Can Same-Sex Couples Adopt in Florida and More FAQ

By Connor Shelton

One of the most important decisions one makes during the adoption process is who the baby goes to. People from many different backgrounds are more than willing to raise your child, among them being LBGTQ+ persons. According to some statistics, same-sex couples are four to seven times more likely to adopt than heterosexual couples. Given the community’s discrimination throughout history, however, LGBTQ+ people have often had to hide who they are. Because of this, you might have questions about what the LBGTQ+ household might look like or whether they have the same rights as heterosexual parents. If this is the case, you’ve come to the right place. The following answers the questions that dance around in your head as you consider where to give up your baby for adoption. At Adoption Choices of Florida, we accept all types of adoptive parents who are willing to provide a child with a safe and loving home.

1. Can same-sex couples adopt in Florida?

Given the political state of Florida, it’s easy to be confused on the issue of same-sex adoption. The sunshine state has gained notoriety as of late for certain legislation surrounding LGBTQ+ youths, but when it comes to adoption, Florida is in step with the rest of the country. Since 2010, same-sex couples have had the same rights to adoption as heterosexual couples, and those rights will remain in place.

2. Shouldn’t my child have a mom and a dad?

A belief held by many is that children require an equal amount of masculine and feminine influences growing up. This implies that a mom and dad are necessary to raise a child because they offer a perfect balance of masculinity and femininity. Yet other people can provide masculine and feminine influences in a child’s life. Teachers, grandparents, TV characters. All are influential toward the development of a child. None of these figures inhabit the role of mother or father for your child.

There is no actual proof that children must have a mom and a dad to develop. That’s because good parenting has nothing to do with sexual orientation. Instead, it’s influenced by one’s ability to create a loving and nurturing home, something that LGBTQ+ couples are capable of creating.

3. Can a single person who is part of the LGBTQ+ Community adopt?

Like same-sex couples, single people from the LGBTQ+ community can adopt a child. No law prevents them from doing so.

4. Is it more difficult for LGBTQ+ people to adopt in Florida?

Though it might seem that the adoption process in Florida is lengthier for same-sex couples, most adoption agencies in Florida will tell you that the process is not more difficult for LGBTQ+ people. When you place a baby up for adoption, it will always be slow-moving. That’s because every adoption plan is unique and made from scratch. Whether heterosexual or homosexual, the family looking to adopt will go through the same screening process to become adoptive parents.

5. Will an LBGTQ+ Adoptive Family in Florida Provide a Stable Home for My Child?

As already mentioned, all families looking to adopt must go through a background check. This is to ensure that they are ready and capable of being parents. As such, it’s safe to say that an LGBTQ+ adoptive family will provide a stable home for your child.

6. What can a child expect in an LGBTQ+ household?

LGBTQ+ families, just as much as birth mothers, want to give a child the best life they can have. It’s why they choose to adopt. Not only that, but same-sex parents also want their child to grow up in a better world than they did. Because of this, you’ll find that many LGBTQ+ parents teach their kids about equality, sympathy, and the struggles of marginalized groups. This kind of love and understanding makes LGBTQ+ households such a great place for children.

7. Will my child identify as LGBTQ+ if raised in an LGBTQ+ household?

It’s easy to fall prey to the myth that children raised by gay parents will become gay. This simply isn’t true. Kids raised by LGBTQ+ parents are just as likely to be gay as kids raised by heterosexual parents. And even if they do turn out to be gay, that’s not a bad thing. Your child will be loved and cherished by their adoptive family, regardless of their sexual orientation.

8. Will my child is bullied because their parents are LGBTQ+?

Society still holds to certain stereotypes surrounding LGBTQ+ people, and with these stereotypes comes discrimination. As a result, it is quite possible that your child will face teasing and bullying. Don’t let this discourage you from choosing a same-sex couple to adopt your child. Despite the potential for bullying, children of LGBTQ+ families will know how to stand up for themselves. They’ll be taught how the world can be cruel and how to show tolerance and understanding. 

9. Is LGBTQ+ Adoption Good for My Child?

If you consider all your adoption options, you’ll find that LGBTQ+ adoptions are just as beneficial for your child as other types of adoption, especially as they become more commonplace. LGBTQ+ homes are safe, financially sustainable, and great for teaching empathy. In general, LGBTQ+ adoptions are not all that different from heterosexual adoptions because your child will grow up loved and cherished.

10. How does One Pursue an LGBTQ+ Adoption in Florida?

The most important step in pursuing an LGBTQ+ adoption is to get in touch with us or any other Florida adoption agency. The sooner you do this, the more time you can dedicate to creating your adoption plan to adopt your baby. In doing this, you can fully weigh the options of who you want your child to go to and ensure they get the love they deserve. And it’s important to remember that LGBTQ+ families will love your child just as much as heterosexual couples.

If you are a pregnant woman in Florida considering adoption and have any questions or concerns about the adoption process, please don’t hesitate to reach out. For more information on adoption, visit us at Adoption Choices of Florida or call us at: (833) 352-3678 or text us at 904-559-1251