Become A Surrogate in Florida
Receive Up to $85,000+

“Helping Others Achieve Their Dreams”

Becoming a Surrogate in Florida

Nicole Lawson and Julie Allgood sitting on a bench

Florida law supports both gestational and traditional surrogacy, providing clear statutes designed to protect both intended parents and surrogates.

At Abundant Beginnings Company (ABC Surrogacy), a privately-operated surrogacy agency, we are committed to guiding and supporting intended parents and surrogates through every stage of the surrogacy journey in Florida. Founded by two women with over 26 years of combined personal and professional surrogacy experience, our agency stands as a trusted partner for those embarking on this transformative journey.

Our experienced team will help you understand Florida’s surrogacy laws and guide you in choosing an experienced family formation attorney.  Along with the attorneys, we will help in creating a binding and enforceable surrogacy contract, ensuring a successful and rewarding experience for both the Intended Parents and the Surrogate.

Whether you’re just beginning your research or are ready to take the next steps, we provide essential information and support to navigate the process smoothly.  If you are an Intended Parent, we will help you achieve your dream of parenthood through a secure, legally sound surrogacy arrangement. And, for women who are considering becoming a surrogate, we will walk you through every step, and provide you with a safe and successful journey.

“In spite of the challenges I faced, this was one of the most rewarding things I have ever done…If you are considering surrogacy, I truly believe you are a special person… This was one of the most rewarding things I have ever done.”

Read Brittany's Second Surrogacy Journey

“Surrogacy weighed heavy on my heart and I just couldn’t shake the feeling that it was my calling to become a surrogate…I loved all the support and the fact they were a smaller company, so I didn’t feel like a number.”

Read Desiree's Story Helping a Couple Become Parents

“I heard the IP mom behind me crying with happiness, love, and joy! She bent down to give me a hug and whispered in my ear, ‘Thank you,’ and it was at that moment when I started to cry happy tears and truly realized how much of an impact I just made for this family.”

Read Jennifer's Birth Story

Why Be A Surrogate?

Becoming a surrogate involves big commitment, but ultimately brings the reward of helping create new families.

Compensation & Costs

In Florida, first-time surrogates can expect an average base compensation ranging from $50,000 to $60,000. For experienced surrogates who have previously had a successful surrogacy journey, compensation can reach $70,000 to $75,000 or higher.

In addition to the base compensation, surrogates are entitled to various pregnancy-related expenses, including costs for maternity clothes, medical co-payments, monthly allowance, childcare, travel expenses, and other reasonable fees. With these additional elements, the total compensation package for a surrogate in Florida can surpass $80,000. Payments are disbursed in installments throughout the pregnancy and after delivery.

Florida law ensures that surrogates receive fair compensation and have their pregnancy-related expenses covered. Specifically, the agreement between intended parents and surrogates must outline how all surrogacy-related and medical expenses will be covered. According to Florida Statute 742.15(4):

“As part of the contract, the commissioning couple may agree to pay only reasonable living, legal, medical, psychological, and psychiatric expenses of the gestational surrogate that are directly related to prenatal, intrapartal, and postpartal periods.”

This ensures that intended parents maintain a comprehensive health insurance policy for the surrogate, covering all prenatal care, hospitalization for delivery, and postpartum care costs. Surrogates do not bear any medical costs related to the pregnancy and childbirth, safeguarding their financial interests.

Florida Surrogate Requirements

Age and Body Mass Index Criteria

To qualify as a surrogate in Florida, candidates must be between 21 and 40 years old and maintain a body mass index (BMI) under 32. These criteria ensure that surrogates can safely and effectively carry a pregnancy, minimizing health risks. This requirement aligns with the standards of most fertility clinics throughout the state.

Previous Pregnancy Experience

Florida surrogates must have previously carried at least one pregnancy to full term and experienced at least one live, healthy birth. This requirement demonstrates the surrogate’s proven ability to undergo pregnancy and childbirth without complications.

Citizenship and Residency Requirements

Eligible surrogates in Florida must be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents. Comprehensive medical and psychological evaluations are conducted to ensure surrogates are in excellent health, with no conditions that could complicate the surrogacy process.

Psychological Evaluation and Personality Testing

Both the potential surrogate and her partner or spouse, if applicable, are required to undergo a comprehensive psychological evaluation by a licensed mental health professional. This assessment aims to evaluate emotional stability and overall suitability for the surrogacy process. The surrogate will also be administered a personality inventory test, with the results included in the final report.

Legal Representation

Florida law mandates that all surrogates have independent legal representation throughout the surrogacy process. This ensures that surrogates fully understand the terms and potential legal implications of the surrogacy agreement. Our agency will assist in finding a knowledgeable family formation attorney in Florida to support you legally throughout your journey.

Screening Process for Potential Surrogates

The screening process for becoming a surrogate in Florida is thorough and comprehensive to ensure the well-being of all parties involved. Florida law mandates that potential surrogates must pass all phases of screening before being matched with intended parents. ABC Surrogacy guides surrogates through this process, making it as straightforward as possible.

Extensive Medical Screening

Surrogates must undergo an extensive medical screening conducted by a reproductive endocrinologist. This evaluation includes a review of the surrogate’s complete medical records/history, an in-person physical examination, and necessary laboratory tests for the surrogate and her partner, if applicable. According to Florida Statute 742.15(3)(b):

 “The gestational surrogate agrees to submit to reasonable medical evaluation and treatment and to adhere to reasonable medical instructions about her prenatal health.”

Process for Surrogates in Florida

Every surrogacy agency has the liberty to set its own surrogate qualifications. Our agency follows the guidelines set by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Professionals in the assisted reproduction field have joined together to set standards that assist a woman’s success in the surrogate journey.

At ABC Surrogacy, we adhere to Florida’s stringent surrogacy laws to ensure a safe, legal, and supportive process for all involved.

Matching and Contracting

Our agency facilitates the introduction and matching between potential surrogates and prospective intended parents based on mutual preferences and compatibility. According to Florida law, both the surrogate and intended parents must:

“Complete a mental health consultation by a licensed mental health professional.” (Fla. Stat. § 742.15)

This independent counseling ensures clear expectations and alignment before a formal match is made. Attorneys will also provide legal consultations to review the key terms of the surrogacy contract and ensure the rights of all parties are protected.

Medications and Pregnancy

After the surrogacy contract is signed, the surrogate will begin any necessary medications to prepare her body for the embryo transfer procedure as directed by the Reproductive Endocrinologist.  The surrogate must adhere to all medical guidelines from the doctors and comply with reasonable requests from the intended parents. Once the surrogate is pregnant and has been released to her OB/GYN, regular prenatal checkups are essential, and the surrogate will provide updates to the intended parents throughout the pregnancy.

Delivery and Post-Birth

Approximately 15 weeks into the pregnancy, our agency will notify the attorneys to initiate the process for the parentage court order to establish the intended parents’ legal parentage. Florida Statute 742.16 outlines the process for expedited affirmation of parental status:

“Within 3 days after the birth of a child delivered of a gestational surrogate, the commissioning couple shall petition a court of competent jurisdiction for an expedited affirmation of parental status.” (Fla. Stat. § 742.16(1))

The court will hold a hearing to confirm that a binding and enforceable surrogacy contract is in place and that at least one member of the commissioning couple is the genetic parent of the child. The court will then issue an order affirming the commissioning couple as the legal parents.

Commitment and Support

Qualifying as a surrogate in Florida involves more than meeting medical requirements. Surrogates need to be fully aware of the time commitment involved, including frequent doctor’s appointments, meetings, and ongoing communication with the intended parents. Being a surrogate is akin to having a part-time job, requiring significant dedication and organization.

Additionally, the hormonal changes during pregnancy can lead to a range of emotions. An active support system, including a partner, extended family, and friends, is crucial to help the surrogate manage these changes. Our agency ensures regular check-ins with a case manager as well as a therapist to offer support and comfort during the pregnancy.

While this information provides an overview of the qualifications and process, the best way to learn more about surrogacy is to contact us at (323) 207-5762. We are here to answer all your questions with no commitment required.

Common Questions Regarding The Surrogacy Process

We understand that both surrogates and intended parents may have various concerns and questions when embarking on the surrogacy journey. At Abundant Beginnings Co., we aim to address these concerns transparently and provide clarity based on our expertise and the provisions outlined in Florida’s surrogacy laws.

What if my circumstances change during the surrogacy process?

Florida law allows for changes in circumstances to be addressed within the surrogacy agreement. If circumstances change, communication and legal counsel will help navigate any necessary modifications or terminations of the agreement. According to Florida Statute 742.15:

“A party to a gestational surrogacy agreement may terminate the agreement at any time before an embryo transfer by giving notice of termination to all other parties.”

Will I have any parental rights or obligations towards the child?

Florida laws clearly establish the intended parents as the legal parents of the child. The surrogacy contract ensures that surrogates relinquish any parental rights upon the child’s birth.

Can I be held liable for terminating the surrogacy agreement?

Florida law protects surrogates from penalties or liquidated damages for terminating the agreement, except in cases of fraud or breach of contract. The surrogacy agreement will outline the conditions under which the agreement can be terminated without liability. The focus is on ensuring the surrogate’s well-being and protecting her rights throughout the process.

How are medical expenses handled?

Intended parents are responsible for covering all medical expenses related to the surrogacy process. This includes prenatal care, delivery, and postpartum care. Our agency makes sure that this is all handled and that funds are in place prior to the embryo transfer that will cover all costs/expenses incurred during a surrogacy journey. According to Florida Statute 742.15(4):

“The commissioning couple may agree to pay only reasonable living, legal, medical, psychological, and psychiatric expenses of the gestational surrogate that are directly related to prenatal, intrapartal, and postpartal periods.”

What support systems are in place for surrogates?

Being a surrogate requires emotional and physical support. At Abundant Beginnings Company, we provide ongoing support through regular check-ins with a licensed therapist and access to a strong support network. This ensures that surrogates receive the care and assistance they need throughout their journey.

While these answers address common concerns, we encourage you to reach out to us directly with any specific questions or situations you may have. Contact us at (323) 207-5762 to learn more about the surrogacy process in Florida.

Surrogacy for LGBT Families

Abundant Beginnings Company are dedicated to offering equal opportunities for all individuals wishing to grow their families through surrogacy, irrespective of sexual orientation or marital status. Florida’s progressive surrogacy laws facilitate a non-discriminatory environment where surrogates can confidently partner with LGBT intended parents. 

As a surrogate, you have the chance to work with a diverse array of intended parents, including same-sex couples, single parents, and other configurations within the LGBTQ+ community. Our agency prides itself on handling each surrogacy journey with the utmost respect, professionalism, and sensitivity to the unique aspects of every situation.

We recognize that partnering with LGBT intended parents may bring additional questions or considerations. Our experienced team is fully prepared to address these and provide comprehensive guidance throughout the process, ensuring your rights and well-being are always prioritized.

Florida’s surrogacy laws set forth clear directives for surrogacy agreements and the establishment of legal parentage, explicitly inclusive of all intended parents regardless of gender, sexual orientation, or marital status.

At Abundant Beginnings Company, we empower our surrogates to make informed decisions about whom they wish to assist. Surrogates are presented with profiles of potential intended parents and have the autonomy to choose who they feel is the best match for them and their family. Our goal is to ensure that every surrogacy journey is a fulfilling and positive experience for everyone involved.

Give the Gift of Life 

Ready to make dreams a reality?

Complete our application form and launch the process to become a surrogate.

Join our community of amazing surrogates helping build families.

Take the first step to becoming a surrogate.

Set up a FREE Consultation
(323) 207-5762

 

Babyquest logo
American Society for Reproductive Medicine logo
Path 2 Parenthood logo
Seeds logo
New York State logo