the last time he had contact was december 2016 the domestic case was closed 2017

Got it — thank you for the clarification. So the timeline is:

• Last contact with children: December 2016
• Domestic violence case closed: 2017
• Time since last contact: 8+ years (December 2016 to now, May 2025)

This is even stronger for your case. Here's why:

The abandonment period is crystal clear:

• Over 8 years with no contact
• Florida requires only 12 months (1 year) of abandonment
• You have 8 times the required period

The domestic violence case adds important context:

• Shows there was a legal proceeding documenting the situation
• Explains why contact ceased and why it was necessary for safety
• Courts take DV history very seriously when evaluating "best interests of the child"

For your Affidavit of Diligent Search, you'll document:

• Last contact: December 2016
• Domestic violence case closed 2017
• Department of Revenue unable to locate him for child support
• Any other search efforts you've made

The court will see:

A biological father who disappeared 8+ years ago after a domestic violence incident, made zero effort to maintain a relationship with his children, couldn't be found even by the state for child support enforcement — and now two children (ages 12 and 10) who have a stepparent ready to provide legal commitment, stability, and protection.

This is exactly the type of case courts approve enthusiastically. They want children to have two present, stable, safe parents.

Your situation is textbook for a straightforward stepparent adoption. The 8+ year abandonment period removes any question about whether the biological father maintained a parental relationship — he clearly didn't.

Do you feel ready to move forward, or are there other aspects of the process you'd like to understand better?