When we talk about building families through adoption, most people instantly picture babies or young children. That is certainly a huge part of what we do, but here at Tate Healey Webster, we know that family often means much more than a birth certificate or an age. Did you know that in Florida, you can legally adopt an adult?
This is not just about paperwork. Adult adoption is a profound, heartwarming step that creates legal permanence in relationships that already feel like family. From the bustling streets of Miami to the quiet corners of Tallahassee, we see families every week who are choosing to formalize the deep bonds they have built. Whether you are a stepparent, a long-time caregiver, or a chosen loved one, adult adoption brings emotional closure and critical legal clarity.
Is Adult Adoption Permitted Under Florida Law?
The answer is a confident yes. Florida law, specifically found in Florida Statutes $\S \S$ 63.032(5) and 63.042, clearly states that any person, minor or adult, may be adopted. This means adult adoption in Florida is not only legal, it is often much more straightforward than the process for adopting a minor.
Who is eligible to adopt an adult?
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An unmarried adult.
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A married couple acting together.
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A married individual, either with their spouse’s consent or court approval.
Because the process generally avoids the requirements of a home study or background check, it can move along more efficiently while still ensuring every legal step is properly completed.
The Heart of the Matter: Why Choose Adult Adoption?
The decision to adopt an adult is always deeply personal and powerful. At our offices, serving families from Orlando to Pensacola, we see common situations that drive this beautiful decision:
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Formalizing a Stepparent Relationship: A stepparent who has spent decades loving and raising an adult child seeks to make that relationship legally permanent.
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Solidifying Chosen Family: An individual wishes to formalize a relationship with someone who has truly been their parent or sibling throughout their life, regardless of biology.
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Legal Clarity for the Future: Establishing next-of-kin status for inheritance, medical decision making, or legal rights.
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Affirming a True Parent: Replacing a biological parent on official documents with the individual who has always been the real parent in their life.
This process is about honoring the real-life bonds forged over time. It is about saying, “You are family, and now the law reflects it.”
The Key Legal Steps: How to Adopt an Adult in Florida
While simpler than a minor adoption, the process still requires precise legal guidance to ensure a smooth, successful finalization. Here is a simplified overview of the legal steps:
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Written Consent is Essential. The adult being adopted must provide their written consent. If the adoptee is married, their spouse must also consent, though the court can waive this in certain circumstances.
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Parental Notification. The biological or legal parents of the adult being adopted must receive formal legal notice of the final hearing.
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File the Petition. A Petition for Adoption is filed with the appropriate Florida Circuit Court, typically in the county where the petitioners live, such as Tampa, Jacksonville, or Boca Raton.
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Attend the Final Hearing. The parties attend a final hearing before a judge. Upon request, the court can issue a new birth certificate reflecting the adoptive parent’s name.
Navigating Complexity with Confidence
We understand that every family story is unique. Sometimes, there are complex situations that require expert guidance. For example, if the legal parent of the adult to be adopted cannot be located, a diligent search may be required, or a notice might need to be published in a local newspaper. Likewise, situations involving two non-married adults adopting together or requests to leave a biological parent listed can add layers of legal complexity.
These are not roadblocks. They are simply reasons to partner with the most experienced attorneys in Florida adoption law.
Your Gold Standard Legal Partner
Florida’s adult adoption process is flexible, but it is never informal. Mistakes in consent, notice, or court filings can cause significant delays or even jeopardize the successful outcome of your adoption.
Tate Healey Webster is the largest firm in the state focusing only on these critical areas. With five of Florida’s 28 Board Certified Adoption Attorneys on our team, including Jeanne T. Tate, Erica T. Healey, and Robert L. Webster, we offer unparalleled expertise and a family-first approach. Our attorneys are also proud members of the American Academy of Adoption & Assisted Reproductive Law.
From our offices in Tampa, Orlando, Naples, Jacksonville, and across the state, we have successfully guided countless families in metro areas like Sarasota, Lakeland, and Daytona Beach to successfully complete their adult adoptions. We handle adult adoptions on a weekly basis!
If you are exploring adult adoption in Florida, we are here to help. Whether you are formalizing a relationship years in the making or creating legal protections for the future, we will walk with you every step of the way with clarity, warmth, and the confidence of the best in the business.
Email us at [email protected] or call us at 813-258-3359 to start the process.