How to Adopt a Child in Florida? Requirements, Costs, Timeline & Step-by-Step Process

To adopt a child in Florida, you must be at least 18 years old, complete a home study, pass background checks, and finalize the adoption through Florida courts. You can adopt through foster care ($0-$3,000), private domestic adoption ($20,000-$40,000), or international adoption ($25,000-$60,000). The process takes 3-12 months depending on adoption type.

Florida adoption law (Chapter 63, Florida Statutes) governs all adoptions in the state. New 2025 reporting requirements now mandate adoption entities report quarterly on costs, demographics, and finalized adoptions to the Florida Department of Children and Families.

Florida Adoption Eligibility Requirements

Florida law allows anyone 18 or older to adopt, regardless of marital status or sexual orientation. Same-sex adoption became legal in 2010 after courts struck down Florida’s ban.

Basic eligibility requirements:

• Must be at least 18 years old (most agencies require 21+)
• No marital status requirement—single individuals and couples can adopt
• Physically and mentally capable of caring for a child
• Financially stable enough to meet a child’s needs (no minimum income)
• Pass criminal background checks for all household members over age 12
• Complete required home study (waived for stepparent adoptions in some cases)

Florida Statute § 63.042(3) prohibits disqualification based solely on physical disability. Private agencies may set additional requirements, with some limiting adoptive parents to ages 22-50, though exceptions exist.

Criminal Background Restrictions

Florida adoption law disqualifies individuals convicted of certain crimes. Grounds for automatic disqualification include violent offenses, domestic violence, child abuse or neglect, abandonment, and drug-related felonies.

Courts evaluate criminal records case-by-case for other convictions. A past felony doesn’t automatically prevent adoption, but the nature of the offense and time elapsed matter significantly.

Types of Adoption Available in Florida

Foster Care Adoption: Children in state custody whose parental rights have been terminated. Cost is minimal ($0-$3,000), with most fees covered by the Department of Children and Families. Adoptive parents must be at least 21 years old. Children may qualify for adoption assistance up to $5,000 annually until age 18 (sometimes 21), plus Medicaid and Florida college tuition waivers.

Private Domestic Adoption: Adoptive parents work with licensed agencies or attorneys to adopt newborns or infants. Costs range from $20,000-$40,000, covering agency fees, legal costs, birth mother expenses (limited to medical care, reasonable living expenses during pregnancy and 6 weeks postpartum), home study, and counseling.

Stepparent Adoption: When a spouse adopts their partner’s biological child. Costs range from $1,500-$10,000 depending on whether the case is contested. Home studies typically not required. Filing fees average $415 per case.

Relative Adoption: When a family member adopts a child. Requirements similar to private adoption but may have expedited processes. Home study may be waived by court order.

International Adoption: Adopting children from other countries. Most expensive option at $25,000-$60,000, involving additional travel, immigration, and international agency fees.

Florida Adoption Process: Step-by-Step

1. Choose Your Adoption Type

Decide between foster care, private domestic, stepparent, relative, or international adoption based on your family goals, timeline, and budget.

2. Complete Required Training

Florida law mandates at least 12 hours of adoption parenting classes for prospective parents. Foster care adoptions require MAPP (Model Approach to Partnership in Parenting) or PRIDE (Parent Resource for Information Development and Education) training.

3. Home Study Process

Licensed child-placing agencies, clinical social workers, or mental health professionals conduct home studies in Florida. The process takes 6-8 months and includes:

• Background checks through Florida Department of Law Enforcement
• Central abuse registry checks through DCF
• Financial documentation (pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements)
• Physical exam and health statements from physicians
• Health insurance confirmation for adopted child
• Home inspection for safety hazards
• Interviews with all household members
• References from family, friends, employers
• Assessment of physical home environment
• Counseling and education requirements

Home studies remain valid for one year after completion. Cost ranges from $1,500-$2,000.

4. Match with a Child

In private adoption, birth mothers typically select adoptive families from agency profiles. Foster care matches occur through DCF case workers. International adoptions follow country-specific matching processes.

5. Obtain Required Consents

Florida law requires written consent from:

• Birth mother (cannot sign until 48 hours after birth)
• Legal father (married to mother, court-adjudicated father, or registered with Florida Putative Father Registry)
• Guardian or legal custodian if applicable
• Child if over age 12

Unmarried biological fathers must register with Florida’s Putative Father Registry and comply with support requirements within 30 days of service or before termination petition filing, or their consent is waived.

6. Termination of Parental Rights

Courts must terminate biological parents’ rights before adoption can proceed. This occurs through voluntary consent or court order based on abandonment, abuse, or neglect.

Florida law requires separate case numbers and court files for termination proceedings and adoption petitions. The adoption petition cannot be filed until after the termination judgment.

7. Placement and Supervision

Florida requires a minimum 48-hour waiting period after birth before child placement in private adoptions. Out-of-state adoptive parents must remain in Florida 7-10 business days under the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children.

At-risk placements (before parental rights termination) require written acknowledgment that the child may be removed. Post-placement supervision lasts at least 90 days with mandatory monthly contact, including at least one home visit.

8. Finalization Hearing

Courts schedule finalization hearings 3-12 months after placement. A judge reviews all legal requirements, including termination of parental rights, home study results, post-placement reports, and compliance with Indian Child Welfare Act if applicable.

After approval, the court issues a final adoption decree, and Florida issues a new birth certificate with adoptive parents listed.

Florida Adoption Costs Breakdown

Foster Care Adoption: $0-$3,000

• No agency fees
• Minimal legal fees (often pro bono)
• Birth certificate fee (approximately $25)
• Possible reimbursement up to $1,000 for one-time expenses

Private Domestic Adoption: $20,000-$40,000

• Agency fees: $4,000-$25,000
• Legal fees: Up to $5,000 (court approval required if exceeded)
• Home study: $1,500-$2,000
• Birth mother expenses: Medical care, reasonable living expenses (pregnancy + 6 weeks postpartum)
• Court filing fees: Approximately $800
• Counseling services: $1,500 average
• Advertising costs: $200-$5,000

Stepparent Adoption: $1,500-$10,000

• Attorney fees (if used): $1,500-$10,000
• Court filing fees: $415 average
• New birth certificate: $25
• No home study required

International Adoption: $25,000-$60,000

• Agency fees
• International processing fees
• Travel and accommodation
• Immigration costs
• Home study
• Legal fees

Florida law (§ 63.097) strictly regulates allowable adoption expenses. Courts must approve costs exceeding $5,000 for legal services or $800 for court fees. Prohibited expenses include fees for locating children or services without full receipts.

2025 Transparency Requirement: Beginning January 1, 2025, adoption entities must report quarterly to DCF all fees, costs, and expenses for each finalized adoption. DCF publishes this information on its website by adoption entity.

Financial Assistance and Tax Benefits

Federal Adoption Tax Credit: Up to $16,810 per child for qualified adoption expenses (2025 amount). Available for all adoption types except stepparent adoptions.

Florida Adoption Assistance Program: Monthly subsidies up to $5,000 annually for “difficult to place” children from foster care. Payments continue until age 18, potentially extending to 21. Eligible children also receive Medicaid coverage.

Florida College Tuition Waiver: Children adopted from Florida’s foster care system receive free tuition at any Florida state university, community college, or vocational school until age 28 (Florida Statute § 1009.25).

Employer Benefits: Many Florida employers offer adoption benefits ranging from $5,000-$20,000.

Adoption Grants and Loans: Organizations like the Dave Thomas Foundation, Gift of Adoption Fund, and others provide need-based grants.

Timeline Expectations

Foster Care Adoption: 6-12 months from licensing to finalization. Training and home study take 6-8 months; placement to finalization adds 3-6 months.

Private Domestic Adoption: 8-18 months total. Home study takes 3-6 months; waiting for birth mother match varies (3-12 months); placement to finalization takes 3-6 months.

Stepparent Adoption: 3-9 months for uncontested cases; 12+ months if contested.

International Adoption: 12-24+ months depending on country requirements, international processing, and immigration procedures.

Florida-Specific Legal Requirements

Grandparent Notification: If a child lived with grandparents for 6+ months within the 24 months before termination filing, grandparents must receive notice of the termination hearing (except stepparent adoptions).

Safe Haven Law: Florida allows parents to surrender infants approximately 30 days old or younger at hospitals, emergency medical services stations, or fire stations without criminal prosecution.

Post-Adoption Contact Agreements: Florida law permits agreements for continued communication between adopted children and biological siblings, parents, or other relatives (§ 63.0427).

Sickle-Cell Screening Ban: Florida prohibits mandatory screening or testing for sickle-cell trait as an adoption condition (§ 63.043).

Statute of Repose: Actions to vacate or nullify adoption judgments must be filed within one year of the termination of parental rights judgment.

What Happens After Finalization

Florida courts issue final adoption decrees establishing the legal parent-child relationship. The state issues new birth certificates listing adoptive parents as legal parents (original birth certificates are sealed).

Post-adoption services available through community-based care agencies include support groups, counseling, case management, adoption-related libraries, and referral services. Contact the Florida Adoption Information Center at 1-800-96-ADOPT (800-962-3678) for resources.

Related Articles:

• Depo-Provera Lawsuit Settlement: What Women Need to Know
• Method Body Wash Lawsuit: SC Johnson Settlement
• How Much Does a Lawyer Make a Year

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you adopt a child in Florida?

Complete a home study, pass background checks, meet eligibility requirements, obtain birth parent consents, terminate parental rights through Florida courts, complete 90-day supervised placement, and attend a finalization hearing. The process takes 3-12 months depending on adoption type.

What are Florida’s adoption requirements?

You must be at least 18 years old (most agencies require 21+), pass criminal background checks, complete a home study, demonstrate financial stability, and be physically and mentally capable of parenting. No minimum income, marital status, or age limit exists under state law.

How long does adoption take in Florida?

Foster care adoption takes 6-12 months, private domestic adoption takes 8-18 months, stepparent adoption takes 3-9 months (uncontested), and international adoption takes 12-24+ months. The home study alone requires 6-8 months.

How much does it cost to adopt in Florida?

Foster care adoption costs $0-$3,000, private domestic adoption costs $20,000-$40,000, stepparent adoption costs $1,500-$10,000, and international adoption costs $25,000-$60,000. The federal adoption tax credit provides up to $16,810 per child.

What is the home study process?

Licensed professionals conduct 6-8 month assessments including background checks, financial reviews, home inspections, health exams, interviews with household members, and adoption training. Home studies cost $1,500-$2,000 and remain valid for one year.

Can single people adopt in Florida?

Yes. Florida law does not require adoptive parents to be married. Single individuals have the same adoption rights as married couples, though some private agencies may prefer married couples.

What is the difference between foster care and private adoption in Florida?

Foster care adoption involves children in state custody (costs $0-$3,000, takes 6-12 months, children have known histories). Private adoption involves newborns/infants matched through agencies (costs $20,000-$40,000, takes 8-18 months, birth mothers select families).

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Florida adoption laws and procedures may change. Consult with a licensed Florida adoption attorney or contact the Florida Department of Children and Families for guidance specific to your situation.

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