What is a Baby Moses law, and how does it work in Florida?

As a licensed child-placement agency in Florida, Legacy Adoption Services wants the best outcome for every baby. We are here to help parents ensure the safety and a bright future for their babies, and we are happy that mothers and fathers have the option to choose to surrender their baby through the Florida Safe Haven law. Also known as a Baby Moses law, this gives parents the option to leave a baby anonymously at a designated safe place, with no legal repercussions, when certain conditions are met.

What you need to know about the Baby Moses law

All 50 states have a Safe Haven law. These laws are designed to give parents a safe way to surrender a baby and terminate their parental rights, ensuring the child’s safety.

Florida created its Baby Moses law to give desperate parents a safe alternative to abandoning their babies in unsafe public places. Parents leave a baby anonymously and are protected from prosecution in most circumstances.

How does the Florida Safe Haven law work?

There are important things to know about how to use this option.

• You may take your newborn baby (up to 30 days old) to any hospital, fire station or emergency medical service station in Florida, and give your baby to a person working there.
• When you surrender your baby, you must express an intent to leave the newborn and not return. You have the right to remain anonymous and to leave at any time, and you will not be followed.
• Once you surrender the baby to an on-duty firefighter, EMT or paramedic, they will provide emergency medical services and arrange to transport the baby to the nearest hospital for emergency medical care.
• If you leave your baby at a hospital, the hospital must admit the baby and provide all necessary emergency services and care.
• Your baby will not be deemed abandoned, and there will be no investigation, unless there is actual or suspected child abuse or until the Department of Children and Family services takes physical custody of the child.
• It is presumed that when you leave the baby, you are consenting to terminate your parental rights. However, you may claim your newborn up until the time the court enters a judgment terminating your parental rights.

NOTE: This is not legal advice, and Florida laws are subject to change.

Never leave a baby at an unsafe place

Many pregnant women and fathers feel unable to raise a baby, but the baby’s safety must always come first. Remember, you have options, including the Baby Moses law or placing your baby for adoption with a loving Legacy Adoptions family.

If you are not sure about leaving a baby anonymously, then a voluntary adoption with Legacy Adoptions creates a path forward where you can still be a part of your baby’s life, while ensuring that they grow up safe and secure. We urge you to contact our experienced counselors to learn more about the adoption process and the empowering decisions that you can make for yourself and your baby.

If your newborn is suffering a medical emergency that you can’t handle, or if you know you can’t parent but find yourself unable or unwilling to consider adoption, we urge you to take advantage of the Florida Safe Haven law and take your baby to a hospital, fire station or emergency medical service station to ensure your child’s safety. Consider the option that will bring you the most peace of mind.

If you need help or have questions about the Baby Moses law, reach out to our counselors, who are available to speak with you 24/7.