Fla. Admin. Code Ann. R. 65C-16.017 - Florida Adoption Reunion Registry

(1) The state registry of adoption information created in Section 63.165 F.S., is also known as the Florida Adoption Reunion Registry. The Department shall retain and maintain the registry records on a permanent basis.

(2) Any person may register by completing and submitting the "Application for Adoption Registry Services, " CF 1490, July 2021, hereby incorporated by reference, and available at http://www.flrules.org/Gateway/reference.asp?No=Ref-13384, indicating to whom they consent to release identifying information about themselves.

(3) Adoptee birth data shall be verified by registry staff, with the assistance of the Vital Records section of the Office of Vital Statistics in the Department of Health. In cases where birth information cannot be verified and registration is not possible, applicants will be notified of data used as a basis for search and given opportunity to correct or change that data for resubmission. Should verification of the birth information still not be possible, no further attempts will be made to process that application. If the applicant desires to submit new or different information, a new application must be submitted.

(4) The applications, signed by registrants, will be placed on file and kept for 99 years.

(5) The Department shall mail a letter to registrants acknowledging receipt of the application.

(6) Updating of Registry Information.

(a) Any registrant may change the name, address or telephone number associated with their registration, may limit or restrict their consent to release information, or may completely withdraw from the registry at any time using the "Application for Adoption Registry Services, " CF 1490, July 2021, hereby incorporated by reference and available at http://www.flrules.org/Gateway/reference.asp?No=Ref-13384.

(b) Responsibility for update rests with registrants and only the most current information on file will be disclosed to designated recipients upon their completion of registration procedures.

(7) The Department shall offer counseling services to registrants at the time of registration. Counseling, as referenced in Section 63.165(2), F.S., shall consist of professional advice provided by the Department, by designated staff employed by the Department, by agencies licensed by the State of Florida to provide adoption services, or by other persons who have adoption training or experience.

Notes

Fla. Admin. Code Ann. R. 65C-16.017

Rulemaking Authority 63.233 FS. Law Implemented 63.165 FS.

New 8-19-03, Amended 11-30-08, Amended by Florida Register Volume 42, Number 120, June 21, 2016 effective 7/7/2016, Amended by Florida Register Volume 43, Number 065, April 4, 2017 effective 4/20/2017, Amended by Florida Register Volume 43, Number 129, July 5, 2017 effective 7/20/2017, Amended by Florida Register Volume 47, Number 149, August 3, 2021 effective 8/15/2021.

New 8-19-03, Amended 11-30-08, 7-7-16, 4-20-17, 7-20-17, 8-15-21.