Florida's Adoption Information Center

Florida's Adoption Reunion Registry (FARR) was established in 1982 by the Florida Legislature to provide a process for an adult adoptee to obtain non-identifying information about his/her birth family and provide a process for the adoptee and birth parents, birth siblings and other birth relatives to have possible contact.

Currently, FARR has more than 10,000 people listed on the registry and is facilitating 10 to 12 reunions a month. FARR is operated by the State of Florida, Department of Children and Families.

Applications: Applications may be obtained from either the Registry or Florida’s Adoption Information Center or the link below.

Eligibility: Adopted Adults, Birth Parents, Birth Siblings, Birth Aunts and Uncles, Birth Grandparents and Adoptive Parents on behalf of their Adopted Minor Child.

How does FARR work? If two (or more) people impacted by an adoption in Florida list themselves on the registry, then FARR gets them in touch with each other. The registry is passive and does not actively search.

Fees: There is NO fee. Applications may be obtained from the registry:

Florida Adoption Reunion Registry
2415 North Monroe Street, Suite 400
Tallahassee, FL 32303-4190

Or Florida's Adoption Information Center
1-800-96-ADOPT or 1-800-962-3678

Non-Identifying Information such as medical or social history provided by the birth family may be obtained by adults who were adopted. How one obtains non-identifying information depends on how the adoption was facilitated.

For private adoptions by an adoption entity (Adoption Agency or Attorney), they maintain the information and you should contact them directly.

Private adoption agencies may charge a fee for releasing information. If the adoption was facilitated by the State of Florida or a “Community Based Care” agency, non-identifying information may be obtained by writing to:

Florida Post Adoption Services Unit

Department of Children and Families

2415 North Monroe St. Suite 400

Tallahassee, FL 32303-4190

The Post Adoption Services Unit does not charge a fee for non-identifying information.

If you are not sure how your adoption was facilitated, send your request to the Post Adoption Services Unit.

Release of Identifying Information: Effective July 1, 2020, an individual may disclose from the records without a court order, the identity of the birth parent if the birth parent authorizes in writing the release of his/her name.

The identity of the adoptee may be released if she/he authorizes in writing (if over age 18). If under the age of 18, the adoptive parent must also provide a written consent. The adoptive parent(s) may also release their name(s) and identity if they authorize in writing.

Role of DNA in Search and Reunion: DNA has become a valuable tool in searching for birth relatives. DNA does not guarantee that you will have direct contact with a birth relative. A DNA test may let you know that you have a match with a birth relative and to what degree (i.e. parent, sibling first cousin, etc.). The cost of a DNA test runs from around $100 to several hundred dollars.

The Florida Reunion Registry recommends that even if there is a match through DNA, you and the birth relative register with FARR. They are able to provide support services in the reunion process.

You may also contact Florida’s Adoption Information Center for Assistance: 1-800-96-ADOPT (1-800-962-3678)