PALM BAY, Fla., Oct. 25, 2026 —
Every November, the country sets aside a month to celebrate adoption and the families it builds. In Florida, the state's Department of Children and Families (DCF) runs Explore Adoption, an initiative that invites families to consider adopting a child who is older, has special needs, or is part of a sibling group.
Meet the kids, online
DCF's site lets anyone view profiles of children available for adoption. The agency says each child has a narrative which introduces you to them, and families can submit a request for more information. The children, DCF notes, have all kinds of interests, from sports, music and computers to animals.
What it costs
Less than many people think. DCF says private adoption can cost upwards of $30,000, while adopting one of Florida's children from foster care costs little or nothing. The required training class and home study are provided free of charge, and court costs can be covered by the agency if a family can't afford them.
Support after adoption
DCF lists several kinds of help for families who adopt from Florida's foster care system:
- Monthly support. Families will likely qualify for a monthly subsidy through Florida's Adoption Assistance Program until the child turns 18. DCF says the amount is negotiated child by child.
- Health care. Children who receive a monthly subsidy are eligible for Medicaid until age 18, and some until 21.
- College. Florida law exempts students adopted from DCF after May 5, 1997 from tuition and fees at public universities, colleges and certain job training programs. The exemption is valid until age 28.
- Workplace benefits. Eligible state, school district and charter school employees can receive a one-time benefit of up to $10,000 for a special needs child and $5,000 for other children. DCF says the program was expanded in 2020 to include active military service members and veterans who live in Florida.
Why older kids and siblings matter
DCF makes a cheerful pitch for adopting older children: with a 10-, 14- or 16-year-old, you may be sharing more fishing trips or football games than sleepless nights. For brothers and sisters, the agency says adopting a sibling group gives them a chance to grow up together in a new family.
Peace of mind
A common worry is that a birth parent might change their mind. DCF says Florida's children in foster care are not made available for adoption until a court has already terminated the parental rights of their birth parents.
How to start
- Call the state's Adoption Information Center at 1-800-96-ADOPT (1-800-962-3678).
- Find local adoption recruiters, support groups and counselors through DCF.
Not ready to adopt? Families also help by fostering, mentoring or simply cheering on the families in their neighborhood who said yes.
Know a Florida family with an adoption story to share? Email editor@launchpaddigitalfl.com.
Sources
- Florida DCF, Explore Adoption: https://adoptionexchange.myflfamilies.com/
- Florida DCF, "Benefits of Adopting Florida's Children": https://adoptionexchange.myflfamilies.com/Benefits
- Florida DCF, "Postsecondary Tuition and Fee Exemption": https://www.myflfamilies.com/youth-young-adults/postsecondary-tuition-and-fee-exemption
- Florida Statutes, s. 1009.25 (2026): https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2026/1009.25
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