Can Same-Sex Couples Adopt in Florida?

The short answer is yes! Adoption by same-sex couples in Florida was initially banned then ruled as unconstitutional in 2010, then fully repealed in 2015 by Governor Rick Scott. This means that if you are a same-sex couple looking to adopt a baby in Florida, you will be able to. And if you choose to work with Adoption Choices of Florida, we will be honored and happy to help you expand your wonderful family. We have always been proud to work with LGBTQIA+ couples looking to adopt and will provide you all the assistance and guidance you need. If you’re pregnant and considering adoption, you should absolutely consider choosing a same-sex couple to adopt your baby!

What is the Florida Adoption Process Like for Same-Sex Couples?

The process is much the same as it is for hetero couples! The only difference is that we understand the process can come with added complications and stigma caused by homophobia and ignorance, and we are very sensitive to that. All we care about is helping you open up your home and your heart to a baby who needs a family. Read on for the process!

1. Home Study

This is when one of our social workers will come to your home and meet with you. They’re there to have a conversation about why you want to adopt and they’ll assess your home to ensure it’s child-friendly. They’ll also advise you on how you can best prepare for your new child. This is the perfect opportunity for you to ask any questions you may have and learn more about what going through the Florida adoption process will be like. The most important thing is to provide a loving family and a good home for a new baby.

2. Create an Adoption Profile

An adoption profile is fairly straightforward – you want the birth family or birth mother to know who you are, what you do, and what kind of life you’ll be able to provide. Placing a baby for adoption is a tough choice, so any information you can provide that will set the birth family’s mind at ease. Unfortunately we know that as a same-sex couple you might encounter bias through this process, but we don’t want that to discourage you from being honest and forthright. After all, as long as you’ll love this baby as your own child, that’s what matters!

3. Getting Matched

Once you’ve been matched with a birth family, depending on whether they chose an open, closed, or semi-open adoption, you’ll have a chance to meet with them and start working on a Florida adoption plan. If it’s a closed adoption, you’ll still want to make an adoption plan, you just won’t have an opportunity to meet the birth family.

4. Pre-Placement

During pre-placement you’ll meet with the birth family’s adoption specialist periodically in order to get updates on the pregnancy and everyone’s health. If the adoption is open and the birth family is comfortable with it, you can begin building your relationship with them at this point too. Doing so can be a bit tricky however because the birth family may have complex feelings about the adoption. It’s also possible you yourself will have complex feelings about that relationship. Just remember that if you do it, it can have significant benefits for your child to know their birth family.

5. Birth and Placement

Assuming you and the birth family agreed to it ahead of time, you’ll get to be at the hospital for the birth itself. This is exciting! However, the birth mother has final say on who is allowed in the room for the birth, which means you might not get to witness it. Don’t take it personally – the birth mother is going through a pretty big event in her life and it’s important to respect her boundaries. After the birth the birth mother has 48 hours to sign the relinquishment papers, but in most cases the adoptive family gets to leave the hospital with their baby.

6. Post-Placement

For the first couple months after placement, a social worker will stop by periodically to check in and make sure everything is going well. If you have any questions this is a great opportunity to ask!

Give Us a Call!

We’re based in Florida but we help families all over the US adopt. Just keep in mind that different states may have different requirements. All that means is that we’ll build a custom plan for you and will be able to help you navigate any difficulties. We’re excited to get to be a part of your family planning and we can’t wait to work with you and help you grow your family! Give us a call and start the process today! Adoption Choices of Florida is dedicated to connecting families and helping them navigate the Florida adoption process. For pregnant women who are interested in expanding the potential adoptive family pool, your options are much greater if you’re open to same-sex couples too. Our goal is to help you make the best choices for you!

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