Adopting one of Florida’s children from foster care costs little or nothing. The required processes including adoptive parent training class, home study, even court costs and fees, are provided free of charge.

Children adopted from foster care are eligible for free tuition to Florida state universities, community colleges or vocational schools in Florida until age 28. Some Florida private post-secondary schools will provide tuition stipends for children who have been adopted from foster care.

When you adopt one of Florida’s children, they come with a child study that summarizes the child’s history and personality. You have the opportunity to find a child with similar interests to bond over and whose needs match the strengths of your family.

All children who receive a monthly subsidy are eligible to receive health care through a Medicaid program until age 18, and some children are eligible until age 21.

Families adopting Florida’s waiting children may qualify for a monthly subsidy to help offset ongoing costs through the “Florida’s Adoption Assistance Program” until the child turns 18 years old. This amount is negotiated on a child-by-child basis, depending on the child’s unique needs and the availability of funds.

No diapers! When adopting an older child, you will (hopefully) be sharing more fishing trips and football games than sleepless nights. Adoptions after 16 years of age may be eligible for additional Education and Medicaid benefits if they spent a minimum of 6 months in foster care immediately preceding the adoption placement.

Adopting a sibling group means instant family. The bond among siblings is the longest relationship someone will have in their lifetime. By adopting a sibling group, you are giving brothers and sisters a chance to grow up together in a forever family.

State Employees and other eligible applicants who adopt a child from Florida’s child welfare system will receive a one-time check; however, the funding for this program varies each year.

Many communities have adoptive parent support groups, community-based care agencies, faith-based, civic and other organizations tasked with helping support families that adopt Florida’s children. Efforts are underway to strengthen these supports statewide.

This tax credit is based on reasonable and necessary expenses associated with welcoming a new child to your home through a legal adoption. The maximum federal adoption tax credit is currently $13,400 per child. The federal adoption tax credit is a non-refundable credit, meaning taxpayers may only get a refund if they have federal income tax liability.