Florida Adoption Laws

Access to Adoption Records

Obtaining Non-Identifying Information:

Non-identifying information is available to adopted adults age 18 or older and adoptive parents.

Obtaining Identifying Information:

Adopted adults age 18 or older or adoptive parents can receive information regarding the birth parents if the birth parents have given written consent to disclosure. Birth parents can receive information on adopted adults age 21 or older if the adopted adult or birth parents have given written consent to disclosure.

Using the Adoption Registry:

Any of the following persons can consent to have information released: adopted adults, birth parents, adoptive parents, biological siblings, and biological grandparents. A court, upon petition of adopted adult for good cause shown, may either open the adoption records or hire an intermediary to locate and advise each birth parent of the registry (if not registered).

Contact:

Florida Adoption Reunion Registry
Florida Department of Health and Rehabilitation Services
2811-E Industrial Plaza Drive
Tallahassee, FL 32301
(850) 353-0679
(800) 962-3678
Web site: www.adoptflorida.com/Reunion-Registry.htm

Obtaining an Original Birth Certificate:

An adoptee must petition the court in which the adoption was finalized.

Contact:

To receive non-identifying information if the adoption was facilitated independently or through the State welfare department, contact the Department of Children and Families Post Adoption Services, Unit 1317, Winewood Boulevard, Tallahassee, FL, 32399-0700. If an agency facilitated the adoption, contact that agency for non-identifying information.

Credits: Child Welfare Information Gateway (http://www.childwelfare.gov)