Florida Adoption Lawyers Required to Adhere to New Reporting Law by April 15

Florida Adoption Entities Required to Report to the Department of Children and Families

In a significant legislative development, Florida has enacted a new law mandating that all adoption agencies and entities, including attorneys involved in adoption processes, submit pertinent case information to the Department of Children and Families (DCF). This requirement, introduced with the amendment of Florida Statute §63.097(7), aims to enhance accountability and oversight in the realm of adoption, ensuring that the state possesses comprehensive data on finalized adoptions.

Under the revised statute, each adoption entity—including law firms practicing in adoption—must provide detailed reports to DCF regarding adoptions they conclude. The inaugural quarterly report is due by April 15, thus, emphasizing the urgency for compliance among adoption professionals. This move reflects a broader trend aiming to strengthen the regulatory framework surrounding child welfare and adoption practices in Florida.

Mary K. Wimsett, a board-certified adoption attorney based in Gainesville and the president of the Florida Adoption Council (FAC), has highlighted the importance of this legislative change. Although the FAC has actively communicated these developments to its members, there remains a considerable number of attorneys who finalize adoptions but are not affiliated with the Council. This creates a potential knowledge gap regarding their new obligations under the law. Wimsett has expressed concern that attorneys who do not comply by the April 15 deadline may face penalties or enforcement actions, underscoring the critical nature of this update for the legal community involved in adoption.

The new requirements are part of an ongoing effort by the state to regulate adoption practices more rigorously. By establishing structured reporting protocols, DCF can better monitor adoption trends, safeguarding the welfare of children in the foster care system and ensuring that agencies align with state objectives concerning child placements.

For those seeking further information about the reporting requirements, attorneys and adoption professionals are urged to visit DCF’s official website. Here, they will find a user guide that provides additional context and detailed instructions on fulfilling their obligations under the new law.

As the deadline approaches, it is imperative that all adoption entities understand their responsibilities to ensure compliance, contributing to a more transparent and accountable adoption process in Florida.