In Florida, the most direct source is the Florida Department of Health's Bureau of Vital Statistics or any local County Health Department office. They are the only official agencies authorized to issue certified copies of Florida birth records. You can typically choose to order online via the state's contracted third-party vendor (VitalChek), apply in person at a county health office, or submit a request by mail to the Bureau's main office in Jacksonville.

🔗 Florida Department of Health Official Vital Records Page: https://www.floridahealth.gov/certificates/

The primary method for obtaining a certified copy of a Florida birth certificate involves completing the required application (DH Form 726), providing valid photo identification, verifying your eligibility (you must be the registrant, a parent, legal guardian, or legal representative), and paying the necessary fees. The simplest and most secure option is typically ordering online or visiting your nearest County Health Department location.

🔗 Florida Birth Record Application (DH Form 726): Search for "DH726 Application for a Florida Birth Record" on the Florida DOH Forms page

A certified copy of a birth certificate in Florida can be obtained from any County Health Department within the state, regardless of the county where the birth occurred. You do not need to travel back to the specific county of birth. Simply visit the Vital Statistics office at your nearest county's Department of Health office.

🔗 Find Your Local County Health Department Vital Statistics Office: Find a location near you on the Florida DOH County Health Departments page

Yes, you can order a copy online, but you must use the Florida Department of Health's ONLY contracted third-party vendor, VitalChek. Be cautious of other non-governmental websites, as they are not official and may charge excessive fees. Online ordering through VitalChek allows you to pay with a credit card and often includes options for expedited shipping.

🔗 Order Online via VitalChek (Florida's Contracted Vendor): VitalChek - Florida Vital Statistics

Same-day service is available for in-person requests at the main Bureau of Vital Statistics office in Jacksonville or at many local **County Health Department offices** across Florida. You should call ahead to your local office to confirm same-day availability and hours. You'll need to arrive during lobby hours with your application, photo ID, and payment.

The most convenient "near me" location will be your closest Florida County Health Department office that handles Vital Statistics. Since Florida is a "state-centralized" system for records from 1917 to the present, any county office can process your request for a certified copy of a Florida-born citizen. Check the Florida DOH website for a list of locations, hours, and fees.

To obtain a birth certificate in Florida, you must present a valid, non-expired photo ID (such as a Driver's License, State ID Card, Passport, or Military ID) and complete the official application form. Crucially, you must also satisfy the **eligibility requirement**, proving you are the registrant (if 18 or older), a parent, guardian, or legal representative.

If you were born outside of Florida (e.g., in Texas, Illinois, New York, etc.), the Florida Department of Health cannot issue that certificate. You must contact the **Vital Records office in the state where the birth occurred**. Search for the state's Department of Health or Vital Records website for their specific ordering procedures, fees, and eligibility requirements.

🔗 Find Other State Vital Records Contacts (CDC): Where to Write for Vital Records

Getting an original birth certificate after an adoption in Florida can be complex. Typically, you need a court order, or if the adopted person is an adult, a certified copy may be released if the birth parents have provided written, **notarized** consent. You will need to contact the Bureau of Vital Statistics directly for guidance on this highly sensitive and legally restricted process.

No, the State of Florida does not issue certified birth certificates in a digital format. Official, certified copies are physical documents printed on security paper with an embossed seal from the Department of Health. This security measure ensures the document is legally accepted for purposes like passports, school enrollment, and employment.

You have two main options in Northeast Florida: 1) The **Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics (Main Office)** in Jacksonville (1217 N Pearl Street) for walk-in service, or 2) The local **Duval County Health Department** office. Both locations issue certified Florida birth records. Be sure to check their hours before visiting.

If you are *not* the registrant or the parent, the eligible party (parent or registrant) must complete the **Affidavit to Release a Birth Certificate (DH Form 1958)**, which **must be notarized** by a notary public. This affidavit authorizes the DOH to release the confidential record to a third party. Getting this form correctly notarized is essential for your application to be accepted.

🔗 Affidavit to Release a Birth Certificate (DH Form 1958): Search for "DH1958 Affidavit to Release a Birth Certificate" on the Florida DOH Forms page

If you are in the Tampa Bay area, you can visit the **Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County** office that handles Vital Statistics. The Hillsborough County Tax Collector's offices may also offer this service, but always confirm with the local DOH office directly for the most reliable service location, hours, and up-to-date fees.

Yes. If the certificate is for official use outside the U.S., it typically requires an **Apostille** from the Florida Secretary of State. You must first obtain a certified copy of the birth certificate from the DOH using the specific Apostille application form (**DH Form 726A**), which ensures the document meets the necessary state criteria for the subsequent legalization process.

🔗 Apostille Forms (DH Form 726A): Search for "DH726A Apostille Birth Application" on the Florida DOH Forms page

Florida's records are generally available from **1917 to the present** at all County Health Departments. While the central Bureau of Vital Statistics has limited records dating back to 1850, if your record predates 1917, you must request it specifically from the **Bureau of Vital Statistics main office in Jacksonville** via mail or in-person. The fee includes a search, and if no record is found, you will receive a certified "No Record Found" statement instead.

In Florida, there are two primary offices that hold marriage records, depending on the document you need:

1. The **County Clerk of the Circuit Court** where the license was originally issued (for the physical license record).
2. The **Florida Department of Health (DOH) Bureau of Vital Statistics** (for official certificates of marriages recorded from June 6, 1927, to present).

The DOH's Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville is the centralized location for official state records.

🔗 Florida DOH Marriage Certificates Page: https://www.floridahealth.gov/certificates/certificates/marriage/index.html

Yes, you can order a certified copy of a Florida marriage certificate online through **VitalChek**, the state's **exclusive contracted vendor**. This is the fastest way to get an official, certified copy mailed to you, often with the option for expedited shipping. Ensure you use the link provided by the Florida Department of Health to avoid unofficial third-party sites.

🔗 Order Online via VitalChek (Florida's Contracted Vendor): VitalChek - Florida Marriage Certificates

If your marriage ceremony was performed less than **60 days** ago, the record may not have been fully processed and filed with the state's Bureau of Vital Statistics yet. For immediate evidence of marriage, you must contact the **County Clerk of the Circuit Court** in the county where your marriage license was originally issued, as they are the first to record the document.

You can get a certified copy in person at the **Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics' main office** located in Jacksonville, or at the **County Clerk of the Circuit Court** in the county where you were married. The Clerk's office is often the most direct source for records issued in that specific county.

For example, if you were married in Osceola County, you would visit the Osceola Clerk of Court’s Recording Department.

🔗 Osceola County Clerk of Court Marriage Records: Osceola Clerk of the Circuit Court & County Comptroller

For records specific to a county, you should contact the respective **Clerk of the Circuit Court** office. Many Clerks, such as Broward County, allow you to submit a request for certified copies by mail or in person at one of their courthouse locations, providing the names of both parties at the time of application and the date of marriage.

🔗 Broward County Clerk of Courts Marriage Records Request: Broward County Clerk of Courts - Marriage Licenses

You must provide the **full names of both spouses** prior to their first marriage and the **date of the marriage**. You also need to provide your own full name, address, phone number, signature, and relationship to the person(s) named on the marriage record (i.e., self, family member, or legal representative).

The Florida Department of Health (Bureau of Vital Statistics) holds centralized records only from **June 6, 1927, to the present**. If your marriage occurred before this date, the record must be requested directly from the **Clerk of the Circuit Court** in the county where the marriage license was originally issued.

Generally, a certified copy of a marriage certificate can be requested by a spouse without needing a notarized affidavit, as marriage records are typically **public records** in Florida. However, if you are requesting an **Apostille** or if a third-party is requesting the certificate on your behalf, notarization of an authorization letter may be required by the requesting agency. Always confirm the specific documentation needed with the issuing office.

You can obtain a Florida Death Certificate through the Florida Department of Health (DOH) Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville or from a **local County Health Department** office. The County Health Departments can issue certificates for deaths that occurred in Florida from **2009 to the present**. For records prior to 2009, you must contact the State Office of Vital Statistics directly.

🔗 Florida DOH Death Certificates Page: https://www.floridahealth.gov/certificates/certificates/death/index.html

Yes and no. The ability to obtain a copy depends on whether you need the **cause of death** included:

• Without Cause of Death: Any person 18 years of age or older may obtain a certified copy. This version is considered **public record** (though the SSN is partially redacted).
• With Cause of Death: This version is **confidential for 50 years** and only available to immediate family (spouse, parent, adult child/grandchild/sibling), someone with interest in the estate (with documentation like a will or insurance policy), or a legal representative.

To receive a death certificate that includes the cause of death (for records less than 50 years old), you must submit the application (DH Form 727) along with a **valid photo ID** and proof of your relationship to the deceased (e.g., a birth or marriage certificate). If you are a legal representative or estate interest holder, you may also need to provide supporting legal documents.

🔗 Florida DOH Death Record Application (DH Form 727): Download DH727 Application for a Death Record

You can order certified copies online through **VitalChek**, which is the **only vendor** authorized by the Florida Department of Health to process these requests electronically. This service typically includes a fee from both the state and VitalChek, but it allows for fast processing and expedited shipping options.

🔗 Order Online via VitalChek (Florida's Contracted Vendor): VitalChek - Florida Death Certificates

If you are an eligible party (spouse, parent, etc.) requesting the certificate for yourself, notarization is **not usually required** on the standard application. However, if a restricted record (with cause of death) is being requested by a third party on behalf of an eligible family member, the DOH requires a **notarized Affidavit to Release Cause of Death Information (DH Form 1959)**.

The fastest method is **in-person walk-in service** at the DOH Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville or a local County Health Department (for records from 2009 onward). Many local offices, such as the Orange County Health Department, offer same-day service, often completing the request in 15 minutes or less, provided you have all the necessary identification and information.

🔗 Hillsborough County DOH (Tampa Area) Contact: Hillsborough County Vital Records Information

Yes. The **funeral home** or cremation service typically handles the initial preparation and filing of the death certificate with the state and usually orders certified copies on behalf of the family immediately following the death. This is often the most convenient way to obtain the initial set of certified copies needed for estate and benefit settlements.

In Florida, official fingerprint-based background checks (often called "Level 2" screenings) are conducted by **FDLE-approved Live Scan service providers**. These private vendors, which include companies like IdentoGO (IDEMIA) and Certifix, securely capture your fingerprints and transmit them electronically to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and the FBI.

You must know your **ORI number** (Originating Agency Identifier) before going, which you get from the agency requesting the background check (e.g., AHCA, DBPR, etc.).

🔗 Find a Certified Live Scan Service Provider (FDLE List): Locate a Provider - Florida Health Source

In Florida, the combined check for licensing or employment is typically called a **Level 2 Background Screening**. This screening includes:

• **FDLE (Florida Department of Law Enforcement) Check:** This covers Florida state criminal and juvenile records. (Florida uses FDLE, not BCI).
• **FBI Check:** This covers national and federal criminal records.

Many Florida industries (healthcare, education, finance) require this Level 2 check to ensure a comprehensive criminal history review across both state and federal jurisdictions.

If you are a Florida resident needing a background check for an Ohio license (requiring BCI - Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation), you have two primary options:

1. **Electronic Submission:** Use an Ohio-contracted vendor (like FastFingerprints) that is set up to electronically submit prints to Ohio's BCI from out-of-state via a WebCheck system.
2. **Ink Card Submission:** Have your fingerprints rolled onto a physical FBI FD-258 card by a local Florida police department or fingerprinting service, and mail the card (along with payment and required forms) directly to the Ohio BCI&I office in London, OH.

Your FBI Identity History Summary (IDHS) is sent directly to the requesting state agency (FDLE in Florida or BCI in Ohio/other states). They are legally mandated to retain the official result.

To get a copy for personal review or general use (such as for immigration or foreign travel), you must submit a request directly to the FBI. The FBI requires a standard fingerprint card (FD-258) and a formal application, which you can obtain from their website.

🔗 FBI Identity History Summary (Personal Request): FBI Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division

The **ORI (Originating Agency Identifier) number** is a nine-character code assigned to the agency or licensing board that will receive your background check results. When you get Live Scanned in Florida, the ORI number ensures that your digital fingerprints and the subsequent criminal history report are transmitted securely and directly to the correct destination (e.g., the Department of Business and Professional Regulation for a real estate license). You **must** obtain this code from the entity requesting your background check; the fingerprinting vendor cannot provide it.

If electronic Live Scan is not an option for your out-of-state or personal FBI request, you need traditional **ink fingerprinting** on an FD-258 card. In the Tampa area (Hillsborough County), the **Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO)** Identification Section offers this service, often for a small fee. Call ahead to confirm their hours, fees, and whether they can roll prints on a card you provide or if they supply the card.

🔗 Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Fingerprinting Information: HCSO Fingerprinting Services (Tampa, FL)

For official, electronic background checks required for state licensing (Level 2), you must visit an **FDLE-approved Live Scan Service Provider**. These are private vendors authorized to digitally capture and transmit your fingerprints to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE).

Major national providers like **IdentoGO (IDEMIA)** and **Certifix Live Scan** have numerous centers across Florida, often within retail locations like The UPS Store or dedicated service offices.

🚨 Reminder: You must have the correct **ORI number** from your requesting agency before you go.

🔗 Find a Certified Live Scan Service Provider (FDLE List): Locate a Provider (FL Health Source)

Some, but not all, Florida police or sheriff's offices offer **ink card fingerprinting** (for paper submissions) to the public, often for a small fee. However, **most Florida government-required background checks now mandate electronic Live Scan**. Always call your local police department first to confirm their services, hours, and if they can accommodate your specific Live Scan or ink card needs.

• **Example (Tampa Area):** Tampa Police Department offers standard ink prints for a fee during specific hours.
• **Example (Clearwater Area):** Clearwater Police Department offers ink card services on certain days by appointment or walk-in.

Ink fingerprinting (using the standard **FBI FD-258 card**) is primarily needed for out-of-state licensing, federal non-FDLE agencies (like ATF or OPM), or personal FBI reports. Many commercial Live Scan providers, such as Certifix or private fingerprinting businesses like **Fingerprint Chick** in Jacksonville, offer this service, often alongside their electronic services.

The **Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office** also offers ink card services for Duval County residents, but check hours and fees before visiting.

For state-regulated professions like a security license (DBPR) or IHSS (In-Home Supportive Services), you need a **Level 2 Live Scan background check**. This is done through any **FDLE-approved vendor** in the state, such as those listed on the Florida Health Source website.

You must select a provider and provide the correct ORI number associated with the specific state agency (e.g., Department of Business and Professional Regulation for security) to ensure your results are sent to the proper governing body.

Yes. Florida has several approved vendors who offer **mobile Live Scan and fingerprinting services** for large groups, schools, or healthcare facilities. Companies like **Certifix** and various local providers (e.g., **321 Mobile Livescan & Notary Services**) will travel to your location to capture prints for multiple applicants, increasing convenience and compliance for the requesting agency.

Many **UPS Store** locations across Florida are authorized enrollment centers for specific FDLE-approved Live Scan providers (like PrintScan or Certifix). You will usually need to complete an online enrollment or pre-registration process and obtain a QR code before visiting the store. Check the specific provider's website to find participating UPS Store locations near you in Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville, etc.

Digital fingerprints (electronic submission) are handled by all Live Scan providers. If you need a digital file of your fingerprints (called an **EFT file**) for federal agencies like the ATF or FBI Channeling, you must use a provider specifically certified for this service, such as certain **IdentoGO** or specialty fingerprinting centers. EFT files are not typically provided directly to the individual, but rather transmitted to the requesting federal agency.

Many smaller, private Live Scan centers often combine fingerprinting and notary services into one visit. For example, the search results mentioned **Anything Notary** in Jacksonville Beach, which is certified for Live Scan and also provides notary services. When searching for a provider, look for local companies that explicitly state they offer **"Live Scan and Notary Services"** or **"Mobile Livescan & Notary Services."**

You can find notaries in many common locations across Florida, though availability often varies:

• **Banks & Credit Unions:** Many banks (like Bank of America or Navy Federal) offer free notary services to customers. Always call your specific branch first.
• **Shipping Stores:** Locations such as The UPS Store, FedEx Office, or Post Offices often have notaries on staff.
• **Commercial Notaries:** Dedicated mobile or storefront notary services, which are typically available outside of standard business hours and often handle complex documents.

Yes, major national and regional banks operating in Florida, including **Bank of America**, **Wells Fargo**, and **Chase** banks, frequently have notaries available. However, they usually limit the service to their account holders, and it is almost always recommended to **call the specific branch location** ahead of time to confirm a notary is on duty, as many banks do not guarantee a notary's availability.

Traditional locations like banks and government offices are rarely open for notary services on weekends or evenings. For services outside of standard banking hours, you need a **mobile notary** or a full-service commercial notary office. These professionals specialize in meeting clients at a convenient location (home, office, hospital) during flexible hours, including weekends and holidays.

Under Florida law (Statute $\text{§ 117.05}$), a notary public may charge a maximum fee of **$10.00** for any single notarial act (such as administering an oath or taking an acknowledgment). If the notary travels to you (a mobile service), they may also charge a reasonable travel fee, which is separate from the notarial fee itself and must be agreed upon in advance.

🔗 Florida Notary Handbook (Secretary of State): View the current Florida Notary Handbook for fee schedules

The most common place to receive **free notary service** is at your own financial institution. Many large banks (Chase, Bank of America, Navy Federal, etc.) and small credit unions offer notarization as a complimentary benefit to their existing customers. Public library systems sometimes offer limited free notary service as well, but this is highly inconsistent and should always be verified by phone first.

A Florida Notary Public must purchase their official seal (**stamp or embosser**) from a **notary bonding agency** or a commercial stamp supplier that specializes in state-compliant seals. The seal must be clearly legible and contain specific information, including the notary's name, the words "Notary Public-State of Florida," and their commission expiration date.

New seals are required upon commission renewal or any official name change.

Florida law requires that a notary public positively identify the signer. This is most commonly achieved using one of two methods:

1. **Personal Knowledge:** The notary personally knows the signer.
2. **Satisfactory Evidence:** Presenting a form of official photo identification, such as a **valid, non-expired driver's license, passport, or state-issued identification card**.

The ID must be current and contain a signature and photograph.

The **Florida Secretary of State, Division of Corporations** in Tallahassee is the only competent authority authorized to issue Apostilles and Notarial Certifications for Florida documents. No other state or county office can provide this certification.

You can submit your request by mail or take advantage of their **walk-in service** at their physical office location.

Physical Address (Courier/Walk-in): 2415 N. Monroe Street, Suite 810, Tallahassee, FL 32303

🔗 Florida Department of State Apostille Information: Authentications (Apostilles & Notarial Certifications)

Apostilling a Florida vital record (Birth, Death, Marriage) requires a mandatory two-step process:

1. **Step 1: Obtain a Certified Certificate** from the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics (DOH) in Jacksonville. You must use the special application for Apostille/Notarial Certificate purposes (DH Form 726A).
2. **Step 2: Send to Department of State** Once received, you must forward the *original* DOH-issued certificate, along with the Apostille Request Form and payment, to the Florida Secretary of State in Tallahassee for the Apostille seal.

You can expedite Step 1 by using the DOH's contracted vendor, VitalChek, who will handle the forwarding process for you.

No. A local Florida notary public is only authorized to verify the identity of the signer and witness the signature (**Step 1: Notarization**). The **Apostille** itself is a higher-level state authentication seal that verifies the *notary's* commission and signature to foreign governments. Only the **Florida Secretary of State** can issue the final Apostille seal.

The standard fee charged by the Florida Department of State (DOS) is **$10.00 per document**. However, the total cost depends on the document type:

• **Standard Notarized Document (Power of Attorney, Affidavit):** $10.00 per document (payable to DOS).
• **Clerk of Court Certified Document (Divorce Decree):** $20.00 per document ($10 Apostille fee + $10 Certificate of Incumbency fee, payable to DOS).
• **Vital Records (Birth/Marriage Certificate):** You pay the DOH fee first (for the certificate) and then the DOS fee (for the Apostille).

The Florida Department of State will reject any document that:

1. Is a photocopy of an original notarized document or vital record.
2. Is a public record (like a Birth Certificate) that has been notarized by a Florida Notary Public (instead of being issued by the DOH).
3. Was issued or notarized outside of the State of Florida.
4. Does not contain a full and correct notarial statement.

You must ensure your document is either an original certified copy or correctly notarized by a Florida notary.

Since the Apostille authority is centralized in Tallahassee, your options are mailing or using a courier service. Many professional **Apostille agents** (third-party service providers) in major Florida cities offer expedited services where they will hand-deliver and pick up documents from the Secretary of State's office, reducing your turnaround time significantly compared to mailing it yourself.

The Florida Department of State processes requests in the order they are received:

• **Mail Submission:** Processing time can take several weeks, not including the transit time for mail both ways.
• **Walk-in Submission (Tallahassee):** The request can often be processed while you wait, usually on the same day, provided you arrive during business hours (M-F, 8 AM - 5 PM) and your documents are in order.

If you passed the GED test in Florida, your official records are held by the **Florida Department of Education (DOE)**. The process depends on when you took the test:

• **2014 or Later:** You must log in to your account on the official **GED.com** website to request a replacement diploma or transcript electronically.
• **Before 2014:** You will typically need to complete a request form and mail it, along with a money order or cashier's check for the fee, to the **Florida DOE GED Testing Office** in Tallahassee.

🔗 Florida GED Records Contact Information (DOE): Call toll-free 1-877-352-4331 or 850-245-0449.

ServSafe certificates (Food Manager or Food Handler) are handled nationally through the ServSafe organization, not the State of Florida. The easiest way to get a copy is online:

1. Go to the official **ServSafe.com** website.
2. Log into your ServSafe account profile.
3. You can download and print a PDF version of your eCertificate for free, often immediately after passing a computer-based exam.

A printed copy can be requested and mailed for a $10 fee.

🔗 ServSafe Certificate Access: ServSafe Duplicate Certificate Information

Your Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship is a **federal document**, not a state document. It must be replaced through **U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)**, regardless of where you live in Florida. You must file **Form N-565, Application for Replacement Naturalization/Citizenship Document**, which can be done online or by mail.

If you only need to prove citizenship for a passport, the U.S. Department of State accepts a variety of primary and secondary evidence.

🔗 USCIS Form N-565 (Replacement Document): USCIS - Application for Replacement Naturalization/Citizenship Document

No. While the **National Archives at Atlanta** maintains older records (pre-1995) from federal courts in Florida, they can only provide copies for genealogical or historical research, not official certified copies for legal or travel purposes. For a replacement legal document, you must use **Form N-565** through USCIS.

If your application requires a sworn statement, affidavit, or copies of supporting documents to be notarized, we can help.

A Prenuptial Agreement (**Prenup**) is a legal contract and must be drafted or reviewed by a qualified **Florida Family Law Attorney**. While some online services offer templates, only an attorney can provide legal advice and ensure the agreement is valid and enforceable under the Florida Uniform Premarital Agreement Act (UPAA) (Statute $\text{§ 61.079}$).

A notary public’s role is strictly to perform the **notarization** of the signatures once the document has been fully drafted, reviewed, and signed by both parties.

🔗 Florida Statutes on Premarital Agreements: Florida Statute § 61.079

While the Florida Statute only explicitly requires a prenup to be **in writing and signed by both parties**, having the signatures notarized is considered a critical formality and a best practice by attorneys. Notarization verifies the identity of the signers, preventing future claims of fraud or duress—a common reason prenups are challenged in court.

For any provision regarding the waiver of **Homestead rights**, the document must also be signed in the presence of two witnesses.

A Florida notary public is responsible for performing a **notarial act** (usually an Acknowledgment) to verify that the prospective spouses personally appeared, presented valid identification, and signed the document voluntarily. The notary **cannot** draft the agreement, provide legal advice, or witness the financial disclosure between the parties.

Since the signing of a prenup often happens quickly or outside of traditional office settings, our mobile notary service provides the essential certification needed for validity.

Yes. An agreement executed after the marriage is called a **Postnuptial Agreement** (or "Postnup"). Postnuptial agreements in Florida serve a similar purpose to prenups—defining asset division, alimony, and debt responsibility—but they are executed *after* the couple is legally married.

Like a prenup, a postnup must be in writing, signed by both parties, and requires full financial disclosure to be valid. You should consult a family law attorney if you wish to create a postnuptial agreement.

Florida law prohibits a prenuptial agreement from dictating matters concerning the welfare of children. A prenup **cannot** include:

• Provisions for **Child Custody** or **Time-Sharing** schedules.
• Waivers or limitations on **Child Support** obligations.
• Terms that violate public policy (e.g., agreements about household chores, restrictions on personal appearance, or anything that incentivizes divorce).

These issues must be determined by a court based on the "best interests of the child" at the time of divorce.