Engaged couples would have to read ‘healthy marriage guide’ in new Florida Senate bill

Orlando, Fla. — A new state Senate bill would require engaged couples to read a 'marriage guide' before getting a marriage license in Florida.

The “Florida Guide to a Healthy Marriage” was introduced by Central Florida Republican Sen. Dennis Baxley.

He says the guide is intended to fight the rising cost of divorce to Florida citizens.

Orlando-area state Sen. Linda Stewart says she doesn’t support this idea.

“I have a lot of respect for Senator Baxley, however, with this particular bill I think the marriage area is not part of a legislative body.,” Sen. Stewart said.

The guide would reportedly be paid for with privately raised funds and not taxpayer money.

Florida already has a similar marriage handbook in place but Baxley says it's not enough.