St. Pete's Domestic Partnership Registry Begins Wednesday

Beginning Wednesday, Aug. 1, unwed couples in St. Petersburg can officially register as domestic partners. 

The domestic partnership registry ordinance was June 7. The registry gives committed couples, gay or straight, most of the same rights as heterosexual married couples in Florida. 

"I completely understand the process and concerns, I just find the ironic shame of this, our Constitution said all people are created equal," Council member Charlie Gerdes said at the June Council meeting. "You're (either) equal or you’re not equal. It's a shame we have to pass an ordinance (to) say what equal is."

Assistant City Attorney Jeannine Williams said the ordinance grant six rights:

1. Health-care visitations.
2. Health-care decision should a partner become incapacitated.
3. Funeral/Burial decisions.
4. Become part of required notifications in emergency situations
5. Declared “pre-need” guardian.
6. Education rights and decisions of partner’s dependent, as long as no objection from the biological parent.

The registry also allows couples that wed outside the state, which in some cases means Florida won't recognize the marriage, to register. Because most area hospitals are located within the city limits, the Council amended the ordinance in June to allow non-residents to register with the city. 

Registration will begin on Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and thereafter every week from Monday through Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Due to conflicts with City Council meetings and agenda preparations, no registry appointments will be made on Thursdays and Fridays. 

The city clerk's office is expecting heavy demand as the registry process begins. For faster service and to serve everyone efficiently, the City Clerk recommends you call for an appointment by calling 727-893-7448. The City Clerk's Office is located on the main floor of St. Petersburg City Hall, 175 Fifth St. N.

In order to receive a domestic partnership certificate, the city said both persons must be present at the time of initial registration to process a Domestic Partnership Registration Affidavit, a legal document that will be notarized by City Clerk's Office staff.

A photo ID is necessary for each party (Drivers License, State Issued ID, Passport, Military ID).

Initial registration is $30 payable in cash, check or money order to the City of St. Petersburg. (No credit or debit cards can be accepted.) For the initial $30 registration fee, you will receive a copy of the registration affidavit (original copy will be recorded with the Pinellas County Clerk of Court), two wallet cards and a formal certificate.

If the registration needs to be amended in the future, the city said (change of address, name change) the cost to amend the registration is $10. The cost of terminating the registration is $15.