Fla. marriage licenses become gender-neutral

Garin Flowers | WTSP-TV, Tampa

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- A long battle led to the legalization of same-sex marriages in Florida and now marriage licenses will reflect the law.

Starting Monday, marriage certificates and license applications will display "spouse" and "spouse," instead of "bride" and "groom."

The Bureau of Vital Statistics, under the Florida Department of Health, sent the new forms to Clerks of Court around the state. The forms are created at the state level and then the local clerks administer the marriage certificates.

Same-sex marriage became legal in Florida on Jan. 6. Then in June, same-sex marriage became legal nationwide after a U.S. Supreme Court decision.

But, the battle still continues for some seeking names on other documents.

A St. Petersburg, Fla., same-sex couple is suing the state after noticing only one parent's name appeared on their child's birth certificate. The lawsuit is asking the Bureau of Vital Statistics to allow both parents' name on the birth certificate if they are a married same-sex couple.