Starting the adoption process in Florida can feel overwhelming, whether you’re an expectant mother considering adoption for your baby or a family hoping to adopt. You may have questions about where to begin, what steps are involved and who can help you navigate this journey. The good news is that with the right guidance, the Florida adoption process is more straightforward than you might think.
This guide walks you through how to start the adoption process in Florida, what to expect along the way and how the Florida adoption attorneys at Gulf Coast Adoptions can support you through every step.
Understanding Florida’s adoption process
Florida’s adoption laws exist to protect everyone involved in adoption – expectant mothers, adoptive families and most importantly, children. The adoption process in Florida varies depending on the type of adoption you’re pursuing, but the core steps remain similar.
Whether you’re considering placing a child for adoption or hoping to adopt, the process typically involves:
- An initial consultation with an adoption attorney
- Understanding your legal rights and options
- Completing required legal paperwork
- Home study evaluation (for adoptive families)
- Placement and a waiting period
- Finalization in court
The timeline depends on your specific situation. Some adoptions, like stepparent adoptions, can be completed in a few months. Infant adoptions through private adoption typically take longer, often 6-12 months or more. We’ll give you realistic expectations based on your circumstances.
For expectant mothers: How to begin considering adoption in Florida
If you’re facing an unplanned pregnancy and considering adoption, you’re not alone. Making an adoption plan is a loving choice that takes incredible courage. Here’s how to start exploring your options in Florida.
Your first step: Reach out for information
You don’t have to make any decisions right away. Your first step is simply gathering information and understanding what adoption means. Call an adoption attorney who can explain the process, answer your questions and help you understand your options – with no judgment and no obligation.
At Gulf Coast Adoptions, our team answers the phone 24/7. You’ll never reach an answering service. We talk for hours for free because we want you to have the information and support you need to make the decision that’s right for you.
What you need to know immediately
Adoption is completely free for you. You won’t pay any legal fees. All attorney costs are covered by the adoptive family. During your pregnancy, you can also receive financial assistance for living expenses like rent, utilities, food, medical care and maternity clothes. This support is available with no strings attached.
You’re in control. You choose the adoptive family. You decide whether you want an open adoption (where you can stay in touch with your child and the family) or a closed adoption. You decide what feels right for you.
You have rights. Under Florida law, you have time after your baby is born to make your final decision. We’ll explain your legal rights fully so you understand exactly what your options are.
The process for expectant mothers in Florida
Once you decide you want to explore adoption, here’s what happens:
- Meet with an adoption attorney – We’ll listen to your story, explain the process and answer your questions
- Review potential adoptive families – You’ll see profile books from families across the country and choose the family you feel good about
- Create your adoption plan – You decide the level of openness and contact you want
- Receive support during pregnancy – We help with living expenses and connect you with resources
- Plan for placement – You and the adoptive family create a plan for after your baby is born
- Finalize legally – The adoption is completed in court
Our team includes birth mothers who’ve been through this journey themselves. They understand what you’re feeling and can provide unique, firsthand support.
Call us anytime at (850) 498-1126 to talk through your options. Our Pensacola office serves expectant mothers in Florida, and we’re here 24/7 with no judgment and no pressure.
For families hoping to adopt: Starting your adoption journey in Florida
If you’re ready to grow your family through adoption in Florida, the process begins with understanding what type of adoption is right for you and what steps you’ll need to take. As adoptive parents ourselves, we understand your hopes, your excitement and your concerns.
Determine what type of adoption you’re pursuing
Florida allows several types of adoption:
- Infant adoption – Adopting a newborn or young child
- Stepparent adoption – A stepparent legally adopting their spouse’s child
- Relative adoption – A family member (grandparent, aunt, uncle) adopting a child
- Foster care adoption – Adopting a child from Florida’s foster care system
- Same-sex adoption – Same-sex couples adopting together
- Interstate adoption – Adopting a child from another state
Each type has different requirements and timelines. Your first step is connecting with an adoption attorney who handles the specific type of adoption you’re pursuing.
The Florida adoption process for adoptive families
Once you’ve decided to adopt, here’s what the process typically looks like:
- Initial consultation – We’ll discuss your adoption goals, explain requirements and answer your questions
- Home study – A licensed professional evaluates your home, interviews you and ensures you’re prepared
- Complete required paperwork – We handle all legal filings and ensure everything is done correctly
- Matching or placement – Depending on the adoption type, you’ll either be matched with an expectant mother or proceed with placement
- ICPC clearance (if interstate) – For adoptions across state lines, Interstate Compact approval is required
- Finalization hearing – The adoption is legally completed in Florida court
Attorney Clay Whittaker has many years of experience guiding families through Florida adoptions.
Florida adoption requirements
Florida has specific requirements for adoptive families:
Who can adopt in Florida:
- Florida residents or those willing to complete a Florida home study
- Individuals or married couples
- Same-sex couples are welcome
- Single parents can adopt
- Must be at least 18 years old (no maximum age limit)
- Must pass background checks
What you’ll need:
- Home study completed by a licensed provider
- Criminal background screening
- Financial documentation showing you can support a child
- Medical evaluation
- Character references
We work with experienced home study providers and can help you prepare for each requirement. The home study isn’t about being perfect – it’s about being prepared and having a safe, loving home for a child.
Call (850) 498-1126 for a free consultation. Let’s discuss your adoption goals and how we can help you grow your family.
Timeline and cost expectations
Timeline: Most Florida adoptions take 6-12 months, though stepparent and relative adoptions can be faster. Interstate adoptions may take longer due to ICPC requirements. Every adoption is unique, and we’ll give you realistic expectations for your situation.
Costs: Adoption costs vary by type. We work on a flat fee basis, so you’ll know our legal fees upfront with no surprise bills. Additional costs include the home study, court filing fees and any financial assistance provided to an expectant mother (in infant adoptions). We’ll provide a complete cost breakdown during your consultation.
Clay and his wife Cheryl are adoptive parents themselves, so they understand this journey from personal experience. They know the excitement and the anxiety. That combination of professional expertise and personal understanding means they can guide you with both skill and empathy.
Why choose Gulf Coast Adoptions for your Florida adoption
Starting the adoption process is a big step, and you need an adoption attorney who truly understands this journey.
Personal experience: Clay and Cheryl Whittaker are adoptive parents themselves. Our team also includes birth mothers who’ve been through adoption. We know the system, not just the law – we’ve lived it.
24/7 availability: Our team answers the phone around the clock. You’ll never get an answering service when you call us. We’re here when you need us.
Experience you can trust: Attorney Clay Whittaker has many years of experience in adoption law and has guided hundreds of families through successful adoptions in Florida.
Serving families statewide: Our Pensacola office serves families and expectant mothers across Florida. We also have offices in Pace, Miramar Beach and Tallahassee.
Spanish-speaking services available: We can assist Spanish-speaking clients throughout the adoption process.
Compassionate support: Whether you’re an expectant mother or an adoptive family, we’re here to support you with no judgment, just honest guidance and care.
Frequently asked questions about starting the adoption process in Florida
How long does the adoption process take in Florida?
The timeline varies by adoption type. Stepparent and relative adoptions typically take 4-6 months. Infant adoptions can take 6-12 months or longer, depending on how quickly you’re matched with an expectant mother. Foster care adoptions depend on the individual case. We’ll give you realistic expectations based on your specific situation.
How much does it cost to adopt in Florida?
Costs vary significantly by adoption type. Expectant mothers pay nothing – adoption is completely free for birth mothers. For adoptive families, costs include legal fees, home study fees, court filing fees and potentially financial assistance to an expectant mother. We work on a flat fee basis and provide complete cost transparency during your consultation.
Do I need a lawyer to adopt in Florida?
Yes. Florida law requires that adoptions be handled by an attorney. An experienced adoption attorney ensures all legal requirements are met, protects your rights and handles court filings. Trying to navigate Florida adoption law on your own can lead to delays, mistakes or legal complications.
Can I choose an open adoption in Florida?
Yes. Florida allows open adoptions where birth mothers and adoptive families maintain contact through pictures, updates, visits or other arrangements. The level of openness is agreed upon by both parties. You can also choose a closed adoption if you prefer privacy.
What if I’m not sure adoption is the right choice?
That’s completely normal. If you’re an expectant mother, you don’t have to decide immediately. Call us at (850) 498-1126 to talk through your options with no pressure and no obligation. If you’re a prospective adoptive parent and have questions about whether adoption is right for you, we’re happy to discuss your situation during a free consultation.
Can same-sex couples adopt in Florida?
Yes. Florida law allows same-sex couples to adopt. We’ve helped many same-sex couples successfully complete adoptions in Florida and we’re here to guide you through the process.
What’s the difference between adopting through an attorney versus an agency?
Adoption attorneys provide legal representation and handle the court process. Some adoption agencies help with matching expectant mothers and adoptive families but then refer clients to attorneys for the legal work. Gulf Coast Adoptions provides comprehensive legal services for adoption and works with families from consultation through finalization.
Take the first step today
Starting the adoption process in Florida doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Whether you’re an expectant mother considering options or a family ready to adopt, your first step is reaching out for information and guidance.
For expectant mothers: Call us anytime at (850) 498-1126. Our team answers 24/7, and we’ll talk for hours for free with absolutely no judgment and no obligation. This is your decision, and we’re here to support whatever choice you make.
For adoptive families: Contact us at (850) 498-1126 for a free consultation. We’ll discuss your adoption goals, explain the Florida process and answer all your questions. Let’s talk about how we can help you grow your family.
Gulf Coast Adoptions serves families and expectant mothers across Florida. Our Pensacola office is located at 30 S Spring St Suite B, Pensacola, FL 32502. We’re here to guide you through every step of your Florida adoption journey with compassion, expertise and care.