Fla. Stat. Ch. 63

Stepparent Adoption

Stepparent adoption can give a child the legal parent they already have in their heart — but it means ending another parent’s legal rights. Here is what the process requires.

Attorney-Reviewed Statute Resource
Reviewed by Joseph Grant, Family Law Attorney (Fla. Bar #97315). Last reviewed: June 2026

A Streamlined Path

Under Florida’s Adoption Act (Chapter 63), stepparent adoption is a more streamlined process than a typical adoption — some requirements, like a home study, are often waived. When complete, the step-parent becomes a full legal parent, with all the rights and responsibilities that carries.

The Governing Statute
Fla. Stat. Ch. 63 — Florida Adoption Act
"The primary purpose of this chapter is to protect and promote the well-being of persons being adopted … and to provide to all children who can benefit by it a permanent family life."
Read the full statute on Online Sunshine →

Frequently Asked Questions

How does stepparent adoption work in Florida?
Under Chapter 63, a step-parent petitions to adopt their spouse’s child. It is more streamlined than a typical adoption — often waiving requirements like a home study — but generally requires terminating the other biological parent’s rights, by consent or on statutory grounds.
Do you need the other parent’s consent for stepparent adoption in Florida?
Usually yes, unless their rights can be terminated on other grounds such as abandonment, or they are deceased or already had their rights terminated. Consent is the most common path; a contested case becomes a termination-of-parental-rights proceeding.

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This page summarizes Fla. Stat. Ch. 63 for general informational purposes and is not legal advice. Statutes change; while this page is reviewed by a licensed Florida attorney, always verify the current text on the official Online Sunshine source or consult an attorney about your specific situation. Serving Martin, St. Lucie, Palm Beach, Indian River, and Okeechobee Counties.