Florida Facts & Misconceptions
FLORIDA
DOES NOT HAVE A BIRTH INDEX
Adoption records are generally filed by the Adopted Father's
name. The actual adoption proceedings and court records become closed once the adoption is final. The only related information that remains part of the public record are the court dockets which show what cases were heard on what date. There is no reference to the birth mother on the dockets, and rarely is the child's birth name, gender or date of birth shown.
Adoptions are usually finalized in the county that the adoptive parents reside in, unless the adoptive family is concerned about privacy. Then they can be filed in any county in the state.
Petitions must be filed within 30 days after the child is placed with the adoptive family, however the final hearing does not take place until the child has been with the family a minimum of 90 days. The exceptions to this rule are 1)if one of the petitioners is related to the child by blood (ie. grandparent) or 2)The person wishing to adopt is a step-parent.
For a period of 1 year from the entry of a judgment of adoption, any irregularity or procedural defect in the adoption proceeding may be the subject of an appeal contesting the validity of the judgment.
FLORIDA
DOES NOT HAVE A CI (Confidential Intermediary)PROGRAM
Unlike the programs available in some other states, Florida courts do not appoint people to serve in the capacity of a "go between" or "Confidential Intermediary" so that contact between birth family members can be made. Florida courts do not allow anyone to have unfettered access to the official adoption records in which birth family members names, or former addresses may be recorded. Anyone claiming to be a "CI" in this state is doing so without the sanction of the court and is in effect operating in an unofficial capacity. CI programs offered by some agencies and claimed by some searchers should not be confused with state programs offered elsewhere. In effect those claiming the status of CI in Florida are misrepresenting themselves.
IT IS LEGAL IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA TO CHANGE INFORMATION ON BIRTH CERTIFICATES!!!
Though it is very rare, and the chance of it happening, especially with an agency adoption is about nil, always keep this in mind when searching. Always search up a few days and down a few days.
Do not rule out any search because of location, DOB, or the weight of the child until you have investigated thoroughly. Remember your child or birth parent may not receive the same the same non-id you do, and neither may be 100% accurate. Do not include everything your "think"
you know in your posts or someone may rule you out prematurely.
Please take the time to prove or disprove a match!
Reunited Adoptees in Florida CAN obtain copies of their original birth certificates
Contrary to popular opinion it DOES NOT take a court order for reunited adoptees to get copies of their original Birth Certificates.
Basically all adoptees need to do is provide notarized letters granting permission for the release of this information from each party to the adoption. This includes both Birth Parents and Adoptive Parents, even when the adoptee is of legal age. If any party to the adoption is deceased then death certificates must accompany the request. There is a small fee for the OBC just as if you were applying for a copy of an ABC or other certificate from the state.
Contact Kathy Stephens at the Florida Vital Statistics Office for complete information on how to do this.
Kathy Stephens
Bureau of Vital Statistics
1217 Pearl Street
Jacksonville, FL 32202
1-(904)359-6900 Ext.1003
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