Top 20 Best Child Adoption Centers in Florida, Complete Directory with Contact Details
Choosing the right adoption center is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in your adoption journey. Florida has dozens of licensed adoption centers, each offering different services, approaches, and specialties. The good news? We’ve done the research to help you find the perfect match for your family.
Finding the best child adoption center in Florida isn’t just about picking the first one you find online. You need an agency that understands your needs, follows state regulations, and has a proven track record of successful adoptions.
Table of Contents
What Makes a Great Florida Adoption Center?
Before we dive into our list of the best centers, let’s talk about what you should look for. The top adoption centers in Florida share several key characteristics that set them apart from the rest.
Essential Qualities to Look For
Licensed and Accredited: Every good adoption center must be licensed by the Florida Department of Health and follow Chapter 63 of Florida Statutes. This isn’t optional – it’s the law.
Experienced Staff: Look for centers with social workers, counselors, and staff who have years of experience in adoption. They should understand both the emotional and legal sides of adoption.
Transparent Processes: Great centers are upfront about their fees, timelines, and what you can expect throughout the process. No hidden surprises.
Ongoing Support: The best centers don’t disappear after placement. They offer counseling, support groups, and resources for years after your adoption is finalized.
Good Communication: You want a center that returns your calls, answers your questions, and keeps you informed every step of the way.
Top 20 Best Child Adoption Centers in Florida
Here’s our comprehensive directory of the top 20 best child adoption centers in Florida, complete with contact information and what makes each one special.
Statewide and Major Metropolitan Areas
1. Florida’s Adoption Information Center
Contact Information:
- Phone: 1-800-96-ADOPT (1-800-962-3678)
- Phone: (904) 353-0679
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: adoptflorida.org
What They Do: This state-run center serves as Florida’s official clearinghouse for adoption information. Within seven business days of contact, they connect you with a local Adoption Specialist. They’re your first stop for understanding all your options in Florida.
Why They’re Great: As the state’s official adoption information center, they have connections with every licensed agency in Florida. They’re free, unbiased, and can help you understand all your options before you commit to any specific center.
2. ACF Adoptions
Contact Information:
- Location: Miami, Florida
- Website: adoptionflorida.org
- Established: 1992
What They Do: ACF Adoptions is a private non-profit, licensed adoption agency that has provided legal and social services to birth mothers and adoptive parents since 1992. They specialize in creating unique adoption plans tailored to each family.
Why They’re Great: With over 30 years of experience, they’ve built a solid reputation in South Florida. Their non-profit status means they’re focused on families, not profits.
3. Heart of Adoptions, Inc.
Contact Information:
- Website: heartofadoptions.com
- Service Area: Statewide Florida
What They Do: Heart of Adoptions has many hopeful adoptive families waiting for a child and provides comprehensive adoption services for those interested in adoption or pregnancy options.
Why They’re Great: They focus on matching families efficiently and provide extensive support throughout the process.
4. Gift of Life Adoptions
Contact Information:
- Website: giftoflifeadoptions.com
- Service Area: Florida & Arizona
- Experience: 25+ years
What They Do: Gift of Life Adoptions is a licensed, private Florida adoption agency that has been helping create families through adoption for the past 25 years.
Why They’re Great: Their quarter-century of experience speaks volumes. They’ve refined their processes over decades and built strong relationships throughout Florida.
5. Florida Adoption Center
Contact Information:
- Website: floridaadoptioncenter.com
What They Do: The Florida Adoption Center offers 24-hour support and guidance to birth mothers and can help families understand all available resources.
Why They’re Great: Their 24/7 support system means you’re never alone in this process. They understand that adoption questions and concerns don’t follow business hours.
Regional Florida Adoption Centers
Central Florida
6. Family Partnerships of Central Florida
Contact Information:
- Service Area: Brevard, Orange, Osceola, and Seminole Counties
- Website: fpocf.org
What They Do: Family Partnerships manages foster care services and adoption for children in Central Florida counties who have been removed from their homes.
Why They’re Great: They specialize in the unique needs of children in foster care and have deep knowledge of Central Florida’s systems.
7. Connecting Hearts Adoption Services
Contact Information:
- Phone: (407) 733-8642
- Service Area: Orlando and Central Florida
- Experience: Since 2008
What They Do: Connecting Hearts has been helping people become parents through adoption in Florida since 2008.
Why They’re Great: They’ve built their reputation specifically in the Orlando area and understand the local community well.
Southwest Florida
8. Children’s Network of Southwest Florida
Contact Information:
- Phone: (855) 933-KIDS (5437)
- Website: childrensnetworkflorida.org
- Service Area: Southwest Florida
What They Do: Children’s Network provides comprehensive adoption services with a focus on creating families one at a time.
Why They’re Great: Their personalized approach means you get individual attention rather than feeling like just another case number.
Tampa Bay Area
9. My Florida Adoptions
Contact Information:
- Tampa Phone: (813) 567-0277
- Orlando Phone: (407) 567-0277
- Address: 24705 US Highway 19 North, Suite 306, Clearwater, Florida 33763
- Website: myfladoptions.com
- Service Area: Tampa Bay and Central Florida
What They Do: My Florida Adoptions provides comprehensive adoption services throughout the Tampa Bay area with multiple office locations for convenient access.
Why They’re Great: With offices in both Tampa and Orlando, they can serve families throughout Central and West Florida effectively. Their dual-location setup means faster response times and more personalized service.
10. Destiny Adoption Services
Contact Information:
- Phone: (727) 202-8966
- Service Area: Tampa Bay Area
- Website: Available upon request
What They Do: Destiny Adoption Services supports and guides birth parents and adoptive families on the journey of adoption with personalized care.
Why They’re Great: They focus on supporting both sides of the adoption triangle – birth parents and adoptive families – which creates better outcomes for everyone involved.
11. Adoption by Shepherd Care
Contact Information:
- Website: adoptabsc.org
- Phone: Available through website contact form
- Service Area: Statewide Florida
What They Do: Adoption by Shepherd Care is a licensed adoption agency that supports pregnant women facing unplanned pregnancy, pays all expenses, and offers free counseling support 24/7.
Why They’re Great: Their comprehensive support includes covering expenses and 24/7 counseling, removing financial barriers for birth mothers.
12. American Adoptions (Florida Office)
Contact Information:
- Phone: 1-800-ADOPTION
- Website: americanadoptions.com/florida-adoption
- Service Area: Nationwide with Florida specialization
What They Do: American Adoptions operates as a leading private adoption agency in Florida, guiding families through every step of the adoption process.
Why They’re Great: As a national agency with Florida expertise, they have extensive resources and experience with complex adoption situations.
13. Advocates for Children and Families
Contact Information:
- Phone: (800) 348-0467
- Service Area: Orlando and Orange County
- Website: Available through phone contact
What They Do: Advocates for Children and Families provides home study services and adoption support with a focus on child well-being as their priority.
Why They’re Great: They specialize in thorough home studies and have deep experience in the Orlando metro area.
14. Bethany Christian Services (Florida Offices)
Contact Information:
- Jacksonville Office Phone: (904) 396-4004
- Orlando Office Phone: (407) 667-7660
- Website: bethany.org
- Service Areas: North and Central Florida
What They Do: Bethany Christian Services is one of the largest adoption agencies in the nation with multiple Florida locations offering comprehensive adoption services.
Why They’re Great: Their national reputation and multiple Florida offices mean extensive resources and proven processes.
15. Catholic Charities of Central Florida
Contact Information:
- Phone: (407) 658-1818
- Address: 1771 N Semoran Blvd, Orlando, FL 32807
- Website: ccdorl.org
- Service Area: Central Florida
What They Do: Catholic Charities provides adoption services as part of their comprehensive family support programs.
Why They’re Great: Their long-standing community presence and holistic family services approach provides extensive support networks.
16. Family Support Services of North Florida
Contact Information:
- Phone: (850) 921-0074
- Service Area: North Florida including Tallahassee
- Website: fssnf.org
What They Do: Family Support Services offers adoption services alongside other family strengthening programs in North Florida.
Why They’re Great: Their integration with other family services means comprehensive support for complex family situations.
17. Lifeline Children’s Services (Florida Office)
Contact Information:
- Phone: (205) 967-0811 (Main office – serves Florida)
- Website: lifelinechild.org
- Service Area: Statewide Florida
What They Do: Lifeline Children’s Services is a Christian adoption agency that provides domestic and international adoption services to Florida families.
Why They’re Great: They offer both domestic and international adoption options, giving families more choices for their adoption journey.
18. One World Adoption Services
Contact Information:
- Phone: (405) 942-2311 (Main office – serves Florida)
- Website: oneworldadoption.org
- Service Area: Florida and multiple states
What They Do: One World Adoption Services specializes in both domestic and international adoptions with Florida licensing.
Why They’re Great: Their international adoption expertise sets them apart for families considering overseas adoption.
19. Children’s Home Society of Florida
Contact Information:
- Phone: 1-800-CHILDREN (1-800-244-5373)
- Website: chsfl.org
- Multiple locations statewide
What They Do: Children’s Home Society has been serving Florida families since 1902, providing comprehensive adoption and family services.
Why They’re Great: With over 120 years of experience in Florida, they have the longest track record and deepest community connections of any agency.
20. Tender Loving Adoptions
Contact Information:
- Phone: (239) 267-0200
- Service Area: Southwest Florida
- Website: Available upon request
What They Do: Tender Loving Adoptions provides personalized adoption services with a focus on creating lasting family bonds in Southwest Florida.
Why They’re Great: Their regional focus in Southwest Florida means they understand the unique needs and characteristics of that market.
How to Evaluate Florida Adoption Centers
Now that you know the top centers, here’s how to evaluate them for your specific situation.
Key Questions to Ask
When you call these centers, make sure you ask these important questions:
Licensing and Accreditation: Are you fully licensed by the Florida Department of Health? Can you provide your license number?
Experience: How long have you been operating? How many successful adoptions have you completed?
Services Included: What exactly is included in your fees? What additional costs should we expect?
Timeline: What’s your average timeline from application to placement?
Support Services: What kind of counseling and support do you offer before, during, and after adoption?
Red Flags to Watch For
Some warning signs that an adoption center might not be right for you:
Pressure Tactics: If they’re pushing you to sign contracts or make decisions quickly, walk away.
Vague About Costs: Good centers are upfront about all fees and expenses.
No References: Reputable centers should be able to provide references from other families they’ve helped.
Poor Communication: If they don’t return calls promptly during the courtship phase, imagine how they’ll be later.
Unlicensed Operations: Never work with an unlicensed adoption facilitator in Florida.
Understanding Florida Adoption Center Regulations
Florida has strict rules about how adoption centers can operate. Understanding these regulations helps you identify legitimate, high-quality centers.
State Licensing Requirements
All adoption agencies in Florida must be licensed by the Department of Health. They must meet specific staffing requirements, maintain proper insurance, and follow detailed procedures for home studies and child placement.
Financial Regulations
Florida law restricts what adoption agencies can charge and requires detailed accounting of all expenses. This protects families from excessive fees and ensures transparency.
Ethical Standards
Licensed centers must follow strict ethical guidelines about advertising, client communication, and conflict of interest policies.
Special Considerations for Different Types of Adoption
Different types of adoption require different expertise from adoption centers.
Infant Adoption Centers
If you’re hoping to adopt a newborn, look for centers that specialize in working with pregnant women considering adoption. These centers should have strong counseling programs and medical support networks.
Foster Care Adoption
For foster care adoption, you’ll want centers that work closely with the Department of Children and Families. They should understand trauma-informed care and have experience with children who have special needs.
Stepparent Adoption
Some centers specialize in simpler stepparent adoptions. These typically require less extensive services but still need proper legal handling.
Cost Considerations and Payment Options
The cost of adoption varies widely depending on which center you choose and what services you need.
Typical Cost Ranges
Foster Care Adoption: Usually minimal costs, often under $2,500 with possible subsidies available.
Private Agency Adoption: Typically ranges from $25,000 to $50,000 including all fees and expenses.
Independent Adoption: Can range from $15,000 to $35,000, primarily legal and medical costs.
Payment Plans and Financial Assistance
Many top centers offer payment plans to help families manage costs. Some also help families apply for grants and loans specifically designed for adoption expenses.
Just like families might need information about family law attorney payment plans for other legal matters, adoption centers often provide flexible payment options.
What to Expect During the Selection Process
Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, here’s what the selection process typically looks like.
Initial Consultations
Most good centers offer free initial consultations where you can ask questions and get a feel for their approach. Take advantage of these meetings with multiple centers before deciding.
Application and Home Study
After choosing a center, you’ll complete their application and begin the home study process. This typically takes 30-90 days and includes multiple home visits, interviews, and background checks.
Waiting and Matching
Once approved, you’ll be added to their waiting families list. How long you wait depends on your preferences and what children are available.
Getting Legal Support for Center Selection
While adoption centers provide many services, you should also consider independent legal counsel. Understanding what questions to ask, similar to knowing questions to ask a custody lawyer during consultation, helps ensure you’re making informed decisions.
An independent adoption attorney can review agency contracts, explain your rights, and provide objective advice about center selection.
Frequently Asked Questions About Florida Adoption Centers
How do I know if an adoption center is legitimate?
Check their license with the Florida Department of Health. All legitimate adoption agencies must be licensed. You can verify their status by calling the department or checking their website.
Can I work with an adoption center in a different state?
Yes, but it’s usually more complicated and expensive. Interstate adoptions involve additional legal requirements and longer timelines.
What’s the difference between a non-profit and for-profit adoption center?
Non-profit centers typically focus more on service than profit, which can mean lower fees and more personalized attention. However, many for-profit centers also provide excellent services.
How long should I expect to wait after choosing a center?
Wait times vary dramatically. Foster care adoption might take 6-18 months, while private infant adoption can take 1-3 years depending on your preferences.
Can I change adoption centers if I’m not happy?
Yes, but there may be financial implications. Read your contract carefully and understand any fees or penalties before switching.
Do I need a lawyer if I’m working with an adoption center?
While centers provide legal services, many experts recommend having independent legal counsel to review contracts and protect your interests.
What happens if an adoption falls through?
Good centers should explain their policies about failed adoptions upfront. Some offer to continue working with you at no additional charge, while others may require new fees.
How do I handle disagreements with my adoption center?
Start by discussing concerns directly with your assigned caseworker. If that doesn’t resolve issues, ask to speak with a supervisor. Document all communications.
Making Your Final Decision
Choosing the best child adoption center in Florida is a personal decision that depends on your specific needs, location, and preferences.
Trust Your Instincts
After researching and visiting centers, trust your gut feeling about which one feels right for your family. You’ll be working closely with these people for months or years.
Consider Your Support Network
Think about which center can best support your specific situation. If you need extensive counseling, choose a center known for strong support services. If you want a quick, efficient process, find one known for streamlined procedures.
Plan for the Long Term
Remember that your relationship with your adoption center may continue long after placement. Some families maintain connections for years through support groups and ongoing services.
Moving Forward with Confidence
Florida offers many excellent adoption centers, each with their own strengths and specialties. By understanding what to look for, asking the right questions, and trusting reputable organizations, you can find the perfect partner for your adoption journey.
The centers listed here represent some of Florida’s best options, but the “best” center for you depends on your unique situation. Take time to research, visit, and ask questions before making your decision.
Remember, just as you might carefully consider factors like what judges look for in child custody cases in other family legal matters, choosing an adoption center requires careful evaluation of multiple factors.
Your adoption journey is unique, and you deserve a center that understands and supports your specific needs. With Florida’s many excellent options and the information in this guide, you’re well-equipped to make the best choice for your growing family.
About the Author
Sarah Klein, JD, is a former family law attorney with over a decade of courtroom and mediation experience. She has represented clients in divorce, custody cases, adoption, Alimony, and domestic violence cases across multiple U.S. jurisdictions.
At All About Lawyer, Sarah now uses her deep legal background to create easy-to-understand guides that help families navigate the legal system with clarity and confidence.
Every article is based on her real-world legal experience and reviewed to reflect current laws.
Read more about Sarah