The adoption subsidy in Florida is a monthly payment paid by the state to eligible adoptive families. The payment helps children who may find it hard to find a permanent home. Not all adoptions are eligible. Negotiations begin at $417 monthly, but additional amounts may be awarded when appropriate.

The Florida adoption lawyers at Gulf Coast Adoptions explain the Florida adoption subsidy.

How Much is the Adoption Subsidy in Florida?

The adoption subsidy in Florida begins at $417 monthly. However, adoptive parents may negotiate up to 100% of the statewide foster care Level II – Level V board rate. These amounts are adjusted annually for cost-of-living increases. They also vary by the child’s age. A subsidy may even exceed 100% when an exception is granted and documented in writing.

See 2025 Florida DCF Foster Parent Cost of Living Allowance Increase

Who Can Receive the Florida Adoption Subsidy?

A child may qualify for the Florida adoption subsidy if they are:

• Special needs, developmental delay
• Disabled, medically diagnosed condition
• Eight years or older
• A large sibling group
• A minority

Amount Awarded

The amount awarded depends on the needs of the child. It is a negotiated amount. The initial amount is based on the needs of the child at the time and the projected long-term needs of the child within the family. Negotiations begin at $417 monthly. Case managers take a holistic approach, considering the child’s needs, the needs of the placement family and the child’s medical history.

The amount may not exceed the amount the child would be eligible for in a foster home.

Renegotiation

The amount awarded for the Florida adoption subsidy may be renegotiated. The child’s needs may change. The family’s ability to provide for the child may change.

Getting the Subsidy

Parents and case workers must sign the subsidy plan and upload it into the child welfare information system. The Florida adoption subsidy agreement should be signed before the child’s placement.

Ongoing Requirements

The family must notify case workers if there is a change in circumstances, like moving out of state, within 48 hours.

Ending the Subsidy

The adoption subsidy ends when:

• The child turns 18
• The child is emancipated
• Death of the child
• Parents are no longer legally responsible for supporting the child
• Parents no longer support the child
• It is determined that the child should not have been awarded benefits

Purpose

The purpose of the adoption subsidy is to help parents adopt a difficult-to-place child.

The subsidy is not meant to cover services that can be covered through family insurance, Medicaid, medical subsidy, or public school special education plans.

Preference for No Subsidy

Case workers must document efforts to place the child without a subsidy, including other families considered, letters to agencies seeking a home for a child, or registration of the child on the state adoption website.

A placement without the subsidy will be preferred unless it is shown that the placement is not in the best interests of the child.

However, no child shall remain in foster care unnecessarily while searching for a non-subsidized placement.

Eligibility – Private Placement Adoptions

No, private adoptions are not eligible for the Florida adoption subsidy. To be eligible, the child must have been permanently committed to the Department or a licensed child-placing agency.

Eligibility – International

No, if you are adopting from another country, you are not eligible for the Florida adoption subsidy. The Social Security Act prohibits subsidy payments for non-citizens adopted outside the United States or brought to the United States for adoption.

Eligibility – Other Counties

Yes, a child is eligible for the adoption subsidy, even if the adoptive home is in another Florida county. There may be some questions about which community-based care organization has jurisdiction to determine eligibility and administer the subsidy.

Eligibility – Other States

The state responsible for the child enters into the Adoption Assistance Agreement and makes payments. If the child is not under state placement and care, the adoptive parents’ state determines eligibility and pays the subsidy.

You remain eligible for the adoption subsidy if you move to another state. However, Medicaid will change to the new state.

Appeal

If eligibility is not determined before placement, adoptive parents can appeal. If the finding is that benefits were wrongfully denied, payment will be made back to the date the family requested the subsidy in writing. Payment is not retroactive to the date of placement.

Legal Help

Financial resources can help your family throughout your adoption journey. An attorney can help you determine your eligibility and pursue subsidy payments you may be eligible to receive.

Contact Us

Gulf Coast Adoptions handles adoptions throughout Florida. Contact us now.

Resources

Florida administrative regulations 65C-16.013.