ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Orange County announced changes to its domestic partnership registry, and for many, it's a welcome change.
The change means any couple in a domestic partnership can register at the courthouse, where couples obtain marriage licenses. Before Monday's announcement, domestic partnerships were only handled at the County Comptroller's Office.
"It adds a lot of dignity to the process to be able to come to the court house and do this. If you are seeking domestic partnership, it's a great thing to do it here, where people are getting married," said Clerk of Courts Eddie Fernandez.
Fernandez announced he will also be accepting the domestic partnership affidavits at his office at the courthouse and several others.
Mikael Audebert, with the Orlando LGBT Chamber of Commerce, think the change is a step in the right direction.
"Obviously the ultimate thing is marriage equality, but we understand there's a process going on through the courts," said Audebert.
The county registry allows domestic partners a number of rights including, emergency notifications and guardianship privileges.
"Through this registry, folks will be able to walk into an Apopka office, Ocoee, Winter Park office; we are one of the few that have county offices so we want to allow folks access to do this," said Fernandez.
Although marriage rights are not legal for same sex couples in Florida, Mayor Teresa Jacobs said the county is doing what it can.
The domestic partnership change goes into affect immediately.