What is required to adopt an 18-year-old stepchild in Florida?

Florida adult stepparent adoption uses the adult-adoption process. The adult must consent, but the court also needs the applicable spouse and parent-notice requirements satisfied. Agreement alone does not automatically result in a final order.

The consent and notice rule

Florida section 63.062(8) requires the adult's written consent and the adult's spouse's written consent, if married, unless the court waives the spouse's consent for good cause. It separately requires written notice of the final hearing to parents, if any, or proof of service. Do not confuse the absence of a birth-parent consent requirement with no parent-notice requirement.

Use the adult packet

The official Form 12.981(c)(1) instructions describe the adult stepparent petition, supporting consents, service and hearing steps. Check the county's additional coversheets and submission instructions. A minor stepparent packet is not the correct substitute.

Home-study treatment

Section 63.092(3) ordinarily exempts adult adoptees and stepparents from the preliminary home study, while allowing the court to require one for good cause. That is more precise than promising that no adult case can ever involve an investigation.

Timing and charges

Ask the court about its schedule and current fees. The old four-to-six-week estimate is not a guaranteed court timeline. Pasco's published Chapter 63 filing charge is $400, as one county example; other charges and local procedures must be checked. SA360 preparation is $349 for the first adoptee and $99 per additional adoptee, separate from court payments.

Your preparation steps

1. Gather birth, identity, marriage and existing parentage records.
2. Confirm required consents and parent notice.
3. Decide whether the adult wants a name change.
4. Review, sign and file the correct adult documents.
5. Complete notice and follow the court's hearing instructions.
6. Obtain certified orders and update records as directed.

Read adult adoption consequences, Florida documents, and the state guide before starting the questionnaire.