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Welcome to our seventh post in the series Adopting in the 50 States. Today, we’re in Florida, which truly has the happiest place on Earth – Disney World. Remember, I am not a lawyer, nor do I play one on TV. Consult an attorney or other adoption professional with specific questions. If you have adopted in Florida and would like to share your experience with others, please leave a comment or email me at RobynC@adoptionblogs.com.
Who May Adopt In Florida?
Florida does not permit homosexuals to adopt. Any other adult may adopt.
When May Consent Be Signed?
A birth father can sign the consent before the child is born, however, the consent cannot be granted until after the child is born. A birth mother can sign the consent 48 hours after the child is born, or when she is discharged from the hospital or birthing center, whichever is earlier.
How Much Time Do the Birth Parents Have to Revoke Consent?
Consent is irrevocable if the child is under six months old. If the child is six months old or older, then consent may be revoked within three business days.
Does Florida Have a Putative Father Registry?
Yes.
Does Florida Allow the Biological Father to Give Consent Before the Child is Born?
Yes. However, the consent cannot be accepted until after the child is born.
Can Adoptive Parents Advertise to Find Expectant Parents?
Yes, but only through a licensed agency or attorney.
Does Florida Allow the Use of Facilitators?
Yes.
How Long Before Adoption Can Be Finalized?
4-6 months.
Which Expectant Mother Expenses Can Be Paid by the Adoptive Parents?
Up to $5,000 of living and medical expenses, $5,000 of legal expenses, and $800 in court costs may be paid without a court review. All expenses must be disclosed to the court. Reasonable expenses include housing, utilities, phone, and medical travel, and may be paid up to six weeks postpartum.
Can Out of State Residents Finalize in Florida?
Yes.
Does Florida Allow for Enforceable Open Adoption Agreements?
Yes. The child’s siblings, biological parents, and specific biological family members may be a party to the open adoption agreement. The court can review and modify the agreement at the request of the adoptive parents.
Advice From People Who Have Been There
Florida is a popular state with adoptive parents. The ICPC takes very little time. One woman told me that her child’s birth mother was able to sign consent 24 hours after the baby was born, because that’s when she was discharged from the hospital.
Adoptive parents recommend talking with the ICPC office in your home state to become familiar with them and their requirements.
Resources
- Florida Adoption
- Child Adoption Laws, Florida
- Child Welfare Information Gateway, State Statutes
- Adamec, Christine. The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Adoption. New York: Alpha Books, a member of Penguin Group (USA) Inc., 2004.
- Adoptive Families Magazine 2008
Photo Credit: Perry-Castañeda Library Map Collection, University of Texas
