This briefing reviews state laws regarding parties to an adoption. General information dealing with who may adopt, who may be adopted, and who may place a child for adoption is identified. In order for an adoption to take place, a person available to be adopted must be placed in the home of a person or persons eligible to adopt. All states, the District of Columbia, American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the Virgin Islands have laws that specify which persons are eligible as adopting parents and which persons can be adopted.
Florida Who May Adopt, Be Adopted, or Place a Child for Adoption? In Florida, adoption is a legal process that allows individuals or couples to become the legal parents of a child who is not biologically theirs. Adoption provides a stable and loving home to children who may be in need of permanent families. In Florida, there are specific guidelines and requirements for who may adopt, be adopted, or place a child for adoption. Who May Adopts in Florida? 1. Married Couples: Married couples are eligible to adopt in Florida. They must be legally married and submit to a thorough home study evaluation by a licensed adoption agency. 2. Unmarried Adults: Single individuals can also adopt in Florida. They must be at least 18 years old and must undergo the same home study evaluation as married couples. 3. Same-Sex Couples: Same-sex couples have the same rights as heterosexual couples in Florida when it comes to adoption. Since 2010, Florida has allowed same-sex couples to adopt, granting them equal opportunities to provide a loving home for a child. 4. Stepparents: Stepparent adoption is another common type of adoption in Florida. When a stepparent wishes to adopt their spouse's child, they must demonstrate that they can provide a stable environment for the child, obtain consent from the child's other legal parent, and undergo a home study evaluation. Who May Be Adopted in Florida? 1. Minors: In Florida, children under the age of 18 may be adopted. This includes children in foster care, those who have been abandoned, or those whose birth parents have voluntarily terminated their parental rights. 2. Adults: Florida also allows for adult adoption. Adult adoption typically occurs when someone desires to formalize an existing parent-child relationship, such as a foster parent adopting their adult foster child or a stepparent adopting their adult stepchild. Who May Place a Child for Adoption in Florida? 1. Birth Parents: Birth parents who feel unable to provide a stable environment for their child or believe that adoption is in the best interest of their child can voluntarily place their child for adoption. They are encouraged to work with licensed adoption agencies or adoption attorneys to ensure the adoption process is conducted legally and ethically. 2. Department of Children and Families (DCF): In cases where a child is deemed incapable of being cared for by their birth parents due to abuse, neglect, or other circumstances, the Department of Children and Families may become involved. DCF's primary goal is to protect the child's best interests and find a suitable adoptive home. In summary, Florida welcomes a diverse range of individuals or couples who wish to adopt, be adopted, or place a child for adoption. The state recognizes married couples, unmarried adults, same-sex couples, and stepparents as potential adoptive parents, while minors and adults may be eligible for adoption. Birth parents and the Department of Children and Families have the authority to place a child for adoption, with a strong emphasis on the child's welfare and best interests throughout the process.
