A federal judge cleared the way for same-sex marriages to begin in all 67 counties in Florida on Tuesday.
U.S. Judge Robert Hinkle issued a ruling Thursday that clarifies his ruling on the issue. He said clerks have a "legal duty" to issue the licenses, but he did not order them to do it.
A stay on the ruling was set to end at midnight Jan. 5, and Hinkle said he would not extend the stay. That means on Jan. 6 counties can begin issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples.
Attorney General Pam Bondi thanked the judge for providing additional guidance in a statement Thursday. "My office will not stand in the way as clerks of court determine how to proceed," Bondi said.
Equality Florida Executive Director Nadine Smith says clerks have little choice but to follow the law.
"It's our expectation that those delays and delay tactics and desperate measures are over," Smith said. "Marriages will commence and that all clerks understand their duty is to issue those marriage licenses and that failing to do so comes with some pretty stiff legal liability
In the meantime, many couples are expected to head to clerks' offices to get licenses in the Bay area, as well as the rest of the state.
And while state law requires a three-day waiting period from the time couples get a marriage license to the time you can have a ceremony, there are ways around that.
Couples can opt to take a four-hour counseling class, available online or on paper, to avoid the waiting period.
Both spouses must apply for the marriage license in person at the clerks office and both need to bring a valid, photo ID. Spouses are not required to bring a social security card but they will need to provide their social security number.
Once the license is granted, it is active for 60 days.
Deputy clerks can perform wedding ceremonies on site.
Hillsborough County Clerks of the Circuit Court Pat Frank said if there is a big rush on Jan. 6, her staff is prepared to use the Chillura Courthouse Square Park to perform outside ceremonies.
Pinellas County officials say they are preparing as well.
Pinellas Clerk of the Circuit County Ken Burke, along with Frank, said it is likely some couples will have already completed the marital counseling class before Tuesday, which means ceremonies could start taking place Tuesday morning.
Some Florida counties are choosing not to perform wedding ceremonies due to some staff refusing to participate due to religious reasons. Gay marriage backers said those actions could result in threats of lawsuits and even civil penalties.