The State of Florida recently updated HB 1083, a groundbreaking bill that provided adoption benefits for state employees. Effective July 1, 2024, these benefits are expanded to other qualifying employees, including service members, veterans, law enforcement, and tax collector employees. This legislation marks a significant step forward in supporting families and encouraging adoption within the state.
House Bill 1083, signed into law in 2023 and recently updated, aims to enhance support for certain employees adopting children. It recognizes adoption’s financial and emotional challenges and seeks to provide meaningful assistance to ease these burdens. The bill introduces several key benefits that make the adoption process more accessible and less financially strenuous for state employees.
Qualifying employees can now receive a lump sum monetary benefit of$25,000 per child if adopting a difficult-to-place ·child and $10,000 per child reimbursement for adopting a child who is not difficult-to-place, both subject to applicable taxes. Employees need to contact their human resources department for additional guidance to apply for these benefits. This benefit substantially increases from previous allocations and represents a meaningful investment in supporting adoptive families.
The new benefits introduced by HB 1083 are set to have a profound impact on Florida employees, demonstrating the state’s commitment to their well-being. The reimbursement for adoption expenses significantly lowers the financial barriers to adoption, making it more feasible for employees to expand their families through adoption. By setting a precedent for comprehensive adoption benefits, the bill may inspire other employers in Florida to offer similar support to their employees. Additionally, the increased financial and emotional support for state employees may lead to a greater number of adoptions, helping to address the needs of children waiting for forever homes.
We help families adopt from foster care and would love to help you. For more information, contact us at [email protected]