FL H0061

Expands adoption benefits to include veterans and servicemembers who are domiciled in Florida and adopt children from the child welfare system on or after July 1, 2020, in addition to existing state employee eligibility.

Provides $10,000 lump-sum monetary benefit for adopting a child with special needs and $5,000 for adopting a child without special needs, subject to applicable taxes and a specific appropriation.

Requires veterans and servicemembers to apply to the Department of Children and Families and be registered as a vendor with the state to receive benefits, while state employees apply to their agency head or school director.

Limits benefits to one award per adopted child and awards benefits on a first-come, first-served basis based on the date a fully completed application is received.

Takes effect July 1, 2020, and allows charter school and Florida Virtual School employees to retroactively apply for benefits for adoptions completed on or after July 1, 2015.