Florida's Laws on Living Expenses

Florida

1. • Reasonable living expenses of the mother that the mother is unable to pay due to unemployment or disability that may include rent, utilities, basic phone service, food, transportation, clothes, and insurance
2. • Medical or hospital care received by the mother or minor
3. • Services related to the adoption
4. • Attorney and other professional fees
5. • Any other expenses found by the court to be necessary

Expenses may be paid during pregnancy and up to 6 weeks postpartum.

1. • Any payment not itemized on the affidavit
2. • Any fee for which service is not specified
3. • Any payment for locating a minor for adoption

A licensed agency, professional, or any other person is due an amount equal to the cost of all services performed.

1. • It is unlawful to sell or surrender a child to another person for money or anything of value.
2. • The payment of expenses does not obligate the birth mother's consent.

1. • The department may charge an amount equal to the cost of services, including the preliminary home study, investigator fees, counseling, and the final home investigation.
2. • Prior approval is required for court costs over $800.
3. • An adoption agency may assess fees for foster care, preplacement and postplacement assessments, social services, and administrative costs.

Accounting of Expenses Required by Court Statute: § 63.132

1. • The petitioner and adoption entity must file an itemized affidavit of a full accounting of all disbursements for expenses, including professional and legal fees, and any additional information the court requests.
2. • The expenses that must be included are specified in statute.

© This information is from the National Adoption Information Clearinghouse.

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