Yes, Safe Haven Baby Boxes are available at select locations in Florida. They are designed as a last-resort option for parents who feel they cannot safely care for a newborn and need a way to surrender their baby anonymously.

Safe Haven laws exist to protect newborns in emergencies, but they aren't the only option available. Adoption gives you the opportunity to make informed decisions about your baby's future while receiving guidance and support as you create a plan that's right for you.

Has Your Baby Been Born?

If your baby has already been born, you can still choose adoption. Whether you're at the hospital or have already taken your baby home, it's not too late to make an adoption plan.

American Adoptions works with thoroughly screened adoptive families who are ready to welcome a child today. If you need help right away, our adoption specialists can help you create an adoption plan, coordinate with your hospital if needed, and guide you through the process.

Safe Haven Laws in Florida

Florida's Safe Haven law allows a parent to safely surrender an unharmed newborn without facing criminal charges for abandonment, provided the requirements of the law are met. Key provisions include:

• Infant's Age: The baby must generally be 30 days old or younger.
• Approved Surrender Locations: You may surrender your baby to staff at a hospital, fire station, or emergency medical services (EMS) station that is staffed to receive the infant. You may also call 911 and request that EMS meet you at a safe location to accept the baby.
• Anonymity: You may surrender your baby without identifying yourself, although providing medical information about your baby can help healthcare providers care for them.
• Safe Haven Baby Boxes: Florida law allows newborns to be surrendered through approved Safe Haven Baby Boxes where they are available. If a baby box is not available, an in-person surrender at an approved Safe Haven location is also permitted.

Are There Safe Haven Baby Boxes in Florida?

Yes. Florida has Safe Haven Baby Boxes at select locations across the state. These climate-controlled infant safety devices are designed to provide an anonymous way to surrender a newborn in an emergency. You can use the Safe Haven Baby Box location map to find the closest available location.

Safe Haven Baby Boxes are intended as a last-resort option for parents in crisis. Unlike private adoption, they do not allow you to choose the adoptive family, create an adoption plan, or decide whether you'd like ongoing contact with your child after placement.

If you're unsure what to do next, you don't have to make this decision alone. Call 1-800-ADOPTION to speak with an adoption specialist who can answer your questions, explain your options, and provide free, confidential support 24 hours a day.

What Happens After You Use a Safe Haven Baby Box?

After a baby is safely surrendered through a Safe Haven Baby Box, emergency personnel are alerted immediately and retrieve the infant. The baby is then taken to a hospital for a medical evaluation before entering Florida's child welfare system.

Safe Haven surrender is anonymous, so birth parents typically do not choose the adoptive family or receive updates about the child's future after placement.

This is one of the biggest differences between Safe Haven surrender and private adoption, where birth mothers can create an adoption plan and decide what level of future contact feels right for them.

Adoption Can Give Your Baby Safety – and So Much More

Private domestic adoption provides your baby with immediate safety while offering you the personal, emotional, and practical support that anonymous surrender cannot.

While a Safe Haven baby box leaves you to navigate postpartum recovery and grief alone, choosing adoption ensures you are wrapped in compassionate care and retain full control over your child's future.

With Adoption, You Can Stay Connected to Your Child's Story

Private adoption allows you to make decisions that aren't possible through a Safe Haven surrender. You can choose the adoptive family, create an adoption plan that reflects your wishes, and decide what kind of relationship you'd like to have with your child's family after placement. Depending on the type of adoption you choose, you may receive:

• Photos and updates as your child grows.
• Letters, emails, or phone calls with the adoptive family.
• Ongoing contact through open adoption, including visits when everyone agrees they're appropriate.

Your adoption specialist will help you understand each option and create an adoption plan that reflects the level of contact that feels right for you.

Adoption Provides Support Before, During and After Birth

Choosing adoption means you don't have to navigate your pregnancy on your own. American Adoptions provides free support throughout your adoption journey, from your first conversation through placement and beyond. Support may include:

• 24/7 Counseling: Speak with an adoption specialist whenever you need guidance, reassurance, or someone to listen.
• Financial Assistance: Depending on Florida law and your circumstances, financial assistance may be available to help with certain pregnancy-related living expenses.
• Ongoing Emotional Support: Continue receiving counseling and support after placement as you process your emotions and adjust to life after adoption.

Get Confidential Adoption Help in Florida Today

Safe Haven Baby Boxes are intended for emergency situations, but they are not the only option available. An adoption specialist can help you understand how private adoption works, answer your questions, and explain the support available to you before you make a decision.

Our adoption specialists are available 24/7 to provide free, confidential guidance with no pressure or obligation. Call 1-800-ADOPTION or fill out our online contact form to learn more about your options.

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