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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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.
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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 1,189,590 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
391. Natalie1890 : I was born in St. Petersburg Florida and adopted through the Children’s Home Society of Florida. I know my birth mother was 18 and my birth father was 23. I have an older brother and older sister that we all have different fathers and all put up for adoption in different agencies. I don’t have much more information then that.
392. Juliakay : I’m from Charleston South Carolina and adopted when I was one. My given name was something like ‚ Wilhemina Irene. I’m multiracial.. and turning 23 in 2022.
393. Jediprincess280 : I was born in West Palm Beach, FL and adopted through Catholic Social Services in Miami, FL. I am searching for my birth parents for geneologic and medical purposes. I would also like to meet them if possible.
394. Krodgers : Her Name is Stephanie Marie
395. RayneLogan : I was born in Dade County, Florida in July 1975. I was a premie and I have been told I have a half brother or sister. My birth mom was 17 at the time of my birth and her maiden name may be Andrews?
396. Brittanym : Looking for my brother. He is my older brother and hoping to find and be reunited. His name was Michael James at birth, and his mothers name is Teresa Morrill, father is Brian Sealock.
397. Sfelker : My twins were born May 19th 1996 at Mease Dunedin Hospital. 2 or 3 in the afternoon. The adoption agency is A Gift Of Life and the attorney was John Fricker. As far as I was told the adopted parents are Mike and Vicki and they lived in the Tampa Bay area. The twins names are Katrina and JonMichael. I received pictures of them once a year until they were 14 years old and then they stopped sending them. The are 21 years old now and I would love more then anything to meet them! I have been counting the years until this day and they also have an older sister that is 24 and they are an Aunt and Uncle to a beautiful 2 year old niece.
398. Basspal : Born in Central Florida area
399. Krndavid : i am looking for my birth mom .her name was Kelly Seymour .I was born in mease hospital I believe in Dunedin FL I was sick when I was born I was barely 3 lbs and lived in an incubator for awhile that is pretty much all I know
400. MichaelDoug : Adopted from Cedars Medical center Miami Florida
401. JoeyMonastero : Certificate of live birth Florida 109-85-019167 Child Name: Joseph Christopher Monastero City: Pensacola County: Escambia Certified: Oliver Boorde, 1217 Pearl Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 Adoptive Parents: Linda Lee Martz, Joseph Peter Monastero Adoption Agency: Catholic Social Services
402. Beth73 : My biological mother gave birth to faternal twins( my brother and I ) at Morton Plant Hospital in Clearwater, FL on July 3, 1995.
403. Geetamarie : My name given at birth is Geeta Marie last name unknown... My last name now is Galaway... I was born in Buffalo NY and placed for adoption with child services.
404. Stacimgilchrist : I’m looking for my first cousin‚ a black female. Born in the Atlanta‚ Ga area at Grady or Piedmont hospital and possibly adopted in Panama City or Pensacola‚ Florida area. The adoption agency may have been Sacred Heart. The name of the birth mother is Gia P. Johnson. The profile picture is my aunt.
405. Hays : I just want to let my birth mother know that she made a beautiful, selfless, and amazing decision...and that I grew up in an encouraging, loving, and nurturing environment.
