common Children Born in Florida form is provided to allow both parties to the marriage to state under oath in writing if they are the parents of a child born in this state and to identify any such child they have in common by name, date of birth, place of birth, and if available, birth certificate number. One form is required per child.