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    To adopt a child in Florida, you must meet specific requirements, complete a home study, and navigate the legal process, which can take several months and vary in cost depending on the type of adoption.

    Basic Requirements

    1. Age: You must be at least 18 years old to adopt a child in Florida. There are no restrictions based on marital status; both single individuals and married couples can adopt.
    2. Background Checks: All prospective adoptive parents must undergo background checks, including criminal history and child abuse clearances.
    3. Home Study: A home study is required, which assesses your living situation, financial stability, and readiness to adopt. This process typically takes 6 to 8 months.
    4. 4 Sources

    Types of Adoption

    Process Overview

    1. Choose an Adoption Type: Decide whether you want to adopt through foster care, private adoption, or internationally.
    2. Complete Required Training: Some agencies may require training courses, such as the Model Approach to Partnership in Parenting (MAPP) or Parent Resource for Information Development and Education (PRIDE).
    3. Submit Application: Apply through a licensed agency or the DCF, providing necessary documentation and undergoing the home study process.
    4. Match with a Child: Once approved, you will be matched with a child. This may involve meetings and visits before finalizing the adoption.
    5. Finalize the Adoption: After a period of adjustment, you will go through the legal process to finalize the adoption in court.
    6. 2 Sources

    Resources

    Read more
    allaboutlawyer.com
    https://allaboutlawyer.com › how-to-adopt-a-child-in-florida-requirements-costs-timeline-step-by-step-process
    How to Adopt a Child in Florida? Requirements, Costs, Timeline & Step ...
    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 ba…
    Considering Adoption
    https://consideringadoption.com › adoptions-by-state › how-to-adopt-in-florida › adoption-requirements-in-florida
    Adoption Requirements in Florida — Do You Meet Them? | Considering Adoption
    Learn about the general and specific qualifications for adopting a child in Florida, such as age, marriage, criminal history and more. Find out how to get started, what types of ad…
    legalclarity.org
    https://legalclarity.org › how-to-adopt-a-child-in-florida-the-legal-process
    How to Adopt a Child in Florida: The Legal Process
    Adoption in Florida is a legal process governed by state law that establishes a new, permanent parent-child relationship. It allows individuals and couples to provide a secure and …
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    allaboutlawyer.com
    How to Adopt a Child in Florida? Requirements, Costs, Timeline & Step ...
    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 ba…
    https://allaboutlawyer.com › how-to-adopt-a-child-in-florida-requirements-costs-timeline-step-by-step-process
    Considering Adoption
    Adoption Requirements in Florida — Do You Meet Them? | Considering Adoption
    Learn about the general and specific qualifications for adopting a child in Florida, such as age, marriage, criminal history and more. Find out how to get started, what types of ad…
    https://consideringadoption.com › adoptions-by-state › how-to-adopt-in-florida › adoption-requirements-in-florida
    legalclarity.org
    How to Adopt a Child in Florida: The Legal Process
    Adoption in Florida is a legal process governed by state law that establishes a new, permanent parent-child relationship. It allows individuals and couples to provide a secure and …
    https://legalclarity.org › how-to-adopt-a-child-in-florida-the-legal-process
    AdoptUSKids
    Florida Foster Care and Adoption – AdoptUSKids
    Learn how to foster or adopt a child in Florida, including licensing requirements, costs, training, and support services. Find your local community-based care agency and contact in…
    https://www.adoptuskids.org › adoption-and-foster-care › how-to-adopt-and-foster › state-information › florida
    Florida DCF
    DCF Launches New and Improved Website to Help Families ... - Florida DCF
    The dynamic upgrade enhances the adoption journey by streamlining information about the process and providing prospective adoptive parents with every resource available to connect …
    https://www.myflfamilies.com › news-events › newsroom › news › dcf-launches-new-and-improved-website-help-families-interested-adoption
  1. legalclarity.org
    https://legalclarity.org › how-to-adopt-a-child-in-florida-the-legal-process

    How to Adopt a Child in Florida: The Legal Process

    Jul 20, 2025 · Learn the structured legal process for creating a permanent parent-child relationship in Florida, from initial preparations to the final court proceedings.

  2. The Dorsey Law Firm
    https://www.dorseylawjax.com › steps-adopt-child-florida

    Steps to Adopt a Child in Florida Guide - dorseylawjax.com

    Jan 22, 2025 · Learn the process of adopting a child in Florida, from types of adoption to finalizing and post-adoption support. Read on to learn more.

  4. Considering Adoption
    https://consideringadoption.com › adoptions-by-state › how-to-adop…

    How to Adopt in Florida [Complete Guide] | Considering Adoption

    Learn about the different types of adoption in Florida and the steps to pursue them. Find out how to choose the right adoption professional, create an adoption plan, a…

    Adopting a child in Florida is not an option that any potential adoptive family should take lightly. Adoption involves a lifelong commitmentthat comes with great responsibility. No two situations are alike, and therefore every adoption is …
    See more on consideringadoption.com
  5. ococfl.org
    https://www.ococfl.org › process › faqs.html

    Florida Adoption Process: Florida Adoptions Frequently Asked …

    Learn about the eligibility, process, types and costs of adopting a child in Florida. Find out how to get post-adoption support, special needs assistance and homestudy services.

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  7. wikihow.mom
    https://www.wikihow.mom › Adopt-in-Florida

    How to Adopt in Florida (with Pictures) - wikiHow …

    The state of Florida provides a number of benefits for parents who want to adopt a child. You can choose to adopt through the state Department of …

  8. Florida DCF
    https://www.myflfamilies.com › news-events › newsroom › news › dcf-l…

    DCF Launches New and Improved Website to Help Families

    Feb 17, 2025 · “With the launch of the new Adopt Florida website, our Department is empowering families with valuable resources to help guide them on their adoption journey, including …

  9. americanadoptionsofflorida.com
    https://www.americanadoptionsofflorida.com › adopt › how-to-adopt-c…

    American Adoptions - How to Adopt a Child in FL in 5 Simple Steps

    Adopting a child is a life-changing journey. If you are considering adoption in Florida, you may have a lot of questions. We have the answers. Get started with this complete guide to the …

  10. allaboutlawyer.com
    https://allaboutlawyer.com › how-to-adopt-a-child-in-f…

    How to Adopt a Child in Florida? Adopting in Florida, …

    Sep 24, 2025 · how to adopt a child in Florida with our guide covering legal requirements, costs, timelines, and step-by-step procedures. Expert insights for parents.

  11. AdoptUSKids
    https://www.adoptuskids.org › adoption-and-foster-care › how-to-ad…

    Florida Foster Care and Adoption – AdoptUSKids

    Learn how to foster or adopt a child in Florida, including licensing requirements, costs, training, and support services. Find your local community-based care agency and contact information.

  12. Explore Adoption
    https://adoptflorida.org

    Adopt Florida | Grow Your Family

    If you’re considering adopting a child, please contact Florida’s Adoption Information Center at 1-800-96-ADOPT. Within seven business days, you’ll be connected with a local Adoption Specialist who can provide information, …