Adult Adoption in Florida: Requirements, Costs & Steps

Yes, you can adopt an adult in Florida.

Many people believe adoption is only for young children, but adult adoption is a legal process that allows any adult (18+) to be adopted by another adult. It is often used to formalize a stepparent bond, secure inheritance rights, or honor a lifelong parent-child relationship.

Unlike adopting a minor, adult adoption in Florida is a simplified process.

• No home study required.
• No background checks required.
• No waiting period.
• No consent required from biological parents.

Whether you are a stepparent making it official or a family solidifying a bond, this guide covers the requirements, costs, and steps to finalize an adult adoption in Florida.

Who Can Be Adopted in Florida?

In Florida, any person 18 years or older can be adopted.

• Age Difference: Unlike some states, Florida has no required age difference between the adopting parent and the adult adoptee.
• Residency: There is no minimum residency duration requirement. Neither the petitioner nor the adoptee needs to have lived in Florida for a set time, as long as the petition is filed in the correct venue (usually where the petitioner or attorney is located).
• Consent: The only people who must consent are the adopting parent (and their spouse, if married) and the adult adoptee (and their spouse, if married).

Why Choose Adult Adoption?

While many do it for emotional reasons—to officially become “Dad” or “Mom”—there are significant legal benefits:

• Inheritance Rights: The adoptee becomes a legal heir, inheriting from the adoptive parent by default, just like a biological child.
• Legal Protections: It allows legal “next-of-kin” status for hospital visitation and medical decision-making.
• Name Change: The adoptee can legally change their last name to match the family name as part of the process.

5 Simple Steps to Adult Adoption in Florida

The process typically takes about 3 months from start to finish. Here is how it works:

1. File the Petition

Your attorney will prepare and file a “Petition for Adult Adoption” in the circuit court. This document tells the judge who you are, who you wish to adopt, and why you want to establish this legal parent-child relationship.

2. Sign Consent Forms

Consent is the most critical part of adult adoption.

• The Adoptee: Must sign a consent form agreeing to be adopted.
• The Spouses: If the adopting parent or the adoptee is married, their spouses must also sign a consent form.
• Biological Parents: Do NOT need to consent. They cannot legally stop the adoption.

3. Serve Notice to Biological Parents

While biological parents cannot block the adoption, Florida law requires that they be notified. You must provide notice to the adoptee’s existing legal parents or formally serve them.

• Note: If a biological parent cannot be found, your attorney can use “constructive service” (publishing a notice in a newspaper) to fulfill this requirement.

4. The Final Hearing

Most adult adoption hearings are quick (5-10 minutes) and are often conducted virtually via Zoom or Microsoft Teams. The judge will ask a few simple questions to ensure both parties understand that this is a permanent legal decision. Once satisfied, the judge signs the Final Judgment of Adoption.

5. Amend the Birth Certificate

After the judgment is signed, your attorney will forward the order to the Bureau of Vital Statistics. They will issue a new birth certificate listing the petitioner as the legal parent and reflecting any name change.

How Much Does Adult Adoption Cost?

The total cost for an adult adoption in Florida is typically around $3,500. This fee generally covers:

• Attorney legal fees.
• Court filing fees.
• Costs to amend the birth certificate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do biological parents have to agree? No. Once a child turns 18, they are a legal adult and can make their own decisions. Biological parents are entitled to notice of the hearing, but they cannot object to or prevent the adoption.

Does adoption affect child support? No. Since the adoptee is an adult, the adoption does not create or cancel any retroactive child support obligations. It is a relationship for inheritance and legal kinship, not financial support.

Can we do this if we don’t both live in Florida? Yes. Florida’s adult adoption statutes are very open. As long as at least one petitioner or the adoptee lives in Florida, you can file the adoption here.

Will my name change automatically? No, it is not automatic, but it is easy. If the adoptee wishes to change their name, you simply include that request in the initial petition, and the judge will approve it as part of the adoption order.