Randolph will update ID’s for same-sex couples presenting marriage certificates from Florida & other states.
By Jacob Engels
Late Friday morning, Orange County Tax Collector Scott Randolph announced that he will be implementing changes that will allow same-sex couples with marriage certificates – from Florida and other states. Randolph referenced the requirements from the federal Real ID law that requires those seeking new licenses or name changes to submit marriage certificates.
Before a Florida judge’s ruling and recent clarification on his ruling, the State of Florida refused to allow Tax Collectors to use same sex marriage certificates from other states as valid documentation. As a result, DHSMV was recently sued by a couple seeking to update their driver licenses.
“This was just another example of the many discriminatory policies same sex couples faced by the unconstitutional ban on same sex marriage in Florida,” said Tax Collector Scott Randolph. “We will continue to review all aspects of our office to ensure that any and all inequities are wiped out—from driver licenses to auto title transfers and internal employee benefits.”
Local government attorney Wade Vose told us that after the recent rulings, he believes Randolph’s decision to accept the marriage certificates is legally sound. Vose and his firm have represented over a dozen counties & cities across Florida.
“Although the recent order does not explicitly mention other county officers such as tax collectors, following Judge Hinkle’s New Year’s Day clarification, it looks like this time Randolph is on firm footing.”
Jacob Engels, is the Founder of East Orlando Post & Seminole County Post. He is a seasoned political operative who has led numerous statewide political groups and has worked on several high-profile local, statewide, and national races. Jacob has been interviewed on national television & radio programs, with his work having been featured in the Orlando Sentinel, New York Times, Washington Post, Miami Herald and other publications nationwide. He can be reached at info@eastorlandopost.com
