Sarasota Domestic Partnership Registry Could Begin Tuesday

Election Day in Sarasota could double as Domestic Registry Day if the Sarasota City Commission decides to allow couples to register starting Tuesday.

Commissioners will consider at their Monday meeting whether to allow couples to register for its Domestic Partner Registry beginning Tuesday during what's called an implementation period, that lasts until Dec. 4, when the permanent process will be in place.

“The City is pleased to offer the Domestic Partnership Registry with the benefits offered as a service to interested individuals who reside in or visit the City of Sarasota,” said Pamela M. Nadalini, City Auditor and Clerk in a statement.

The commission approved the registry Oct. 15 that allows couples, gay and straight, to be recognized in order to have rights and access to certain decisions including health care, hospital visitation, funeral decisions, and education decisions for children.

Couples will pay $30 to register, and will be payable in cash or check to the City of Sarasota, according to the Office of City Auditor and Clerk.

Here's how couples can register:

• Couples can register from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays in the SRQ Media Room, City Hall Annex first floor, 1565 First St.
• Both partners must register in person
• Valid picture ID required for each partner
• Affidavit of Domestic Partnership Register must be completed 

Affidavits of Domestic Partnership Registration will be made available at City Hall, or can be downloaded online at http://www.sarasotagov.com/DPR. That site also includes frequently asked questions abut the program, too.  

The forms can be filled out before visiting Sarasota, but they cannot be signed until witnessed by a Notary Public, according to the Auditor and Clerk. Couples can have their form notarized at City Hall during the registration.  

Starting Dec. 4, couples can register during the same hours, but will be moved to the Office of City Auditor and Clerk, Room 110 in City Hall.  

Couples are encouraged to call the office at (941) 954-4160 in advance to schedule an appointment. 

The city also seeks volunteers to assist in the registration process.   Interested volunteers can sign up at http://www.sarasotagov.com/DPR or call (941) 954-4160.

Domestic Partner Registry Coverage:

• Group Wants Domestic Registry In Sarasota
• Sarasota Closer To Having Domestic Partner Registry
• Sarasota Domestic Partner Registry Goes To Vote Monday
• Domestic Partner Registry Approved In Sarasota