What is the Florida Premarital Course?

The Florida Premarital Course Statute outlines the standards a teachable class must meet to be considered valid for engaged couples to learn the fundamental social skills needed for a long-term relationship. The couples who complete this special course have a better foundation for their marriage, receive a $25.00 reduction in the marriage license fee and have the standard three-day waiting period waived.

Is the Florida Premarital Course required for all couples?

No, it’s not mandatory.  However, a couple can avoid the three-day waiting period for the marriage license to be active, by taking the premarital course. This only applies to people who are residents in the state of Florida. Non-residents have no waiting period even if they don’t take the course.

How does it help?

The main idea is to make a couple reflect on their life together by exploring the following topics:

1. Communication skills
2. Financial responsibilities
3. Children and parenting responsibilities
4. Data compiled from available information relating to problems reported by married couples who seek marriage or individual counseling

How long is the course?

The standard course takes four hours to complete. Depending on the provider, they can be online, in person or a hybrid combination where the couple reviews content online and then attends a live session with a therapist.

How do I find a provider?

Many providers can be found online.  When looking through providers, couples can consider the added value of working with a licensed psychotherapist.  Look out for credentials such as LCSW and other designations after the name of the course provider and review their experience in couple therapy.

How much does it cost?

Prices range from $15.00 for a simple online course to over $500.00 for courses that include valuable information that can assist a couple in handling the challenges of matrimony.  When looking for a course, remember to look for a provider that offers valuable content and be aware that valuable content is likely to cost more than those with basic content.

The Importance of a Licensed Psychotherapist

Licensed psychotherapists can work with individuals, couples, groups, or families. Psychotherapists treat conditions such as overwhelm, grief and specific mental disorders like depression or anxiety.  As a result, they have experience in helping people to handle the challenges faced at different stages of life. Psychotherapists can help lead a couple on its own particular journey through the challenges of a married life.

Alina Sosa-Perez, Psychotherapist

Alina Sosa-Perez and Services for Living Well have a hybrid combination of online and in-person state-approved premarital education sessions.

These sessions do more than just eliminate the waiting period to get married.  Many couples really find the content to be valuable in terms of helping them achieve a happy and solid marital union. In particular, Alina Sosa-Perez’s Florida State Premarital Education Course helps to significantly improve communication and prepare couples for the many challenges they will face during their life together. 

Take action before your big wedding day by reaching out to Alina Sosa-Perez via her contact form.