Marriage—also known as matrimony or wedlock—is the legal and cultural process by which two people join their separate lives as one. The contractual rights and obligations of the parties to a marriage are generally defined by the state, as provided in the state’s statutes (often in the family code), unless otherwise agreed by the parties in a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement. Marriage is intended to last until death, but is often terminated sooner by separation or divorce.
In Florida, marriage is recognized as a legal union between two people, which grants them certain rights and responsibilities as defined by state statutes, particularly within the Florida Family Code. The state requires a marriage license for a couple to marry, and they must meet certain criteria, such as being of legal age without being closer than first cousins or already married to someone else. Florida does not recognize common-law marriages that begin in the state, but it does recognize common-law marriages from other jurisdictions where they are legal. Couples can enter into prenuptial or postnuptial agreements to alter or define the terms of their marriage, especially concerning property rights and obligations. While marriage is intended to be a lifelong commitment, Florida law provides for the dissolution of marriage, commonly known as divorce, which legally ends the marriage. Divorce laws cover issues such as property division, alimony, child custody, and child support.