FL H1323

Creates the Marriage Education Committee within the Department of Children and Families, consisting of six marriage education and family advocates appointed by the Governor (2), President of the Senate (2), and Speaker of the House (2), with appointments due by September 1, 2018 and initial 1-year terms.

Requires the committee to develop the Florida Guide to a Healthy Marriage covering conflict management, communication skills, family expectations, financial responsibilities, domestic violence resources, parenting responsibilities, premarital education, and marriage enrichment resources.

Committee must obtain private funds for design and layout costs of the guide; may obtain private funds for printing and distribution, with no requirement to print if adequate funding is not raised.

Mandates county court judges and circuit court clerks verify that both parties have obtained and read the Florida Guide to a Healthy Marriage or alternative similar information before issuing a marriage license.

Clerk of circuit court shall post electronic copy of guide on its website, make printed copies available to marriage license applicants if provided by committee, and is encouraged to provide lists of course providers and websites for marriage skill-building classes.