An important part of your adoption process is understanding Florida’s adoption laws as a birth mother. In addition to the federal laws for adoption, each state has its own laws too.
All states share some general guidelines and regulations, but this guide will help you understand adoption laws in Florida.
Adoption professionals help with the entire adoption process. Working with one will provide you with an adoption specialist who knows the state of Florida’s adoption laws inside and out.
Contact us online to get more free information now about Florida’s adoption laws. We’re here to help whenever you need us.
Florida Adoption Laws You Need to Know
Knowing the adoption requirements in Florida is an essential part of your journey.
Although there are many adoption laws in Florida, these five have a direct impact on your adoption process.
1. Who Can Adopt and Be Adopted in Florida?
There is no state requirement for marriage when it comes to Florida adoption law. Single adults or couples can adopt regardless of their marital status.
Any newborn or child can be adopted in Florida. But, once a child turns 12, their consent for the adoption is required. A court can waive a child’s consent if adoption is deemed to be in the best interest of the child.
Depending on your adoption professional, though, there may be some extra requirements that you’ll need to meet. If you have any questions about what those requirements might be, then fill out our online contact form at any time.
2. LGBTQ+ Adoption Laws in Florida
If you are an LGBTQ+ individual or couple in Florida, then adoption is an option for you.
In Florida, gay adoption laws previously existed that stopped LGBTQ+ individuals from adopting.
In 2010, that law was ruled unconstitutional, and, five years later, the repeal of the ban was signed into law.
When you work with an adoption agency for your adoption, keep in mind how this can affect your journey. Some private adoption agencies may be selective about the adoptive parents they work with.
As an LGBTQ+ individual or couple looking to adopt, it’s important to find an adoption agency that has a proven track record of working with birth parents and adoptive families in the LGBTQ+ community for successful placements.
3. Open Adoption Laws in Florida
Most modern adoptions are open, or at least semi-open, adoptions. That’s because contact with the birth parents is a key component of almost all successful adoptions.
Choosing open adoption in Florida means you decide how much contact you want before and after the adoption takes place.
This looks like as much, or little, contact with the adoptive family that works best for you. The level of communication is based on your decision.
The types of contact are whatever you are most comfortable with and can be:
- Letters
- Emails
- Phone calls
- Video calls
- In-person visits
Fill out our online contact form to learn more about open adoption in Florida.
4. What is Adoption Financial Assistance in Florida?
Adoption financial assistance in Florida is available for you. This makes adoption 100% free for you by covering all your adoption – and pregnancy-related –fees.
Florida adoption laws allow financial assistance to also go toward:
- Medical expenses
- Legal fees
- Living costs
- Counseling costs
- Administrative fees for medical records and documents
Adoption for your baby is always free. Legal, medical and other required expenses are the last thing that should be on your mind when you’re making this brave, selfless decision. Rather than focusing on your bank account, you can focus on a healthy pregnancy.
5. Adoption Advertising Laws in Florida
Adoption advertising is focused on finding an adoption opportunity for hopeful adoptive parents. Florida’s adoption laws state that licensed agencies can advertise their services to hopeful adoptive families.
This ensures your adoption is done in a legal, ethical manner by trustworthy, licensed agencies.
Working with a licensed agency is important because of the peace of mind it gives you about the assistance you’re receiving. You’ll know your agency meets the necessary requirements to perform adoption services in your state.
Learn More about Adoptions Laws in Florida Today
Knowing and keeping track of all of Florida’s adoption laws can be hectic.
That’s why we’re here to help. Contact us online to get more free information now and learn more about your rights when it comes to adoption in Florida.