FAQs

How do I start my Florida adoption home study?

Starting your home study with Connecting Hearts Adoption Services is simple:

Submit an application via our website.

Complete the required paperwork and documents, including background checks, financial verification, and home safety assessment.

We guide you step-by-step to ensure your home study meets Florida requirements and is completed efficiently.

What are the requirements for a Florida adoption home study?

To complete a Florida home study, prospective adoptive families must:

Be legally eligible to adopt in Florida.

Provide personal references and undergo background checks.

Demonstrate financial stability and ability to care for a child.

Maintain a safe, child-friendly home environment.

Our team ensures every requirement is clearly explained and documented for a smooth process.

How much does an adoption home study cost?

A home study is $1,800. Our fees are transparent and can be found online at www.connectingheartsadoption.com/fees

How long does a Florida adoption home study take?

Most home studies with Connecting Hearts Adoption Services are completed in 30 days or less, depending on family readiness and documentation speed. We provide a detailed timeline at the start, so you always know what to expect. If you need your study completed soon, let us know!

Why choose Connecting Hearts Adoption Services?

Our team has years of professional and practical experience. Connecting Hearts Adoption is proud to have a wonderful reputation across Florida and across the country. We have been serving prospective adoptive families in Florida since 2008. We know adoption!

Our client families select our service because we are friendly, experienced, certified “adoption competent” and professional while also making this personal. When your study is completed you "own" your study and can take it to any attorney, agency or consultant across Florida or across the United States.

We do our best to make this process simple and our goal is for you to be successful. Connecting Hearts Adoption has hundreds of Google Reviews and lots of happy families!

Can my Florida home study be used in other states?

Yes! Florida home studies completed by Connecting Hearts Adoption Services are accepted by other states. We provide guidance if you plan to adopt through an interstate placement. You never know where your adoption may take you.

What are the requirements to adopt in Florida?

Florida requires a family to be financially stable and have a safe home. To be eligible to adopt in Florida, you may be married or single. You can have other children at home or no children at home. There is no maximum or minimum age requirement to adopt in Florida. You can be a renter or a homeowner. There is no one description of people who can become prospective adoptive parents. If you have the ability to love a child, to provide the basics for a child and to make a lifelong commitment, you can be an adoptive parent.

Is there an income requirement in order to be eligible to adopt?

No. You do not have to be rich to become an adoptive parent. You need to be financially stable.

What can we expect when you come to our home?

When we arrive, we will ask you for a tour of your home. Next we will go through your paperwork together and talk for a bit. That's it! The purpose of our visit is to get to know you as well as talk about everything adoption! Our visit to your home is meant to be comfortable, informative and educational. Our goal is that when we leave you feel excited, inspired, hopeful and prepared to forge ahead on your adoption journey.

Do we need to child-proof our home and/or have a room prepared for a baby or child before the home study?

We are asked this question a lot! The simple answer is NO and NO.

Every agency has its own philosophy as to when to prepare for a baby when adopting. At Connecting Hearts, we believe that the time to prepare for your baby is after your baby comes home. We do need to see you have space that will become designated for a baby/child. It is important to remember that your child NEEDS very little, you just have a lot of wants for them.

Are there any adoption support groups in Florida?

Yes! Please let us know if you are interested in support while navigating your adoption. We can get you headed in the right direction. Our agency has a support group for just our agency families. The support you can receive is invaluable.

Where are your offices?

We are based in Orlando and have social workers across Florida in Tallahassee, Gainesville, Ocala, Tampa, Lakeland, Orlando, Jacksonville, Daytona, Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale and Miami.

Where in Florida do you provide home study services??

Everywhere! Connecting Hearts Adoption Services serves families across Florida, including but not limited to: Orlando, Ocala, Gainesville, Tallahassee, Daytona, Melbourne, Lakeland, Tampa, Clearwater, Jupiter, West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale and Miami. We serve North Florida, Central Florida and South Florida. We have clients across Orange County, Seminole County, Marion County, Alachua County, Volusia County, Brevard County, Lake County, Hillsborough County, Palm Beach County, Broward County and Miami-Dade County.

How long is a home study valid?

A Florida home study is valid for one year from the date it is completed. However, the clearance dates are also only good for one year. It is important to pay close attention to these dates!