Florida Adoption Records
The world's largest adoption reunion registry for adoptees and families
Start Your Search Today
Accessing Adoption Records in Florida
Florida adoption records, including original birth certificates, are sealed. They cannot be opened without legal intervention. While the state prohibits access to adoption records, it allows for the release of birth parents’ names with written authorization.
Even with this possibility, finding information about an adoption can be difficult, and a reunion may take years. For adoptees or birth parents wondering how to find adoption records in Florida, there’s an easier way to begin your search.
Adopted.com offers a voluntary reunion registry to connect biological family members who want to meet through mutual consent. When you register with Adopted.com, you answer ten easy questions about the adoption. You don’t need official records to answer the questions – our system works with information you already know about the adoption.
We’re the largest adoption reunion registry in the U.S., providing an alternative path for biological relatives to reconnect.
Whether you’re in Miami, Orlando, Jacksonville, or any other part of Florida, Adopted.com offers a simple, voluntary way to find the information you’re looking for — without a court order or other bureaucratic red tape.
Register Now Directory
15,651 Are Adoption Records Public in Florida?
No, Florida adoption records are not public. After an adoption, the state seals all records, including court files and the adoptee’s original birth certificate.
While getting official adoption records requires legal intervention, Florida allows adoptees access to their birth parents’ names if the parents authorize the release in writing. If you’re an adoptee, you can request this information once you’re 18.
How Do You Get Adoption Records Unsealed in Florida?
You need a court order to get adoption records unsealed in Florida. Contact the Clerk of the Court office in the county that handled the adoption. You’ll need to file a petition to unseal the records. The court will evaluate your petition and determine whether you’ve presented good cause to access the records.
How Long Are Adoption Records Sealed in Florida?
Once an adoption becomes finalized in Florida, the records are sealed permanently. Without a court order, you won’t be able to access the adoption file again, whether you’re an adoptee, a biological parent, or an adoptive parent.
However, state law allows people impacted by adoption to get information through the Florida Adoption Reunion Registry (FARR). This includes both non-identifying information and, in some cases, identifying information.
Non-identifying information includes family medical histories, which birth parents must provide at the time of adoption if it’s available. Adoptees can get access to this information once they turn 18. To get non-identifying information, contact the Florida Post Adoption Services Unit. If a private agency handled the adoption, contact the agency directly.
What Information Does FARR Provide?
FARR can also release identifying information with written consent. This includes the names of birth parents, adoptees, and adoptive parents.
Other family members can join FARR, including biological siblings, aunts and uncles, and grandparents. If two or more people join the registry, FARR will connect them for a reunion. However, this happens fairly infrequently. According to the state, FARR currently has over 10,000 people on the registry but only facilitates a few reunions each month.
What Happens to the Original Birth Certificate After Adoption in Florida?
After an adoption in Florida, the court forwards a report to the state Bureau of Vital Statistics. The bureau creates an amended birth record, which lists the child’s adopted name and adoptive parents. The original birth certificate is sealed and can only be released under a court order.
Search in nearby states to Florida
Let Adopted.com help you find your lost family today!
Adopted.com is a powerful adoption reunion registry designed to help you reconnect with your birth parents. By registering, you gain access to a growing database of over 1,189,529 profiles, increasing your chances of finding your biological relatives. The platform respects your privacy and allows you to update your profile anytime.
Registration is free, and the unique search tool ensures measurable match results. When you find your birth parents, remember to approach the reunion with an open heart and understanding, as it can be an emotionally significant experience for everyone involved.
Register NowRECENT MEMBERS IN Florida
-
Carvell1982
5 minutes ago
-
BeansAndtea9
6 minutes ago
-
HWitt606
11 minutes ago
-
Mgazinski
30 minutes ago
-
Dannie252699
34 minutes ago
-
Vfdelery
34 minutes ago
-
Qwedanu
1 hour ago
-
EngleHeather1982
1 hour ago
-
AlizeJor1220
1 hour ago
-
Crystalsadvocate
1 hour ago
-
Craighartung67
1 hour ago
-
Gardnerfamily
3 hours ago
-
Victoriakay013
3 hours ago
-
Treasuregrimes
3 hours ago
-
Chinedu
4 hours ago
-
JenWise1
5 hours ago
-
Ravyn143
7 hours ago
-
Vanyla22
8 hours ago
-
Uniqueaaliyah
8 hours ago
-
Lgallegos
9 hours ago
A Few of Our Members Currently Searching Within Florida Who Chose To Be Featured
226. Shar1975 : Dear Daughter‚ Please find me. I’ve tried to find you and can’t. You where born on July 19th‚around midnight so‚ Your DOB could be 20th‚1975 in Port Charlotte‚ Florida at St. Joseph’s Hospital. I have contacted the Children’s Home Society of Fort Myers‚ Fl for years leaving them my updated information. Also‚ registered with FARR‚ and taken Ancestery DNA. I can only pray that this site will help me find you and that You may want to contact Me‚ My Maiden name is Sharon Harris.
227. Sheila6johnson : I was adopted by pauline ward /johnson and Robert Johnson in 1965 my name befor I was adopted was Sheila Blue I was adopted in tytusville‚ fl throuhgh dept of children and family
228. Lgwood19 : Thank you for your selflessness and great genes.
229. Borninmiami1955 : Born in Mercy Hospital in Miami, Florida in February, 1955. Was told that I was relinquished to my "adopted" parents at birth. No information at all. Dr grosklaus was obstetrician Never given any adoption records so birth family mAy be connected family member or close friend.
230. Michele324 : i gave my son up in july his date of birth is july 27 1978. agency was childrens home society of palm beach. palm beach county i have been looking for him for the last 33 years. i named him michael but not sure if they kept the name. he as born with a heart murmor..
231. Gheelay : Mother’s name: Dorothy Jane Wilson Birthname either Michael Eugene Wilson or Robert William Wilson
232. Neely : Looking for my little brother, your name was Robert Ernest Elder. I have several pictures of us together and remember the very last day I saw you. You crying for me!!! My name is Neely Jo Harrington, McDaniel is my maiden name. Our mothers name is Paula Francine McDaniel (Maiden name-McCormick). Your biological father’s name is Robert Earl Elder and I believe I have a picture of him. You were born 4 Oct 1973, in Orlando, FL and adopted there. I have a Ancestry Public Tree with your name and newspaper clippings from your adoption notice. Log in to Ancestry (create an account if needed), click on Search and then choose Member Search. Type in "Neely Jo Harrington" and you’ll find me. You’ll find my profile pictures the same as this one. I have also completed DNA testing on Ancestry. I so want to connect with you as I’ve never given up hope in finding you!!!
233. Jeffdh : June 25th 1970 dob and adopted through the children’s home society of florida
234. Denisemm123 : my name is Denise Mathews Coppedge I am looking for my daughter my parents made me put up for adoption I was 15 it took place at nas naval in jax fl aprox march 17 1983 the adoption was done by atourney last name zizzor my parent last name was engle
235. DeniseSoares1961 : Searching for a half sibling who would have been born Jan.or Feb.of 1960 in Miami/Coral Gables areas‚unsure whether male or female.Mother’s name AnnFutch.
236. Bondeandeebowl : I’m looking for my half brother who was born in Jacksonville‚ Florida on June 12 1970. He was born at St Vincent Hospital. The name given to him by his biological mother was David‚ but that may have been changed by his parents.
237. Larso5 : I am seeking my Birth Parents I was born Febuary 11th 1968 in Gainsville FL. My adoption was a private. I would very much like to thank my Birth Mother for the my gift of my life.
238. MisterAnderson : Hi sis. Been looking for you for a long time now. I hope this message finds you well. I found our biological mother. You have 4 sisters and one brother (me). Can’t wait to see you soon. -James
239. Reneed19 : My twin sister and I were born in Miami Florida in January 1970 & adopted to a family in New York in January 1970. I am trying to find out the medical history of my biological parents.
240. Dawgrd : mother deborah french
