Adoption in Florida
I'd like to...Newborn Adoption in Florida: What Prospective Parents Need to Know
Newborn adoption in Florida is a beautiful, rewarding, and life-changing process. For prospective parents, the adoption process in Florida offers a chance to grow their families and fulfill a lifelong dream of parenthood. To have the best experience and move forward with the process, it’s important that adoptive parents understand Florida adoption requirements and the steps in each part of the journey. In our guide below, we outline the adoption process, highlighting what prospective families can anticipate as they navigate their journey.
LifeLong Adoptions: Your Trusted Partner & Adoption Agency in Florida
At LifeLong Adoptions, we’ve helped countless families navigate the adoption journey. Our team of coordinators, with decades of experience, has offered compassionate, caring, and personalized service to each of our expectant mothers and prospective parents. As a nationwide leader in both heteronormative and LGBT adoption, our coordinators have experience working with families of all sizes and types. From single parents and married couples to unmarried partners and even throuples — our commitment is in providing expert guidance and non-judgmental support to every prospective parent who has ever dreamed of starting a family.
Grow Your Family With Us TodayThe Florida Adoption Process for Adoptive Parents
The domestic adoption process in Florida is similar to that of many other states. Before prospective parents looking to adopt a baby can move forward with the process, they must complete a free adoption application. It’s quick, easy, and helps inform our coordinators of essential background and contact information, so we can learn how to best support and guide you in achieving your dreams. Once the application has been submitted, you’ll follow a process similar to the one outlined below.
Step 1: Connect with an adoption professional
After the successful completion of your free adoption application, an adoption professional from LifeLong Adoptions will reach out. This is the first step of the process, and with guidance and resources from your professional, you can then decide what type of domestic newborn adoption in Florida you are most interested in. This could mean opting for an open, semi-open, or closed adoption, which guides the next part of the journey.
Step 2: Complete a home study
To legally adopt, you are required to complete an adoption home study conducted by a licensed provider. It’s strongly recommended to start this part of the process as soon as possible because it can take several months to complete. For adoptions in Florida, the home study involves interviews, home visits from a licensed social worker, background checks, and other assessments before a prospective parent can be legally approved to adopt.
Step 3: Create an adoptive family profile
While an essential part of the journey, the adoptive family profile can also be fun. This profile is shown to expectant mothers looking to place their children with loving families. It’s an opportunity for adoptive parents to paint a picture of their home, family, and daily life, as well as hobbies, interests, personalities, and dreams.
Step 4: Get chosen by an expectant mother
With your adoptive family profile completed, your coordinator can now present this to expectant mothers who are interested in the same type of adoption. When an expectant mother chooses your profile, your adoption coordinator will contact you to establish communication. Afterward, communication is up to the expectant mother’s decided level of communication, whether it’s an open adoption, semi-open, or closed.
Step 5: Hire an adoption attorney
When the expectant mother is ready to move forward, we’ll refer you to an adoption attorney in her state to hire for her. While this guide specifically focuses on Florida infant adoption, at LifeLong Adoptions, we’re a nationwide service provider. Because our network extends throughout the United States, you may find yourself moving forward with an adoption in Miami or a state on the other side of the country.
Step 6: Travel to meet your baby
When the expectant mother goes into labor, or if she’s already given birth, you’ll need to get to her as soon as possible. When making travel arrangements, it’s important to find nearby lodging that has availability for up to a week or possibly longer. Regardless of whether it’s an adoption in Florida or another state, finalization often takes several days to complete. For newborn adoptions in Florida, birthparents cannot finalize an adoption until at least 48 hours after the birth or hospital stay has ended, whichever comes first.
Step 7: Bring your baby home
If you live out of state, you’ll be permitted to take your baby home only after the legal paperwork is processed, which usually takes 7–10 days. Once your adoption has been finalized, you can welcome your new family member into your loving home.
Florida Adoption Requirements for Adoptive Parents
Adoption requirements are there to protect adoptive parents, children, and expectant mothers. Florida, like any other, has its own adoption requirements that prospective parents must meet to become legally approved and move forward with the process. These requirements include being of a legal age to adopt, demonstrating financial stability, completing a home study, and being physically and mentally healthy enough to adopt. Below, are the general Florida adoption requirements:
How old do you have to be to adopt a baby in Florida?
State law does not specify a minimum or maximum age for prospective adoptive parents, but individual adoption agencies in Florida usually have their own requirements. This can vary from agency to agency, but LifeLong Adoptions generally requires adoptive parents to be at least 25 years of age. However, exceptions can be made.
Do you need to be married to adopt a baby in Florida?
No. Both single individuals and married couples can adopt a baby in Florida; however, some agencies may require couples to be married for at least two years. LifeLong Adoptions has no marriage requirements. In fact, we work with adoptive families of all shapes and sizes, from single-parent adoption to unwed couples and even throuples.
Can same-sex couples adopt a baby in Florida?
Yes, same-sex couples are legally permitted to adopt in Florida. If you are a same-sex couple, it’s critical to choose an adoption agency in Florida that understands and supports LGBT adoption, like LifeLong Adoptions.
What are the financial requirements to adopt a baby in Florida?
You don’t need to be wealthy; however, you do have to demonstrate financial stability. For your home study, you’ll be required to provide recent financial statements showing that you can meet a child’s needs.
Are there any health requirements to adopt a baby in Florida?
You must be physically and mentally healthy enough to care for a child, as determined by the social worker conducting your home study. Recent medical statements will also be required. Per Florida adoption requirements, these health requirements do not exclude prospective parents with physical disabilities. Having physical disabilities will not disqualify a hopeful parent from moving forward with an adoption in Florida.
Can I adopt a baby in Florida if I have a criminal history?
The short answer is yes, but it depends on the type of criminal history. While certain offenses, such as domestic violence, child abuse, or violent crimes, can disqualify you from adopting, a past felony does not necessarily disqualify a hopeful parent from growing their family. As part of the adoption home study, everyone in your household over the age of 12 must pass a background check, so consider that as you plan for your adoption.
Are there any other requirements to adopt a baby in Florida?
You must be able to demonstrate that you are fully committed to adoption, as determined by the social worker conducting your home study. You should be ready and willing to raise a child who is not biologically related to you and maintain a relationship with that child’s biological family if they so desire.
What disqualifies you from adopting in Florida?
As part of the home study process, a background check will be completed. If, during this background check, a criminal history detailing child abuse, violent crimes, or neglect and abandonment of a child comes up, this can be a disqualifying factor from being legally approved to adopt.
Florida Home Studies
The adoption home study is an important step for hopeful adoptive parents — you cannot legally adopt without successfully completing this process. It must be conducted by a social worker or agency licensed in your home state. LifeLong Adoptions recommends the following Florida home study agencies:
Adoption Attorneys in Florida
When a prospective birthmother living in Florida is ready to connect with you, you’ll hire an adoption attorney in Florida to facilitate the legal aspects of the process. It’s critical to the potential success of your adoption to choose an attorney who specializes in adoption. LifeLong Adoptions recommends the following adoption attorneys in Florida:
Why do adoptive parents choose LifeLong Adoptions?
We’re experienced. Our dedicated team has over 20 years of experience in offering personalized service and assisting with countless successful adoptions.
We’re knowledgeable. Our marketing & advertising expertise means unparalleled exposure to potential birthmothers, both in Florida and nationwide.
We’re accessible. We're always available for prospective birthmothers, handling calls, texts, live chats & emails 24/7.
We’re affordable. Our program is the most affordable in the country, and our adoption application is totally free.
We’re compassionate. Our company was founded by two adoptive mothers who personally understand adoption.
“When it came to choosing an adoption agency, LifeLong Adoptions stood out to us. It seemed to appear every time we searched for adoption resources, which gave us a sense of confidence. Right from the beginning, the staff at LifeLong welcomed us with open arms and filled us with hope.” - Leah & Ben, adoptive parentsRead More Adoption Success Stories
Ready to Start Your Adoption Journey
Complete Your Free Adoption ApplicationPlacing a Baby for Adoption in Florida: Information for Expectant Mothers
Whether you’ve just given birth and are considering adoption or are currently pregnant and thinking about placing your baby for adoption, there are many resources and supportive professionals who can help. Choosing to place a baby for adoption in Florida is a deeply personal and difficult choice. The right adoption professionals can help you navigate this decision, as well as offer guidance and support on your journey. Below, learn more about the Florida adoption process, as well as what legal rights birthmothers are entitled to.
It’s Your Choice. Always.
Placing a baby or child for adoption is a difficult, emotional decision. For birthmothers, it’s often one of the hardest decisions they’ll ever make. Choosing adoption is a selfless act of love, one that asks birthmothers to weigh the benefits of adoption and choose the best possible future for her baby and herself. At LifeLong Adoptions, we understand the difficulty of this decision more than most, and our coordinators are here to help. Our birthmother services are 100% free and confidential, and we’re available for you every step of your journey, 24/7. Learn how LifeLong Adoptions can offer you support, resources, and guidance.
Considering Adoption? Learn MoreThe Florida Adoption Process for Birthmothers
Navigating the adoption process in Florida as a prospective birthmother can feel overwhelming, but understanding each step can bring clarity and peace of mind. Below, learn how our coordinators can help you every step of the way, providing support and guidance as you make the decision that’s best for your child and your future.
Step 1: Connect with a coordinator
Start by reaching out to an adoption professional, like LifeLong Adoptions, to discuss your situation, explore your options, and learn more about the adoption process. Call or text us anytime, day or night: 815-307-0620
Step 2: Make your adoption plan
Work with your coordinator to outline your adoption preferences, including the level of communication you want to have with the adoptive family. We will work with you to help find an adoptive family that is interested in the same type of adoption you are.
Step 3: Choose an adoptive family
Your coordinator will present you with a selection of profiles of hopeful adoptive parents who align with your preferences and wishes for your baby’s future. Review profiles of legally approved adoptive families and select a family that feels right for you and your baby. Once you’ve chosen a family, your coordinator will work to facilitate the initial communication.
Step 4: Legally finalize the adoption
You'll have a dedicated social worker or attorney who will handle all the necessary paperwork and ensure your rights are protected. As with most birthmother services, including ours at LifeLong Adoptions, this service will be free to you.
Step 5: Get post-adoption support
We’ll make sure you receive the appropriate counseling and other support you need after the adoption is complete.
Florida Adoption Laws
Florida has specific adoption laws that help ensure a safe and ethical adoption for all involved. Below, find some of the key points that ensure a safe adoption in Florida for birthmothers.
Financial Assistance
Florida law allows prospective birthmothers to receive financial assistance from the prospective adoptive parents for reasonable pregnancy-related expenses through six weeks after the delivery. Any financial assistance required beyond $5,000 must be court-approved.
The Biological Father
Unless they are married or he is financially supporting her, a birthmother is not required to identify the birthfather when making an adoption plan.
Consent to Adoption
In Florida, a birthmother can legally consent to an adoption 48 hours after the baby is born, or upon her discharge from the hospital.
Parental Consent
Birthmothers under the age of 14 must have a parent or legal guardian consent to their adoption plan.
Revocation Period
For children under six months of age, a birthmother’s legal consent is generally irrevocable unless it can be proven that she consented under the influence of fraud or duress. For children six months of age or older, there is a three-day revocation period.
Post-placement Adoption Agreements
Florida does allow post-placement adoption agreements to be made between birthmothers and adoptive parents, the details of which are usually based on the adopted child’s best interests. Typically, these agreements are not legally binding.
Why do birthmothers trust LifeLong Adoptions?
For over ten years, LifeLong Adoptions has been helping prospective birthmothers from Jacksonville, Miami, Tampa, Orlando, and other Florida cities get the information, support, and guidance they need to navigate the adoption process. Our expert team of coordinators understands the selflessness, bravery, and love that choosing adoption requires, and we’re honored to be here for you — every step of the way.
- We’re always available. Our friendly, dedicated coordinators are available for you 24/7 to answer your questions and provide the support you need.
- We put you in control. The choice is always yours. You’ll make your adoption plan according to your personal preferences, and the process will move at your own pace.
- We offer more families. Because we work with adoptive families nationwide, you’ll have a much wider variety of adoptive families to choose from.
- We care about you. We’ll make sure you feel supported and empowered throughout the entire adoption process and beyond.
- We embrace diversity. Our coordinators are committed to working with expectant mothers from all walks of life without judgment.
“There's no judgment, no overwhelming feelings or pressure. LifeLong has been kind to us and has befriended us in very unexpected ways, and it has made everything that much more special.” - Jane, birthmotherRead Real Birthmother Stories
Wherever you are in Florida, we can help.
Call, text, or chat anytime, day or night: 815-307-0620
Chat NowLifeLong Adoptions serves expectant mothers and birthmothers throughout Florida, including the following:
Please note: Information on this page is subject to change at any time.