Many individuals 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. Accordingly, Broward County has created a system for such relationships, referred to as domestic partnerships, to be registered, amended and terminated.
Definition of Domestic Partnership
Under the definition provided by Broward County Ordinance 1999-18, Domestic Partners must meet the following requirements:
- We are both 18 or older and competent to contract;
- Neither of us is married nor a partner to another domestic partnership relationship;
- Neither of us is related to the other by blood;
- We are domiciled in Broward County, or are, otherwise, subject to the provisions of the Broward County Domestic Partnership Act of 1999;
- We consent to this domestic partnership and said consent has not been obtained by force, duress, or fraud;
- We agree to be jointly responsible for each other's basic food and shelter during our domestic partnership;
- Neither of us has had a different domestic partner within the last thirty (30) days.
How to Register a Domestic Partnership
Domestic partners may register at the office of the Broward County Records, Taxes and Treasury Division.
- Download a Declaration of Domestic Partnership (PDF) Form or obtain one from Broward County Records, Taxes and Treasury Division.
- Complete the form. Form must be legible, and both partners must sign the application before a Notary Public. Form can be notarized at the Records, Taxes and Treasury Division, at the time of recording, for an additional fee.
- Take or mail the notarized form to: Broward County Records, Taxes and Treasury Division Governmental Center Room 114 115 S. Andrews Ave. Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301.
When sending forms by mail, please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope for the return of your recorded documents.
Note: Once an application for Domestic Partnership registration is recorded with Broward County, it becomes a public record. Any member of the public can purchase a copy of any public record.
Cost of Domestic Partnership Registration
The initial cost for registration is $54.00 This includes:
- Recording of the five-page, notarized Declaration of Domestic Partnership
- One Certificate of Registration
- Two laminated wallet cards
- Termination and Amendment forms (for subsequent use)
- Instructions for completing all forms
Additional fees apply for:
| Notarization |
$10 |
| Recording an Amended Declaration of Domestic Partnership |
$18.50 |
| Recording a Termination of Domestic Partnership |
$10 |
Additional certificate or laminated wallet card
|
$5 each |
Amendment of Termination of Domestic Partnership
The amendment or termination of a Domestic Partnership can be recorded at the Broward County Records, Taxes and Treasury Division:
- Download an Amended Declaration of Domestic Partnership (PDF)
Formor a Declaration of Termination of Domestic Partnership (PDF), as applicable, or obtain one from Broward County Records, Taxes and Treasury Division. (A copy of these forms were also provided in your original Domestic Partner Registration packet).
- Complete the form. Form must be legible, and both partners must sign the application before a Notary Public. Form can be notarized at the Records, Taxes and Treasury Division, at the time of recording, for an additional fee.
- Take or mail the notarized form to:
Broward County Records, Taxes and Treasury Division
Governmental Center Room 114
115 S. Andrews Ave.
Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301
When sending forms by mail, please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope for the return of your recorded documents.
Private Industry Encouraged to Recognize Domestic Partners
As an employer, Broward County extends certain benefits to the Registered Domestic Partners of Broward County employees. County employees can elect insurance coverage for their Domestic Partners, and may use sick, annual, family illness and bereavement leave to care for their Domestic Partners or the dependents of their Domestic Partners, as applicable.
The Board of County Commissioners encourages private industry to extend benefits to the Domestic Partners of their employees, and to encourage this practice, gives preference to companies doing business with Broward County that do so.
