US Legal Forms
Legal Resources
Questions & Answers
Marriage
Can a USCG licensed captain solemnize a marriage in Florida?

Can a USCG licensed captain solemnize a marriage in Florida?

Q: Can a ship captain perform a marriage ceremony?

A ship captain cannot perform a marriage ceremony in Florida unless they are also an authorized officiant, such as a notary public or ordained minister. Florida law specifies who can solemnize marriages, and a ship captain alone does not meet these criteria.

Q: Can a boat captain marry you in Florida?

No, a boat captain cannot marry you in Florida unless they are also an authorized officiant. Florida law outlines specific individuals who can solemnize marriages, and a boat captain does not fall into this category unless they have additional credentials, such as being a notary public.

Full question:

Can a USCG licensed captain perform a marriage on a vessel in Florida?

Category: Marriage
Date: 04/07/2025
State: Oregon

Answer:

In Florida, marriage can be solemnized by certain authorized individuals. This includes regularly ordained ministers, clergy, judicial officers, retired judicial officers, clerks of the circuit courts, and notaries public. Members of the Quakers or Friends can have their marriage performed in accordance with their group's practices.

According to Florida law (Fla. Stat. § 741.07), these individuals are authorized to solemnize marriages under specified regulations. However, a USCG licensed captain is not listed among those authorized to perform marriage ceremonies in Florida.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

Can boat captains officiate weddings?

In general, boat captains cannot officiate weddings unless they are authorized by law to do so. In Florida, only specific individuals, such as ordained ministers, judges, and notaries public, are permitted to solemnize marriages. Therefore, a boat captain without additional credentials does not have the legal authority to perform wedding ceremonies in Florida.

Who can legally officiate a wedding in Florida?

In Florida, individuals authorized to officiate weddings include ordained ministers, clergy, judicial officers, retired judicial officers, clerks of the circuit courts, and notaries public. Additionally, members of the Quakers or Friends can perform marriages according to their practices. These individuals must comply with Florida law (Fla. Stat. § 741.07) regarding marriage solemnization.

Can a ship captain perform a marriage ceremony?

Who can officiate a wedding on a cruise ship?

On a cruise ship, weddings are typically officiated by individuals who are legally recognized to perform marriages. This may include the ship's captain if they are authorized under the law of the ship's flag state, or a designated officiant like a minister or notary public. It's important to check the specific regulations of the cruise line and the applicable laws.