|
Domestic Partnership Information
WHAT IS DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIP?
The Broward County Board of County Commissioners recognizes that there are many individuals who establish and maintain a significant personal, emotional, and economic relationship with another individual, often living in a committed family relationship, outside the bounds of traditional marriage. Broward County recognizes the diversity of family configurations and has created a system for such relationships to be registered and recognized.
In addition, the Board of County Commissioners has decided to extend certain employee benefits to the Registered Domestic Partners of Broward County Employees. County employees can elect insurance coverage for their Domestic Partners and use all forms of leave provided by the County, including sick leave, annual leave, family illness leave and bereavement leave to care for their Domestic Partners or the dependents of the Domestic Partner, as applicable.
The Board of County Commissioners invites private industry to similarly extend employee benefits to the Registered Domestic Partners of their employees. To encourage this practice, preference will be given to contractors doing business with Broward County who provide benefits for Domestic Partners of their employees. For details about these preferences, contact the Broward County Purchasing Division at (954) 357-6065.
WHO CAN BE REGISTERED DOMESTIC PARTNERS?
Under the definition provided by Broward County Ordinance 1999-18, Domestic Partners must meet the following requirements:
- Each party is at least 18 years old and competent to contract
- Neither person is married, nor a partner to another domestic partnership relationship
- Consent of either person to the domestic partnership relationship has not been obtained by force, duress, or fraud
- Each person agrees to be jointly responsible for each other's basic food and shelter
- Both parties must be domiciled in Broward County OR one of the parties must be employed by the Broward County Board of County Commissioners.
Back to top
IS DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIP REGISTRATION CONFIDENTIAL?
No, when an application for Domestic Partnership Registration is recorded with Broward County Records Division, it becomes a public record and can be viewed by anyone. Any member of the public can purchase a copy of any public record.
HOW DO WE REGISTER AS DOMESTIC PARTNERS?
1. Download a Domestic Partnership Declaration form (below) or obtain one from Broward County Records Division at 115 South Andrews Avenue, Room 114, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301.
2. Complete the form, legibly. Both partners must sign the application before a Notary Public.
3. Take or mail the notarized form to Broward County Records Division, 115 South Andrews Avenue, Room 114, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida 33301. When sending the forms by mail, please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope for the return of your recorded documents.
WHAT IF WE WANT TO AMEND OR TERMINATE OUR REGISTRATION?
1. Download the appropriate forms (below) or check your original registration forms packet. Amendment and termination forms are included in the original registration packets, provided to you at the time of your initial registration.
2. Take or mail the notarized form to Broward County Records Division, 115 South Andrews Avenue, Room 114, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida 33301. When sending the forms by mail, please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope for the return of your recorded documents.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO REGISTER?
The initial cost for registration is $28. This fee includes:
- Recordation of two-page Declaration of Domestic Partnership
- One (1) Certificate of Registration
- Two (2) laminated wallet cards
- Termination and Amendment forms for subsequent use
- Instructions for completing all forms
If Notarization is requested at the time of recording, there will be an additional fee of $10.00 for each signature notarized.
Subsequent costs may include:
- Recordation of Amended Declaration of Domestic Partnership - $18.50
- Recordation of Termination of Domestic Partnership - $10.00
- Additional certificate or laminated wallet card - $5.00 each
- Notarization of any signature for recording purposes - $10.00 per signature
WHERE CAN WE REGISTER
Registration is completed at the Recording Section of the County Records Division.
See Location and Hours.
FORMS
Forms available for download are in PDF format and require the free Adobe Acrobat Reader.
Take or mail the notarized form to Broward County Records Division, 115 South Andrews Avenue, Room 114, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida 33301. When sending the forms by mail, please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope for the return of your recorded documents. For driving directions, see Location and Hours.
Back to top
Recording Main Menu
|
