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
17,241 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 1,201,335 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
-
P8LMember007
1 hour ago
-
Svatlana
1 hour ago
-
Alejandraarci
2 hours ago
-
Poodles1
3 hours ago
-
Nmck
3 hours ago
-
Natalieb44
4 hours ago
-
Syessity
4 hours ago
-
Nmiller4
4 hours ago
-
Sandor
4 hours ago
-
Lyrixissage
5 hours ago
-
Alexisa1
6 hours ago
-
Kjohn31326
6 hours ago
-
Brotherlove
6 hours ago
-
ANONYMOUS09876
6 hours ago
-
Nakiya
7 hours ago
-
Dkochever
7 hours ago
-
Dshy
7 hours ago
-
Lee2042
7 hours ago
-
Ashleychaff
7 hours ago
-
WillFord
7 hours ago
A Few of Our Members Currently Searching Within Florida Who Chose To Be Featured
331. Aballer : Adoption thru Linda McIntyre. Born in Broward County FL. Was told mother was a young 20s beautiful blonde girl. I have no names or any other information about either parent.
332. BobbyLowrie : I am searching for my birth parents and or siblings.
333. Leahrebecca413 : I was born at Jacksonville Memorial Hospital April of 93. All then information I currently have is listed. Birth Mother- Tasha(16) Birth Father- William(18).
334. Jamiepaige : I was born in Kissimmee, Florida on February 1,1999. I am looking for any sibilings or family members!
335. Devin624 : St. Petersburg, Catholic Social Services, Catholic Charities Adoption Services
336. Selinabolden : Searching for my brother born in Orlando FL at Florida south hospital .Mom was only 13 and forced to give him up.Father was David Lee and mother Patricia Hayes.
337. Shellierwin : Searching for Birth Mother. I have been told I was born Oct 8, 1969 in Miami, Florida. Birth name is Sonia Michelle. Birth Father was from Brooklyn (Have found birth father’s side of the family. Birth Mother’s mother (maternal grandmother) was Lorraine Schnitzer or Laurie Ann Schnitzer.
338. DzSweetBaby : You were born at St. Vincents’ Medical Center in Jacksonville, Florida. I stayed at a place called Buckner Manor in Jacksonville while I was pregnant with you. I had you with me at the hospital for 3 days before having to say my goodbyes. And then I signed the papers shortly after through the Children’s Home Society here in Daytona Beach, Florida.
339. Acpjw : Looking for my sister (17 in 1996/97) or brother (11 in 1996/97)
340. Pjrudolph1955 : I only know that I was adopted in Lakeland, Florida soon after birth. My adopted parents have passed on and I do not have an original birth certificate.
341. Budlongbrother : I am looking to find a son who was born to Nancy J Budlong. I think he would have been born sometime in the year of 1962 in St. Petersburg‚ Florida.
342. MommaKittenOf3 : My birth certificate says I was born in Jacksonville‚ Florida in Orange County.
343. Jlbass27 : I’m a mother looking for my first born son born in Santa Rosa Hospital in Milton, FL delivered by Dr. Holley on May 24, 1986. I had just turned 14 when I gave birth. I was also born in the same hospital and by the same doctor as he was. It was a closed adoption done through Children’s Home Society in Pensacola, FL. I have done DNA through Ancestry and uploaded to MyHeritage, FTDNA, and GEDMatch. I’ve contacted CHS. I’d love to hear from you.
344. Bbeaudoin : I was adopted within a week of my birth in Pinellas County, FL. I never knew who my birth parents were. My DNA test two years ago shows my maternal haplogroup is J1c, my paternal haplogroup is R-L165. My closest DNA matches are to first cousins of my parents.
345. Saribethm : I was told that told I was adopted at birth from Cedars of Lebanon Hospital in Miami Florida. I recently had a DNA test that indicated that I was of Irish decent. I am looking for a birth parent. I was also told that I was adopted through an attorney. My birth mother’s name is Barbara Jo Novak.
