Living Together Is Not Marriage
Fla. Stat. 741.211 — no common-law marriage after January 1, 1968
In Florida, no common-law marriage entered into after January 1, 1968, is valid.
Good faith and substantial compliance. The section does not affect a marriage that, though otherwise defective, was entered into by the party asserting it in good faith and in substantial compliance with the marriage chapter.
| The assumption | What the law actually does |
|---|---|
| The assumptionLiving together long enough makes a common-law marriage | What the law actually doesNone entered into after January 1, 1968, is valid |
| The assumptionAny defect in a ceremony voids the marriage | What the law actually doesNot one entered into in good faith and in substantial compliance |
A marriage validly formed in another state, property and support claims between unmarried partners, and how a marriage ends are separate questions this page does not answer. Whether a particular relationship is a marriage is a question for a licensed Florida attorney.
Sources for this section (1)
- Fla. Stat. 741.211 — Common-law marriages void
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Florida attorney.