Attorney at Law
If you’re considering adoption in Jacksonville or anywhere in Florida, recent legislative changes have reshaped the process in meaningful ways. Florida’s updated adoption laws, effective in 2024 and 2025, bring greater financial support for certain adoptive families, new transparency requirements, expanded Safe Haven protections, and clearer fee structures. These changes aim to protect children, support families, and bring more accountability to the adoption system. Here’s what prospective parents need to know as they begin this life-changing journey from our experienced Jacksonville adoption attorneys.
The decision to grow your family through adoption is deeply personal. If you’re a Jacksonville family exploring this path, you’re doing so during a time of meaningful change. Governor DeSantis signed House Bill 1083 into law in May 2024. The new law introduced reforms that touch nearly every aspect of the adoption process, from fee structures to how children in foster care find their forever homes.
Enhanced Financial Support for Qualifying Adoptive Parents
One of the most impactful changes involves expanded financial incentives for families adopting from Florida’s child welfare system. Under updated Florida Statute 409.1664, state employees, school district employees, active military service members, veterans, law enforcement officers, health care practitioners, and tax collector employees may qualify for up to $25,000 per child when adopting a “difficult to place” child. A “difficult to place child” typically includes older children, sibling groups, or children with special needs. For other children, eligible families can receive $10,000 per child.
These incentives recognize that adoption often comes with additional costs, from therapy to educational support, particularly for children who have experienced trauma.
Greater Transparency in Adoption Costs
Florida has taken significant steps to address concerns about adoption fees. Courts must now issue written determinations when approving fees that exceed statutory limits, and attorney and professional fees are capped at $5,000 combined unless a court specifically approves higher amounts.
Beginning January 1, 2025, all adoption entities, including agencies and attorneys, must submit quarterly reports to the Department of Children and Families (DCF) with detailed, itemized information about each finalized adoption.
What This Means for You: DCF now maintains a public Adoption Transparency website displaying actual adoption costs by agency and attorney. This allows prospective parents to compare costs and make informed decisions.
The state has also cracked down on unlicensed advertising. Only Florida-licensed attorneys or adoption entities may legally advertise adoption services, and all advertisements must include the appropriate license or bar number.
Updated Safe Haven Protections
Florida’s Safe Haven law has been expanded to give birth parents more options and time. The surrender window for newborns has been extended from seven days to 30 days. Mothers can now surrender newborns directly to hospital staff or call 911 to arrange a meeting with EMS personnel.
Stricter Background Checks
The new legislation aligns Florida’s background check requirements with federal standards. After an initial criminal records check, all household members must submit fingerprints to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement within seven days. DCF will also check criminal histories for non-residents who will be present in the home for five consecutive days or seven days within a 30-day period.
Privacy Protections for Waiting Families and Children
Access to Florida’s statewide adoption exchange has been restricted to protect both children and prospective families. Only individuals who have completed or are actively completing an adoptive home study may view photos and information about children available for adoption. Additionally, children aged 12 and older must now be consulted when creating their profiles and selecting photos for the exchange.
Post-Adoption Contact Agreements
Senate Bill 558 introduced the option for legally binding post-adoption contact agreements, which can include provisions for visitation, communication, and information sharing between adopted children and their biological relatives. Both parties must voluntarily participate, and children 12 and older must consent.
Federal Adoption Reform Gains Momentum
Florida isn’t acting alone in strengthening adoption protections. At the federal level, the bipartisan ADOPT Act (Adoption Deserves Oversight, Protection, and Transparency) has been introduced with support from both parties. This legislation would prohibit unlicensed “baby brokers” from advertising adoption services or receiving compensation for placements, and would restrict payments to expectant mothers unless made through providers licensed in their state of residence.
The federal bill is working its way through Congress. However, Florida’s 2024-2025 reforms already address many of the same concerns, making the state a leader in adoption transparency and consumer protection.
Working with a Jacksonville Adoption Attorney
Florida adoption law continues to evolve, and the changes implemented in 2024 and 2025 represent some of the most significant updates in years. Whether you’re pursuing a private adoption, considering foster care adoption, or exploring your options for the first time, having experienced legal guidance makes the process more manageable.
From navigating new reporting requirements to understanding how fee transparency affects your adoption budget, a knowledgeable attorney can help you move forward with confidence.
Ready to Start Your Adoption Journey?
Adoption in Florida involves home studies, background checks, court filings, and legal requirements that vary depending on whether you’re pursuing stepparent, relative, agency, or private adoption. Having an attorney who knows the process can prevent delays and protect the placement you’ve worked so hard to secure.
At Tupper Law P.A., our Jacksonville adoption attorneys guide families through every stage—from initial paperwork to finalization. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and find out what your path forward looks like.