This first edition of A Legal Handbook for LGBT Floridians and Their Families was a pro bono project of the law firm of Carlton Fields and is intended to be an easy reference source for same-sex couples in Florida – particularly with respect to long-term planning related to health, family and financial considerations. It contains useful legal and practical information on topics of special interest to the LGBT community, but its use is by no means limited to LGBT couples. Single Floridians, including unmarried couples, should find this booklet informative and helpful. The material provided is based on the laws and practices of the State of Florida and its agencies, and in some cases, the laws and practices of the federal government. This Handbook cannot answer every question, nor can it replace the advice and counsel of an attorney when needed. Rather, it provides information of a general nature and answers to some of the more common questions that LGBT Floridians often have.
This Handbook deals with laws and policies that may change often, particularly in the area of LGBT rights. Consequently, when the Handbook directs you to a particular statute, rule or agency, please check to make sure that the information is current.
©2026 Carlton Fields, P.A. Carlton Fields practices law in California through Carlton Fields, LLP. Carlton Fields publications should not be construed as legal advice on any specific facts or circumstances. The contents are intended for general information and educational purposes only, and should not be relied on as if it were advice about a particular fact situation. The distribution of this publication is not intended to create, and receipt of it does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship with Carlton Fields. This publication may not be quoted or referred to in any other publication or proceeding without the prior written consent of the firm, to be given or withheld at our discretion. To request reprint permission for any of our publications, please use our Contact Us form via the link below. The views set forth herein are the personal views of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the firm. This site may contain hypertext links to information created and maintained by other entities. Carlton Fields does not control or guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this outside information, nor is the inclusion of a link to be intended as an endorsement of those outside sites.
