FARR was established in 1982 by the Florida Legislature for people affected by adoption in Florida to have the opportunity to reunite. Currently FARR has more than 6,200 people listed on the registry and is facilitating 6 to 8 reunions a month. FARR is operated by the state of Florida Department of Children and Families. Eligibility: Adopted Adults, Birth Parents, Birth Siblings, Birth Aunts and Uncles, Birth Grandparents and Adoptive Parents on behalf of their Adopted Minor Child.

The way FARR works: If two (or more) people affected by an adoption in Florida lists themselves on the registry, then FARR gets them in touch with both parties. The registry is passive and does not actively search.

Fees: There is a one time fee of $35 unless the applicant is able to provide proof of financial hardship (i.e. eligibility for unemployment, SSI, public assistance, etc.) In these cases fees may be waived. There is a fee of $10 to update information on the registry. Applications may be obtained from the registry:

Florida Reunion Registry
1317 Winewood Blvd.
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0700
Phone: 1-850-488-8000
Or Florida's Adoption Information Center
1-800-96-ADOPT (in Florida)
or 904-353-0579 (out-of-FL)

Applications are mailed within one workday. The Adoption Information Center also mails International Soundex Reunion Registry (ISRR) applications in the packet.

Non-Identifying Information such as medical history and social history may be obtained by adults who were adopted. How one obtains non-identifying information depends on how the adoption was facilitated. Of the adoption was facilitated by a private adoption agency, the private agency has the information and should be contacted directly. If the adoption was facilitated by the Department of Children and Families, (formally HRS) or an independent adoption facilitated by an attorney or physician, non-identifying information information may be obtained by writing to :

The Florida Post Adoption Services Unit,
Department of Children and Families,
1317 Winewood Blvd. Tallahassee, FL
32399-0700

The Post Adoption Services Unit does not charge a fee for non-identifying information. Private adoption agencies may charge a fee for releasing the information. Some agencies charge a fee, others do not.

For Additional information including local search and support groups, other State operated reunion registries, of International Soundex Reunion Registry applications, you may contact the center listed below.

Florida's Adoption Information Center
4203 Southpoint Blvd.
Jacksonville, Florida 32216
 
In Florida:1-800-96-ADOPT
Out of Florida: 904-353-0679
adoptflorida@danielkids.org

Florida's Adoption Information Center was created by the Florida Legislature to serve as a clearinghouse in every area of adoption. The Center has served more that 35,000 people since opening in 1994. As a free service, the Adoption Information Center provides adoption information and referral services to adoptive parents, adult adoptees, birth relatives, pregnant women and professionals.