Florida Adoption Records
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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.
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17,307 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.
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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 1,198,419 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.
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A Few of Our Members Currently Searching Within Florida Who Chose To Be Featured
316. Edlyons69 : I was adopted through the Childrens Home in Tampa, Florida
317. Kayawt123 : Born in Arnold Palmer hospital in Orlando with my fraternal twin sister Caitlyn Joyce Wilhelm and Ketty Skye Wilhelm. Also have an older brother, James Keegan Wilhelm born by same birth mom, Linette Wilhelm or Linette Hughes at Florida hospital on July 22 1989. Fathers were Charles Nelson and James Polowski.
318. Amacsmom : I was born march 29.1974 at My adoption was processed through Children’s Home Society. I am a female and searching for my birth parents, relatives, or siblings. I know that my Biological uncles name was William Curtis
319. Lioncanister : The mothers name would be Shawn Tia Belisle she would be a girl born in Florida.She would most likely of been born in the Clearwater or surrounding areas. Would most likely be white with dark brown hair and brown eyes. The birth name was Jessica Lynn.
320. Psust : My name is Priscilla, I have an older sister and brother. Mother named Linda, Your birth name was David Eugene Giles. and your adopted parents named you Jesse . Born in Jax, FL
321. CerberusAeon : I am looking for my birth parents for medical and historical reasons. I just want to know where I come from‚ nothing more. I harbor no resentment for my birth mother. I would like explanation from my birth father as to why he didn’t want to sign over custody of me or couldn’t be found by the courts. But either way‚ I really just want medical and history of my bloodlines. Thank you for your help. Update: I would like to find both of my biological parents. See if I have any half siblings out there.. See if my biological parents thought about me‚ if they are still alive and what my ancestral background is.. I would like to know where I came from. Update: I’ve found my birth father. His name is David Aliff. My birth mothers name is Melissa but he doesn’t remember her last name.
322. Acrozar : I was born in Tallahassee, FL at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital. I was adopted at 6 days old. I have been paired with a half brother and sister through DNA. Our dad’s name is Jimmy McClendon. My birth mother is believed to have lived in the Florida Panhandle. Possibly in Esto / Bonifay / Chipley area.
323. Debbiekrupp : Born in either Coral Gables Hospital or Doctors Hospital in Miami Fl. Adoptive parents are Mario and Maria Santana. Possible biological mother is Joy. Dr Vaughn was physician at delivery and Judge Kehoe at adoption.
324. Sleeplessgirl74 : My name is Lisa Marie Conley‚ maiden name Boudreau. I was born in Charlotte‚ NC on Oct 6‚ 1974. I’m searching for my birth son. He was born Baby Boy Boudreau at Oak Hill hospital in Brooksville‚ FL on April 22‚ 1996. He was placed through Catholic Charities Hillsborough Area Center in Tampa‚ FL. He spent about 7 months in foster care due to medical issues before he was adopted. His name may be Jamie or James. Please help. I really want him to know how much I loved him & wanted to keep him.
325. Karsun : I would like my medical history
326. LookingForLA : The lawyer in charge was name Bob Mick. He was from Tallahassee, Fl. All I was told was that the initials of the child are L.A. My family sent gifts for the first year as well as a wooden rocking horse. We were told that would be welcomed, and delivered to him. Eventually, communication halted. I was a child, myself, and continued high school, getting my first job, etc. We had no way to contact the adoptive family. We were never allowed to see any pictures. It was very difficult.
327. Sassybytch239 : I am searching for my birth mother first name unknown last name Hill who would be about 69 years old right now. She was a waitress when I was born she was 24 unmarried and her maternal grandfather died of emphysema. My birth father name unknown was 24 no other information available. I was born at mount Sinai hospital In miami beach fl. I was taken into the children’s home society at 4 days old (02/20/1978).
328. Camp : born in Daytona Beach and adopted in Brevard County, Fl thru Catholic Charities.
329. Mjnassau : Born in Ft. Lauderdale, FL on May 3rd, 1978. Blonde hair. Brown eyes. 5 lbs 4 oz. I think the hospital was Broward something. I think my birth parents had two other children at the time of my birth - two girls. My birth father may have been a painter.
330. Klowens0924 : My mother placed 2 baby boys up for adoption between 1978-1983. They were born in Orlando, Florida. The mothers name was Julie Owens.
