What are the requirements for stepparent adoption in Florida?

Here are the key requirements for stepparent adoption in Florida:

1. Marriage: You must be legally married to the child's biological parent

2. Residency: 6 months in Florida (Fla. Stat. § 63.102)

3. Consent or Abandonment: Either the other biological parent consents, or abandonment (12+ months no contact) is established under Fla. Stat. § 63.089

4. Child Consent: Children age 12+ must consent (Fla. Stat. § 63.062)

5. Background Check: Required for the adopting stepparent

6. Home Study: Typically waived for stepparents in Florida (Fla. Stat. § 63.092)

7. Filing: Petition filed in Circuit Court

Our document package includes everything you need — petition, consent forms or abandonment affidavit, background check forms, home study waiver request, and step-by-step filing instructions for your specific countie.