Bottom line: Florida finalized 3,936 adoptions in fiscal year 2023–24, yet more than 3,800 children in the state are still waiting for permanent homes. [1] Whether you’re adopting from foster care, pursuing a private adoption, or completing a stepparent adoption in Jacksonville, the legal process requires court approval and strict compliance with Florida Statutes Chapter 63. [2] Adam Sacks has guided Jacksonville families through the adoption process for over 25 years — as a former state prosecutor, a Florida Supreme Court Certified Mediator, and a father who understands the stakes.
Ready to start the adoption process? Call (904) 396-5557 for a free consultation with Adam Sacks.
Jacksonville Adoption by the Numbers
Adoption in Florida is more common than most people realize, and the need for permanent families far exceeds the number of placements the system can currently make. During fiscal year 2023–24, Florida finalized 3,936 adoptions, yet more than 3,800 children remain in the foster care system waiting for adoptive families. [1] In Duval County alone, approximately 961 children are in out-of-home care on any given day — many of whom are legally free for adoption and simply need a family willing to go through the process. Nationally, 46,935 children were adopted from foster care in FY 2024. [3] Whether you are considering a foster care adoption, a private placement, or a stepparent adoption in Jacksonville, understanding the scope of the need and the legal process is the essential first step. Here are the key numbers that paint the picture:
- 3,936 adoptions finalized in Florida during FY 2023–24 [1]
- 3,811 children still waiting for adoptive families statewide [1]
- 2,263 families actively working toward adoption in Florida [1]
- ~961 children in out-of-home care daily in Duval County alone [1]
- 46,935 children adopted from foster care nationally in FY 2024 [3]
These numbers tell a clear story: thousands of Florida children need stable, permanent families. If you’re considering adoption in Jacksonville, the need is real — and the legal process, while detailed, is something an experienced attorney can help you navigate from start to finish.
Types of Adoption in Florida
Florida law under Chapter 63 of the Florida Statutes recognizes several distinct paths to adoption, and the right one for your family depends on your specific situation, your existing relationship to the child, your timeline, your budget, and your long-term goals. [2] Each type of adoption has different legal requirements, costs, and processing times. Some paths — like foster care adoption — cost little or nothing and come with ongoing financial support from the state, while others — like private newborn or international adoption — involve significant expense and longer timelines. As a Jacksonville adoption attorney with over 25 years of experience, I help families evaluate their options during our initial consultation so they can pursue the path that best fits their circumstances. Here are the most common types of adoption I handle in Jacksonville and northeast Florida:
Foster Care Adoption
Adopting through the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) foster care system is the most affordable path. Children in foster care have been removed from their biological families due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment, and their parents’ rights have been terminated by the court. Foster care adoption costs little or nothing — the state covers most expenses, and adoptive families may qualify for ongoing financial support. [1]
Private Domestic Adoption
A private adoption is arranged through a licensed Florida adoption agency or an adoption attorney. This is the most common path for families seeking to adopt a newborn or infant. The birth mother selects the adoptive family, and the adoption can be open (ongoing contact), semi-open (limited contact through the agency), or closed. Private adoptions are significantly more expensive than foster care but offer more control over the matching process.
Stepparent Adoption
If you’ve married someone who has a child from a previous relationship, you can petition to adopt your stepchild. This legally establishes you as the child’s parent with full parental rights. Stepparent adoptions require either the consent of the other biological parent or a court order terminating their parental rights. A home study may be waived in stepparent cases, but the court still requires a background check and a hearing.
Relative (Kinship) Adoption
Florida allows relatives within the third degree — grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings, and first cousins — to adopt a child without going through a licensed agency. The home study requirement may be waived for close relatives, though background checks are still required. [2] Kinship adoptions often arise when a child’s parents are unable to care for them due to incarceration, substance abuse, or death.
Adult Adoption
Florida allows the adoption of adults (age 18 and older) under F.S. § 63.042. Adult adoption is commonly used to formalize a parent-child relationship that already exists — for example, when a stepparent who raised a child wants to make the legal relationship official. Adult adoption is simpler than adopting a minor: no home study is required, and the process can often be completed in a few weeks.
International Adoption
Adopting a child from another country involves both U.S. federal immigration law and Florida state adoption law. International adoptions require compliance with the Hague Convention (for countries that are signatories) or the orphan petition process (for non-Hague countries). These cases are the most complex and expensive, and they require an attorney who understands both the international and Florida-specific requirements.
How Much Does Adoption Cost in Florida?
Cost is one of the first questions prospective adoptive families ask me during our initial consultation, and my answer is always the same: it depends entirely on the type of adoption you pursue. Adoption expenses in Florida can range from essentially nothing for a foster care adoption through the Department of Children and Families to $50,000–70,000 or more for a private newborn placement or international adoption. The variables that drive cost include agency fees, home study expenses, legal representation, court filing costs, birth mother living and medical expenses as permitted by Florida law, and travel costs for interstate or international placements. The good news is that significant financial assistance is available, including the federal adoption tax credit of up to $17,280 per child for adoptions finalized in 2025. [4] During your consultation, I will help you understand the realistic cost range for your specific situation. Here is a general breakdown by adoption type:
- Foster care adoption: Free or minimal cost. Florida covers most expenses through DCF, and adoptive families may receive ongoing subsidies. [1]
- Stepparent / relative adoption: $1,500–$5,000. Primarily attorney fees, court filing costs, and background checks. Home study fees may be waived.
- Private agency adoption: $15,000–$40,000. Includes agency fees, home study, legal fees, birth mother expenses (as permitted by Florida law), and court costs.
- Private newborn adoption: $50,000–$70,000. Higher costs reflect birth mother living expenses, medical costs, and the competitive demand for infant placements.
- International adoption: $30,000–$60,000+. Includes agency fees, travel, immigration processing, foreign court costs, and translation services.
Important: Florida law limits what adoptive families can pay toward a birth mother’s expenses. Under F.S. § 63.097, allowable expenses include living costs, medical care, counseling, and legal fees — but payments must be approved by the court, and any expenses over $5,000 require specific court authorization. [2]
The Florida Adoption Process Step by Step
Every adoption in Florida follows a structured legal process governed by Chapter 63 of the Florida Statutes, which sets mandatory requirements for consent, home studies, background checks, supervised placement periods, and court finalization. [2] While the specific timeline and complexity vary by adoption type — a stepparent adoption can be completed in as little as two to four months, while an international adoption may take two to four years — the core steps remain consistent across all adoption paths. Understanding this process from the outset helps families set realistic expectations, prepare the required documentation, and avoid delays that can extend an already emotional waiting period. In my 25 years of guiding Jacksonville families through adoptions, I have found that thorough preparation at each stage is the single best way to keep the process moving efficiently toward finalization. Here are the core steps:
Step 1: Choose Your Adoption Path
Decide whether you’ll pursue a foster care adoption, private adoption, stepparent adoption, relative adoption, or international adoption. Each path has different requirements, costs, and timelines. An adoption attorney can help you evaluate your options based on your family’s situation.
Step 2: Complete a Home Study
A home study is required for most Florida adoptions. It includes background checks (FBI and FDLE), a home inspection, interviews with all household members, financial review, and a written assessment by a licensed social worker. The home study typically takes 1–3 months to complete. Stepparent and close relative adoptions may be exempt.
Step 3: Matching and Placement
For foster care adoptions, DCF matches waiting children with approved families. For private adoptions, the birth mother selects the adoptive family (often with the help of an agency or attorney). Once a match is made, the child is placed in the adoptive home for a supervised period before the adoption is finalized.
Step 4: Obtain Consent or Termination of Parental Rights
The biological parents must voluntarily consent to the adoption or have their parental rights terminated by the court. In Florida, a birth mother cannot sign consent until 48 hours after the child’s birth or after hospital discharge, whichever is earlier. [2] Once signed, consent is irrevocable except in cases of fraud or duress.
Step 5: Supervised Placement Period
After the child is placed in your home, a licensed social worker conducts follow-up visits to ensure the placement is going well. For interstate placements, the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC) requires approval from both states before the child can cross state lines — a process that typically takes at least 10 business days.
Step 6: Court Hearing and Finalization
The adoption is finalized at a court hearing, typically 90–120 days after placement. The judge reviews the home study, the consent or termination order, and the social worker’s post-placement reports. Once the judge signs the final order, the adoption is legally complete — the child becomes your child in every legal sense, with a new birth certificate issued in the adoptive parents’ names.
Home Study Requirements in Florida
The home study is the most detailed and often the most stressful step in the Florida adoption process, but understanding what it involves can significantly reduce your anxiety. Florida law requires a home study for all adoptions except those involving relatives within the third degree of consanguinity, which includes grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings, and first cousins. [2] The home study is conducted by a licensed social worker and typically takes one to three months to complete. It evaluates your home environment, your background, your financial stability, and your readiness to parent an adopted child. The process includes FBI and Florida Department of Law Enforcement fingerprint checks, a child abuse and neglect history screening, a physical home inspection, individual and joint interviews with all household members, and a written assessment. While thorough, the home study is not designed to find reasons to reject you — it exists to ensure the child is being placed in a safe, stable, and loving home.
A Florida adoption home study includes:
- Background checks — FBI fingerprint check and Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) screening for all adults in the household
- Child abuse and neglect history check — through the Florida Abuse Hotline and any state where the applicant has lived in the past five years
- Home inspection — the social worker verifies that the home is safe, clean, and has adequate space for the child
- Individual and joint interviews — covering your background, parenting philosophy, marriage or relationship history, health, and motivation to adopt
- Financial review — proof of income, employment, and financial stability (you don’t need to be wealthy, but you need to demonstrate the ability to support a child)
- References — personal references from people who can speak to your character and parenting ability
- Medical clearance — a physician’s statement confirming you’re in good health
Stepparent and relative exceptions: If you’re adopting your stepchild or a relative’s child, the court may waive the home study requirement. However, background checks are still mandatory, and the court may order a home study if there are concerns about the child’s safety.
Legal Requirements for Adoption in Florida
Florida Statutes Chapter 63 sets specific legal requirements that apply to every adoption filed in the state, and strict compliance with these rules is not optional — it is mandatory. [2] Understanding these requirements before you begin the adoption process is critical because a single procedural mistake can delay your adoption by months or, in worst-case scenarios, derail it entirely. The statute governs who may adopt, how consent must be obtained and documented, when consent becomes irrevocable, how birth fathers are identified and notified, and what role licensed adoption entities must play in every placement. Florida also imposes specific rules for interstate adoptions through the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children and limits the expenses adoptive families may pay toward a birth mother’s costs. As your adoption attorney, I ensure that every filing, consent form, and court submission complies with Chapter 63 so that your adoption proceeds smoothly from start to finalization.
Who Can Adopt in Florida
- Any adult resident of Florida may petition to adopt
- Married couples must petition jointly (both spouses adopt together)
- Single individuals can adopt
- There is no maximum age limit for adoptive parents
- Same-sex couples have the same adoption rights as opposite-sex couples under Florida law
Consent Requirements
- Both biological parents must consent unless one parent’s rights have been terminated or the parent cannot be located after diligent search
- A birth mother’s consent cannot be signed until 48 hours after birth or hospital discharge, whichever comes first [2]
- Once signed before two witnesses and a notary, consent is irrevocable — except in cases of fraud, duress, or if the child was conceived as a result of a crime
- If a biological father’s identity is unknown or he cannot be located, the court may proceed after a diligent search and publication of notice
Licensed Entity Requirement
Every child born in Florida who is being placed for adoption must be placed through a licensed Florida adoption entity — either a licensed adoption agency or an adoption attorney who meets statutory requirements. [2] Direct placements between birth parents and adoptive parents without a licensed intermediary are not permitted under Florida law.
Interstate Compact (ICPC)
If you’re adopting a child from another state — or if a birth mother in another state selects you as the adoptive family — the placement must comply with the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children. ICPC approval typically takes a minimum of 10 business days and requires paperwork from both states. The child cannot cross state lines until ICPC clearance is granted.
Financial Help for Florida Adoptive Families
Several federal, state, and employer-sponsored programs can substantially offset adoption costs, and many Jacksonville families are surprised to learn just how much financial assistance is available — especially for those adopting children from foster care. The federal adoption tax credit for 2025 allows families to claim up to $17,280 per child in qualified adoption expenses, and starting in 2025, up to $5,000 of that credit is refundable even if you owe less in taxes. [4] Florida also provides monthly adoption subsidies for children with special needs adopted from the foster care system, Medicaid coverage for adopted foster children regardless of family income, and tuition fee waivers at Florida state universities and colleges. Many employers offer adoption reimbursement programs as well. During your consultation, I will help you identify every financial resource available for your specific adoption path so you can make an informed decision about how to proceed. Here are the key programs:
- Federal adoption tax credit: For adoptions finalized in 2025, families can claim up to $17,280 per child in qualified adoption expenses. Starting in 2025, up to $5,000 of this credit is refundable — meaning you can receive it even if you owe less in taxes. [4]
- Florida adoption subsidy: Families who adopt children with special needs from foster care may receive a monthly subsidy of up to approximately $5,000 per year, depending on the child’s needs. This subsidy continues until the child turns 18 (or 21 if the child has a disability).
- Medicaid for adopted children: Children adopted from Florida’s foster care system are eligible for Medicaid coverage until age 18, regardless of the adoptive family’s income.
- Tuition waivers: Children adopted from Florida foster care are eligible for tuition and fee waivers at any Florida state university or college.
- Employer adoption benefits: Many employers offer adoption assistance programs that reimburse employees for adoption expenses. Check with your HR department — this benefit is more common than most families realize.
These programs can make adoption significantly more affordable. During your consultation, I’ll help you identify every financial resource available for your specific situation.
Why Choose Adam Sacks as Your Jacksonville Adoption Attorney
Adoption is not just a legal process — it is one of the most important decisions your family will ever make, and the attorney you choose to guide you through it matters. I have helped Jacksonville families navigate every type of adoption for over 25 years, from straightforward stepparent adoptions completed in a matter of weeks to complex interstate and contested cases that required months of strategic litigation. Every adoption case I handle receives my personal attention because I understand what is at stake: the permanent legal bond between a parent and a child. My background as a former state prosecutor gives me courtroom skills that most family law attorneys lack, and my certification as a Florida Supreme Court Family Mediator means I know how to resolve complications through negotiation when that approach serves my clients better. I take every adoption case personally because I have seen firsthand how transformative this process is for families.
I started my career as a prosecutor for the State of Florida, trying criminal cases in Seminole County. That courtroom experience taught me how to prepare cases thoroughly, present evidence persuasively, and handle unexpected challenges without losing focus. When an adoption case hits a complication — a contested consent, a missing biological parent, an ICPC delay — I know how to work through it because I’ve spent my career solving legal problems under pressure.
I’m also a Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Mediator and I hold a degree in psychology from the University of Massachusetts. Adoption cases involve real emotions — the anxiety of waiting, the fear that something could go wrong, the overwhelming joy when a judge signs that final order. I understand those feelings because I’ve walked hundreds of families through them.
At Sacks & Sacks, adoption isn’t a side practice. It’s a core part of what we do. I handle your case personally, keep you informed at every step, and make sure nothing falls through the cracks.
Adam Sacks earned his J.D. from Western Michigan University Cooley Law School, where he received a Book Award for top academic performance. He served as an Assistant State Attorney in Seminole County before transitioning to private family law practice in 2004. He is a Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Mediator and has been a member of the Florida Bar (Bar #248370) since 2000. Verify his credentials on Martindale-Hubbell, Justia, and Avvo.
What Happens When You Call Our Office
When you call our Jacksonville office at (904) 396-5557 about an adoption, you talk directly to me — not a receptionist reading from a script, not a paralegal conducting an intake, and not a junior associate learning on the job. I personally handle every adoption consultation because I believe the first conversation is where trust is built and where you deserve honest, experienced guidance about what lies ahead. During your free consultation, I will ask about your specific situation, explain which type of adoption fits your goals, outline the legal requirements under Florida Statutes Chapter 63, and give you a realistic timeline and cost estimate based on my 25 years of adoption experience in Jacksonville. There is no pressure and no obligation — if we are a good fit, we move forward together, and if not, you leave with real answers you can act on. Here is how the process works once you reach out:
- Free consultation. You call (904) 396-5557 and we schedule a meeting. I’ll ask about your situation, explain the type of adoption that fits your goals, outline the legal requirements, and give you an honest timeline and cost estimate.
- Case preparation. Once you decide to move forward, I handle the legal groundwork — home study coordination, background check submissions, consent documents, and any court filings needed to start the process.
- Ongoing guidance. Adoption involves waiting, and waiting creates anxiety. I keep you updated throughout the process, answer your questions promptly, and address any issues before they become problems.
- Finalization. I prepare all documents for the finalization hearing, represent you in court, and make sure the judge has everything needed to approve your adoption. The day you hear “adoption granted” is the day your family becomes official.
Call me directly at (904) 396-5557. I’ll give you a free consultation and walk you through every step of the adoption process. No pressure, no obligation — just honest advice from someone who has helped hundreds of Jacksonville families adopt.
What Our Clients Say
Frequently Asked Questions About Adoption in Jacksonville
How long does it take to adopt a child in Florida?
It depends on the type of adoption. A stepparent adoption can be completed in 2–4 months if the biological parent consents. A foster care adoption typically takes 6–12 months from the time you’re approved as an adoptive family. Private domestic adoptions average 1–2 years, largely due to the matching process with a birth mother. International adoptions can take 2–4 years depending on the country.
How much does it cost to adopt in Jacksonville?
Foster care adoptions cost little or nothing — Florida covers most expenses. Stepparent and relative adoptions typically run $1,500–$5,000 in legal fees. Private agency adoptions range from $15,000–$40,000, while private newborn adoptions can cost $50,000–$70,000. The federal adoption tax credit of $17,280 per child (2025) can offset a significant portion of these costs. [4] See the full cost breakdown above.
Do I need a lawyer to adopt in Florida?
Florida law requires that every adoption of a Florida-born child be handled through a licensed adoption entity — either a licensed agency or a qualified attorney. [2] Even in cases where an agency handles the placement, having your own attorney ensures your rights are protected, the paperwork is filed correctly, and the process moves forward without unnecessary delays. In my experience, families who try to navigate adoption without legal counsel often face preventable setbacks.
Can a single person adopt a child in Florida?
Yes. Florida law allows any adult to petition to adopt, regardless of marital status. Single individuals go through the same process as married couples — home study, background checks, and court approval. The court’s focus is on the best interest of the child, not whether you’re married.
What is a home study and how long does it take?
A home study is a comprehensive evaluation conducted by a licensed social worker. It includes background checks (FBI and FDLE), a home inspection, interviews with everyone in your household, financial review, and reference checks. The entire process typically takes 1–3 months. Close relatives (within the third degree) may be exempt from the home study requirement. See full home study details above.
Can I adopt my stepchild in Florida?
Yes, and it’s one of the most straightforward types of adoption. You must be legally married to the child’s biological parent, and the other biological parent must consent to the adoption or have their parental rights terminated. The home study may be waived for stepparent adoptions. If the other biological parent is willing to consent, the process can often be completed in 2–4 months.
What happens if a birth parent changes their mind?
Under Florida law, once a birth parent signs consent before two witnesses and a notary — which cannot happen until at least 48 hours after the child’s birth — that consent is irrevocable. [2] The only exceptions are cases involving fraud, duress, or if the child was conceived as a result of a crime. This legal finality is one of the reasons Florida is considered one of the more adoption-friendly states. Before consent is signed, however, a birth parent can change their mind at any time.
Sources:
[1] Florida Department of Children and Families, Adoption Incentive Annual Report — Fiscal Year 2023–24. myflfamilies.com
[2] Florida Statutes Chapter 63 — Adoption. leg.state.fl.us
[3] U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, AFCARS Data — Adoption and Foster Care. acf.hhs.gov
[4] IRS, Topic No. 607 — Adoption Credit and Adoption Assistance Programs; National Council for Adoption, Adoption Tax Credit 2025. adoptioncouncil.org
