Florida

How to Get Your Original Birth Certificate in Florida

First published on July 3, 2021 • Last updated on November 29, 2022

A resource for the hundreds of Florida adoptees who contact me and want to know how to get their own original birth certificates.

The (Ongoing) Truth About Florida

First published on March 13, 2021 • Last updated on March 13, 2021

This time, I will jump in a frozen Minnesota lake and donate $500 to charity if I am wrong.

A Brief History of Florida Adoptee Rights

First published on February 28, 2021 • Last updated on February 28, 2021

The updated report covers the beginning of Florida adoption law in 1885 and provides a more than 100-year timeline of adoptee rights in the state.

When the Biggest Opposition is a Pandemic

First published on March 14, 2020 • Last updated on May 26, 2020

Remaining genuine equal rights bills are trying to get attention while a pandemic closes down capitols. Here’s a legislative update.

“Reworked” Florida Bill Does Absolutely Nothing

First published on March 12, 2019 • Last updated on January 29, 2020

An amended Florida bill does absolutely nothing and, in doing nothing, actually makes things worse.

Take Action: NO on HB597

First published on March 9, 2019 • Last updated on March 13, 2019

Take action today. Contact members of a Florida subcommittee to request a “NO” vote on HB597.

Florida Bill: Reunion Required to Get Your OBC

First published on January 31, 2019 • Last updated on March 13, 2019

Florida HB597 requires reunion with a birthparent before an adult adoptee can even apply for the OBC. That’s not at all a “small step” forward.

Open Letter to Florida Representative Richard Stark

First published on October 25, 2018 • Last updated on March 3, 2019

I ask that you support this proposed legislation and that you decline to introduce legislation that fails to provide adult adoptees with the unrestricted right to obtain their own OBCs.

Legislative Update: Florida, New York and All Others

First published on February 19, 2018 • Last updated on February 19, 2018

The latest in adoptee rights legislation, with sessions just getting started, in full swing, or even close to adjournment. New York and Florida are the big ones but others hang on to the promise of clean.

The Truth About Florida

First published on December 6, 2017 • Last updated on January 31, 2019

The truth about Florida is this: no OBC access bill will get through the Florida legislature this session without legislators adding crippling and discriminatory restrictions. Ask questions. But insist on true answers.