Safe Haven Baby Boxes in Florida
What to Know Before You Walk Away
If you feel like you have nowhere to turn and need a way to legally surrender your baby, a Safe Haven baby box might seem like your only option.
But before you open that door and walk away, take one more moment. You have another option — one that can give your baby a beautiful life and still protect your privacy. Adoption gives you more control, more support and more hope for the future.
In this article, you’ll learn how Safe Haven baby boxes work in Florida and how adoption compares. If you need someone to talk to right now, call 1-800-ADOPTION or fill out our online form.
What Is a Safe Haven Baby Box, and How Does It Work?
A Safe Haven baby box allows you to anonymously surrender a newborn at specific locations, usually hospitals or fire stations. They are installed in exterior walls and designed to keep your baby safe until help arrives.
Here’s how a Safe Haven baby box works:
You won’t get in trouble for using a baby box in Florida. They are available 24/7 and are completely anonymous.
Safe Haven Boxes vs. Adoption: What’s Right for You?
Are you wondering, “Can I legally give up a baby anonymously?” The answer is yes. But choosing a Safe Haven box means giving up more than just your baby. It means giving up your ability to:
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Choose who adopts your baby
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Receive updates or stay in touch
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Get free emotional and financial support
With adoption, you can create a plan that fits you. There is no rush or pressure, just real help from people who care.
See how adoption compares to Safe Haven boxes:
Adoption through a licensed agency lets you decide who your baby grows up with and what kind of life they’ll have. You can even stay in contact if you want to.
Understanding Safe Haven Laws in Florida: What You Should Know
The Safe Haven law in Florida allows you to surrender a baby who is approximately 7 days old or younger. You can leave your baby in a baby box or at a hospital, Emergency Medical Services station or fire station without facing abandonment charges.
You have the legal right to remain anonymous and leave at any time. Once surrendered, your parental rights are permanently terminated.
Are There Safe Haven Baby Boxes in Florida?
Yes, there are Safe Haven baby boxes in Florida. They are located at select fire stations across the state. These locations allow anonymous, safe surrenders 24/7.
Safe Haven Baby Box Locations Near Me
Wondering where Safe Haven baby boxes are located in Florida? Here are the current drop-off locations:
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Ocala: MLK First Responder Campus
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Crystal River: Citrus County Fire Rescue
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Spring Hill: Hernando County Fire Department
Find more locations at Project Safe Haven Baby Box.
What Happens After You Use a Baby Box or Safe Haven Location in Florida?
When you use a Safe Haven box, here’s what happens next:
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Your parental rights are permanently terminated.
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Child Protective Services takes custody.
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Your baby may enter foster care before being adopted.
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Your baby's file will be closed.
If you want to receive updates on your baby or have direct contact, you will need to choose a different path. Open adoption allows you to build a relationship with your baby and their adoptive family.
How Adoption Can Provide a Brighter Future for You and Your Baby
Is adoption better than Safe Haven? For many, yes. Adoption allows you to provide a safe, loving home for your child and still be a part of their life, if you choose.
You are not “giving up.” You’re choosing something powerful: a better future.
Here’s why adoption might be the right path for you:
There’s No Rush — Adoption Can Happen Before or After Birth
Even if you’ve already given birth, adoption is still an option. You can:
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Take your time deciding
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Choose the adoptive family
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Receive free financial assistance
When you’re ready, you can view profiles of waiting families and see who might be the right fit.
How You Can Maintain Your Privacy Without Sacrificing Your Peace of Mind
Adoption gives you choices that a Safe Haven baby box simply can’t. Through private adoption, you have the option to stay anonymous if you want to, whether that’s through a closed or semi-open adoption.
You also have the freedom to decide how much contact you’d like to have in the future. Whether you want occasional updates or a more open relationship, that choice is yours. You can even decide if you want to meet the adoptive family in person.
Learn more about how we keep your adoption plan private.
FAQ About Safe Haven Baby Boxes in Florida
What Makes Safe Haven Boxes Safe for Babies?
Safe Haven baby boxes are designed with features like:
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Temperature control
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Ventilation
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Automatic locking doors
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Alarms to alert staff and emergency services
Can You Get Your Baby Back After Safe Haven in Florida?
Yes. You can reclaim your baby only until the court officially terminates your parental rights.
Can Safe Haven Babies Be Adopted?
Yes. However, this process is handled by the state rather than through a private adoption agency. As a result, you won’t be able to choose the adoptive family or receive any updates about your child’s life moving forward.
Is There a Safe Haven Baby Box Age Limit in Florida?
Yes. The Safe Haven baby box age limit in Florida is 7 days.
What Does a Safe Haven Box Look Like?
A Safe Haven box is built into a wall and typically marked with a sign. It opens from the outside and has a bassinet-style bed inside.
What You Do Next Matters [And We Can Help]
You’re not alone. If you want to give your baby a bright future, adoption may be your best path forward.
Call 1-800-ADOPTION or contact us online for immediate support and answers.
Our Florida Locations
Visit one of our Florida offices:
Aventura
20801 Biscayne Blvd., Suite 403
Aventura, FL 33180
Fort Lauderdale
6750 N. Andrews Ave., Suite 200
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309
Fort Myers
9160 Forum Corporate Parkway, Suite 350
Fort Myers, FL 33905
Green Cove Springs
Green Cove Springs, FL 32043
Jacksonville
4651 Salisbury Road, Suite 400
Jacksonville, FL 32256
Miami
6303 Waterford District Drive, Suite 400
Miami, FL 33126
Miami
Miami, FL 33130
Orlando
1800 Pembrook Drive, Suite 300
Orlando, FL 32810
Orlando
4700 Millenia Blvd., Suite 500
Orlando, FL 32839
Orlando
3505 Lake Lynda Drive, Suite 200
Orlando, FL 32817
Sarasota
Sarasota, FL 34236
Seminole
Seminole, FL 33772
Tallahassee
Tallahassee, FL 32301
Tampa
3001 N. Rocky Point Drive E., Suite 200
Tampa, FL 33607
Disclaimer
Information available through these links is the sole property of the companies and organizations listed therein. American Adoptions provides this information as a courtesy and is in no way responsible for its content or accuracy.
