Access to Adoption Records

Who May Access Information
Citation: Ann. Stat. §§ 63.162; 63.165

Information may be available to:

• The adoptee who is age 18 or older
• The birth parents
• The adoptive parents
• Birth siblings
• Maternal and paternal birth grandparents

Access to Nonidentifying Information
Citation: Ann. Stat. § 63.162

All nonidentifying information, including the family medical history and social history of the adoptee and the birth parents, when available, must be furnished to the adoptive parents before the adoption becomes final and to the adoptee, upon the adoptee's request, after he or she reaches majority. Upon the request of the adoptive parents, all nonidentifying information obtained before or after the adoption has become final must be furnished to the adoptive parents.

Mutual Access to Identifying Information
Citation: Ann. Stat. § 63.162

Identifying information about a birth parent, an adoptive parent, or an adoptee may not be disclosed unless the respective party has authorized in writing the release of such information. If the adoptee is younger than age 18, written consent must be obtained from an adoptive parent.

The department shall maintain a registry with the last known names and addresses of an adoptee, the birth parents, and the adoptive parents and any other identifying information that the parties wish to include in the registry.

The registry shall be available for those persons choosing to enter information therein, but no one shall be required to do so. A person who enters information in the registry must indicate clearly the persons to whom he or she is consenting to release the information, and shall be limited to the adoptee, the birth parents, the adoptive parents, birth siblings, and maternal and paternal birth grandparents. Consent to the release of this information may be made in the case of a minor adoptee by his or her adoptive parents or by the court after a showing of good cause. At any time, any person may withdraw, limit, or otherwise restrict consent to release information by notifying the department in writing.


Access to Original Birth Certificate
Citation: Ann. Stat. § 63.162

The original birth certificate is available only upon order of the court.

Where the Information Can Be Located

Florida Adoption Reunion Registry (F.A.R.R.), Florida Department of Health and Rehabilitation Services

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

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)

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