Scores of gay and lesbian couples began
exchanging vows early Tuesday after a federal judge's ruling striking
down Florida's gay marriage ban took effect.
Florida became the 36th
state where gay couples can marry at the stroke of midnight.
William Lee Jones and Aaron Huntsman
were plaintiffs in a separate case challenging Florida's ban.
“I'm glad it's finally legal,”
Jones told The Miami Herald.
Together 10 years, Jones and Huntsman
were among the couples marrying on the first day it became legal.
Officials in many counties held mass
wedding ceremonies to deal with the large crowds.
While gay couples are able to marry in
Florida, officials have yet to say whether they plan on dropping an
appeal in the case.
Florida is the nation's third most
populous state behind California and Texas.