Many families tell us during their first consultation: “We know we want to adopt, but we don’t even know where to begin.” That sense of overwhelm is completely normal.
At Tate Healey Webster, we serve as your guide. With five board-certified adoption attorneys and offices in Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville, Merritt Island, Boca Raton, and Naples, we’ve helped families in every type of adoption scenario.
Here is a clear, step-by-step overview of how the Florida adoption process works.
Step 1: Choosing Your Adoption Path
In Florida, there are several avenues to adopt, including:
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Licensed Adoption Agencies: Organizations that provide matching services and home studies. You can choose an agency in Florida, or one in another state. It is always wise to ask the adoption agency you choose which attorney or law firm handles their legal work–you want to make sure they are using an attorney who is board-certified in adoption law.
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Florida Adoption Entities: Attorneys licensed in Florida who assist with placements. Always check that they are board-certified in adoption law by The Florida Bar to ensure they have the knowledge and expertise needed to help with your adoption.
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Private or Matched Adoptions: When an expectant mom and adoptive family connect directly, often through word-of-mouth or social media.
You can also choose to use an adoption consultant, which is a professional who helps families connect with multiple agencies. Many Florida agencies now rely on consultants to identify waiting families and do not carry waiting lists of their own.
Step 2: Completing the Home Study
A home study is required under Florida Statutes Chapter 63. It is not a test of perfection. Instead, it evaluates your readiness to adopt and is required by law unless you are a relative related to the child within three degrees. The home study will include:
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Background Checks: State and federal level screenings
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Home Visits: Ensuring a safe and suitable environment
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Interviews and Education: Preparing you for adoptive parenting
We remind families: this is about safety and preparation, not having a perfect home.
Step 3: Ethical Matching
A match occurs when an expectant parent selects an adoptive family. At Tate Healey Webster, we believe ethical matching is the only way to build a family.
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No Pressure: Expectant parents should feel empowered and supported
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Supportive Representation: We ensure expectant moms have access to legal support, so they fully understand their rights
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Medical Verification: We confirm all records and ensure the match is legally sound
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Risk Review: We identify legal and procedural risks upfront to prevent surprises at delivery
Step 4: Legal Oversight and Protection
Once you’re matched, the process moves into a critical legal phase.
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Living and Medical Expenses: Florida allows certain expenses to be paid to expectant parents, but they must be documented, court-approved, and transparent. We manage this process in full compliance with state law.
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Risk Management: We address potential legal hurdles, including birth father rights, early
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Correcting Errors: We’re often called in to fix issues created by unqualified professionals (including agencies and attorneys), sometimes when it is (almost) too late. We prefer to become involved as early as possible, so we can orchestrate the most seamless adoption from the beginning.
Step 5: Placement and ICPC
After birth, legal consent to the adoption is signed.
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Timing: In Florida newborn adoptions, the birth mother may sign consents 48 hours after birth or upon hospital discharge–whichever is sooner.
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ICPC (Interstate Compact): If you live outside Florida and are adopting a baby born here, you’ll need ICPC approval to return home. Our firm has handled thousands of ICPC cases and guides families through the process with efficiency and care. We generally tell our clients to plan to spend 10 business days in Florida awaiting ICPC approval to remain home, although often we receive approval on the same or next day!
Florida law requires that every child born in Florida be placed through a licensed Florida adoption entity. If you are adopting a child that is not related to you in Florida, you must use a Florida agency, or your attorney must be licensed in Florida.
Step 6: Finalization (Your Forever Day)
Finalization typically occurs 90 to 120 days after placement. It is the court hearing that legally finalizes your adoption.
We proudly offer finalization services across Florida. Out-of-state families can also finalize here, and many now enjoy the convenience of virtual hearings via Zoom.
Why Choose Tate Healey Webster?
Adoption is all we do.
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Largest Adoption Firm in Florida: We have the resources to handle even the most complex adoptions
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Board-Certified Attorneys: Five of our attorneys are board certified by The Florida Bar in Adoption Law—a designation held by just 28 attorneys statewide
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Statewide Reach: With six offices across Florida, we are familiar with the preferences of judges and courts in your area
If you’re ready to move from wondering where to start to taking your first step, we’re here to help. Contact us to schedule a consultation. You can book an intake HERE, email us at [email protected], or call/text us at 813-258-3355.