Online Application for Putative Father Search

This online application is only valid for an attorney who is licensed or authorized to practice in the state.

Any person who willfully and knowingly provides any false information in a certificate, record, or report required by Chapter 382, Florida Statutes, or in an application or affidavit, or who obtains confidential information contained in any Vital Record under false or fraudulent purposes, commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in Chapter 775, Florida Statutes.

This form is to be used only when a search of the Putative Father Registry is requested. DO NOT use to file a Claim of Paternity. Use Claim of Paternity, DH Form 1965, for filing with the Florida Putative Father Registry.

NOTE: To enable a thorough search it is important that you provide as much information as known regarding the putative father, mother and child.

ELIGIBILITY: All information contained in the Florida Putative Father Registry is confidential and exempt from public disclosure. Information from the registry shall only be disclosed to:

1. An adoption entity in connection with the planned adoption of a child.
2. The registrant unmarried biological father, upon receipt of his notarized request.
3. The court, upon issuance of a court order concerning a petitioner acting pro se in an action under Chapter 63, Florida Statutes.
4. Birth mother, upon receipt of a notarized request for a copy of any registry entry in which she is identified as the birth mother.

"Adoption Entity" as defined in s. 63.032(3), Florida Statutes, means the department, an agency, a child-caring agency registered under s. 409.176 Florida Statutes, an intermediary, or a child-placing agency licensed in another state which is qualified by the department to place children in the State of Florida.

"Department" as defined in 63.032(8), Florida Statutes, means the Department of Children and Family Services.

"Agency" as defined in 63.032(5), Florida Statutes, means any child-placing agency licensed by the department pursuant to s. 63.202 to place minors for adoption.

"Intermediary" as defined in 63.032(9), Florida Statutes, means an attorney who is licensed or authorized to practice in this state and who is placing or intends to place a child for adoption, including placing children born in another state with citizens of this state or country or placing children born in this state with citizens of another state or country.

The Office of Vital Statistics has no legislative requirement for following up with an applicant after the initial search and advising of any claim that has been received subsequent to the initial search. Depending on where you are at in the legal proceedings process, this may mean that you must again search the registry for filing with the court. Florida law requires that the registry be searched at the time a Petition for Termination of Parental Rights or adoption proceedings are filed.

I have read the information above.