Several South Florida county clerk offices are preparing to put in some overtime when the state's gay marriage ban is lifted at midnight on January 6th.
Christopher Boykin will be one of the first in line, as he and his partner, Stratton Pollitzer, get ready to tie the knot after more than two decades together.
"It's been 21 years, he's the boy I fell in love with when I was young," Boykin said. "It's finally happening."
Boykin said after the state of Florida saw several delays, he and Pollitzer are excited to celebrate.
"We've gotten so close several times this year, that I think for some people it's hard to believe it's really going to happen," Pollitzer said. "I'm very much in the mindset that we're getting married and it's finally here. We're just super excited."
The couple will be in line at midnight on Tuesday inside Broward County's central courthouse. County Clerk Howard Forman said they are extending office hours, adding staff and preparing for large crowds.
"We don't know exactly how many same-sex couples want to get married," Forman said. "But when they come here, we'll be happy to accomodate them."
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Clerks in both Monroe and Palm Beach counties will also open their doors at midnight on Tuesday. Miami-Dade does not plan to extend their hours.
Florida's last-minute rush to institute same-sex marriage comes after federal judge Robert Hinkle determined the state's ban violates the constitution. Amidst confusion amongst clerks across the state, Hinkle clarified that clerks have a legal duty to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples.
