At Creative Love Egg Donor & Surrogacy Agency, one of the most heartfelt questions we get is, “Can I be a surrogate in Florida if I don’t live there?” Truth is yes, you absolutely can. But as with any surrogacy journey, there are layers to the answer that deserve some care, compassion, and clarity. If you’re a woman thinking about how to give the most beautiful gift to a family, then this blog is for you.
Key Takeaways
- You don’t need to live in Florida to begin your surrogacy journey.
- Florida surrogacy agencies like Creative Love support out-of-state surrogates.
- Gestational surrogacy offers legal and emotional clarity.
- Strict but supportive surrogate qualifications keep everyone safe.
- Becoming a surrogate is a deeply rewarding journey.
Why So Many Families Choose Surrogacy in Florida
There’s something truly special about surrogacy in Florida.
Not only is Florida one of the most surrogate-friendly states in the U.S., but it also has clear, thoughtful laws that protect both the surrogate and the intended parents.
Combine that with top-tier IVF clinics and warm-hearted professionals, and you have a space where families are born in love.
Even if you’re not a Florida resident, even if you’re from across the country or across the ocean, it’s still very possible to become a gestational carrier here. We’re here to show you how.
Do I Have to Live in Florida to Be a Surrogate?
Not at all. You don’t have to be a Florida resident to be a surrogate in Florida.
In fact, many of the incredible women we work with come from other states and choose Florida because of how welcoming and secure the process is here.
Here’s how it works:
The Baby’s Birth Location Matters
Most often, the baby is born in Florida. This allows us to ensure all the legal pieces are in place, like naming the intended parents as the legal parents through a pre-birth order.
Florida’s Laws Welcome You
Whether you live in Georgia, New York, California, or anywhere else, Florida surrogacy laws protect non-resident surrogates, as long as the legal contract follows state guidelines.
We Help Coordinate Every Step
From IVF clinic appointments to the birth, we help make the journey feel seamless, safe, and supported.
What Are the Surrogate Qualifications?
We believe every woman who feels called to this journey deserves respect and support and we also want to make sure it’s the right fit.
That’s why we have a thoughtful list of surrogate qualifications in place to protect everyone involved.
Here’s a general overview:
✅ Between 21 and 40 years old
✅Have had at least one healthy, uncomplicated pregnancy
✅ Raising at least one child of your own
✅ Emotionally and physically healthy
✅ Financially stable (not receiving public housing or cash assistance)
✅ No smoking, drugs, or recent criminal record
✅ Healthy body mass index (BMI)
✅ A loving and reliable support system
We’ll guide you through a detailed screening process, which includes reviewing your medical records, checking in with a mental health professional, and visiting a trusted IVF clinic.
Every woman’s story is different, and we look at each application with care, on a case-by-case basis.
What Is Gestational Surrogacy?
At Creative Love, we support gestational surrogacy, which means you, the surrogate, are not genetically related to the baby you carry.
The embryo is created using an egg donor or the intended mother’s egg, and a sperm donor or intended father’s sperm.
This means you’re offering something absolutely beautiful, the gift of a safe space for a baby to grow, without a genetic link. It also makes the legal aspects clearer for everyone involved.
Our job as your surrogacy agency is to hold space for all the parts of this journey: medical, emotional, legal, and everything in between. And we do it with care.
Understanding the Legal Side of Surrogacy in Florida
Florida has some of the clearest and most compassionate surrogacy laws in the U.S. They help ensure that everyone, the surrogate, the intended parent(s), and the baby, is legally protected.
Some key points:
- A pre-birth order makes sure the intended parents are listed as the baby’s legal parents before birth.
- Florida will issue a birth certificate with the intended parents’ names, regardless of any genetic connection.
- The law supports same sex couples, heterosexual couples, and people of all sexual orientations.
As the American Society for Reproductive Medicine notes, “Gestational surrogacy agreements should be in place before medical treatment begins, and the legal parentage of the child should be established under state law.” [Source]
While pre-birth orders can be obtained before the baby is born, they are not legal declarations of parentage. Instead, they authorize hospital access and decision-making authority.
A petition for a post-birth order must be filed within 72 hours of delivery. The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics honors Florida court parentage orders and will prepare an amended birth certificate.
From first heartbeat to birth day, your role is honored and protected. Our legal partners are there to make sure your surrogacy contract is strong, loving, and enforceable, even across state lines.
I Don’t Live in Florida — How Does This Work for Me?
It may feel overwhelming at first, but we promise, we’ve got you.
We’ve walked alongside so many out-of-state gestational carriers, and we know how to make the process feel manageable and meaningful.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Travel Help: You’ll travel to Florida for some key appointments, like the embryo transfer and the baby’s birth. We help handle all the logistics so you can focus on your well-being.
- Local Monitoring: Most IVF clinics allow you to do early medical screening and monitoring near your home. We coordinate with clinics to make things as smooth as possible.
- Creating Connection: We support a close relationship between you and your intended parents, even if you’re not nearby. Many surrogates form lifelong bonds with the families they help create.
Why Choosing the Right Surrogacy Agency Matters
We know that behind every application is a woman with a big heart, a personal story, and a desire to help.
At Creative Love, we’re more than just a team of surrogacy professionals, we’re people who believe in the beauty of family.
When you work with us, you get:
- A deeply experienced team that listens to your heart
- Full support through your surrogate application, legal documents, and everything in between
- Connections to the best reproductive medicine experts
- Matching with intended parents who are emotionally and financially ready
- Ongoing guidance and emotional care
You’re never just a number here. You’re someone we’ll cheer for, check in on, and care about long after the baby is born.
The Medical Part of the Surrogacy Process
We know this part can feel a little technical, but don’t worry, we’ll walk you through it all.
As a surrogate, you’ll go through some important health steps to prepare for a healthy pregnancy.
This includes:
- Reviewing your medical records
- Bloodwork and health screenings
- A uterine exam to make sure your body is ready for embryo transfer
- Consultations with experts in maternal fetal medicine, if needed
This is all done with the support of a kind, experienced IVF clinic.
You’ll have us, and your intended parent(s), cheering you on every step of the way.
Will I Be Compensated?
Yes. While many surrogates say the emotional reward is the biggest gift of all, fair compensation is still important, and deserved.
As a Florida surrogate (even if you don’t live in Florida), you’ll receive:
- Base compensation
- Travel reimbursement
- Maternity clothing allowance
- Monthly cash assistance
- Lost wages, if applicable
We honor your time, your energy, your body, and your heart.
You Deserve to Be Supported Every Step of the Way
This is not just a process. It’s a life changing experience. We make sure you never walk it alone.
You’ll have access to a caring mental health professional, a strong support system, and a community of other gestational carriers who truly get it.
Many of our surrogates stay connected long after the journey is over, because these bonds run deep.
And no matter what, our Creative Love team is just a call or message away.
So, Can You Be a Surrogate in Florida if You Don’t Live Here?
Yes, you can. If you feel called to give the gift of life, to help a couple or individual become a parent, we’d be honored to walk beside you.
Whether you’ve had an uncomplicated pregnancy, are raising your own family, or just feel that tug in your heart that this is something you’re meant to do, we see you. We’re ready when you are.
Let’s talk about how to make your surrogacy journey possible, no matter your geographic location.
Let’s Take the First Step, Together
If your heart is open to becoming a surrogate, we’re here. With compassion. With expertise. And with love.
Start your surrogate application today or just reach out with your questions.
Let’s change lives together, one family, one baby, one brave woman at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the surrogacy process like in Florida?
The surrogacy process in Florida typically includes matching with intended parents, completing medical screening and legal contracts, undergoing embryo transfer, and carrying the pregnancy to term. Florida is a surrogate-friendly state, making it a welcoming place for both gestational surrogates and intended parents.
Can surrogates in Florida live in another state?
Yes! You do not have to live in Florida to become a surrogate. Many Florida surrogates come from other states and participate in gestational surrogacy with support from trusted surrogacy agencies like Creative Love.
What’s the difference between a gestational carrier and a traditional surrogate?
A gestational carrier is not genetically related to the child she carries. The embryo is created using an egg donor or the intended mother’s egg and a sperm donor or the intended father’s sperm. Gestational surrogacy offers a clear legal framework, unlike traditional arrangements.
Are there specific medical requirements to become a surrogate?
Yes, all gestational surrogates must meet strict medical requirements. These include a healthy body mass index, at least one previous uncomplicated pregnancy, and clearance from a fertility clinic after comprehensive medical screening.
What are the qualifications to be a gestational carrier?
Gestational carrier qualifications include being between 21 and 40 years old, having at least one child of your own, good physical and emotional health, and not receiving public financial assistance. Each application is reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
How do surrogacy agencies support out-of-state surrogates?
Surrogacy agencies coordinate every step for surrogates who live outside Florida. This includes travel support, local medical monitoring, legal guidance, and emotional support throughout your rewarding journey.
What is involved in the medical screening for surrogates?
Medical screening involves reviewing your medical history, physical exams, lab tests, and sometimes psychological evaluations. This ensures that gestational surrogates are physically and mentally prepared for the surrogacy journey.
Is gestational surrogacy legal in Florida?
Yes, Florida has clear laws that support gestational surrogacy. These laws allow for pre-birth orders, protect intended parents’ rights, and provide a safe legal environment for all parties involved in the surrogacy process.
Can I become a surrogate if I’ve never been pregnant before?
No. One of the gestational carrier qualifications is having at least one previous healthy pregnancy. This ensures the surrogate has firsthand experience with pregnancy and a proven ability to carry a child to term.
How does assisted reproductive technology play a role in surrogacy?
Assisted reproductive technology (ART) includes IVF, embryo transfer, egg donation, and sperm donation. These technologies make it possible for gestational surrogates to carry a child without being genetically related to the baby.
Wendy Arker entered the field of infertility with a huge heart and passion to guild others on their quest to grow their own family after her personal journey with infertility and turning to egg donation and sperm donation to create her own family. Being a single-mother-by-choice, Wendy understands firsthand the unique way families are built. Whether you’re a married couple, single, or LBGTQ, Creative Love is committed to assisting you.
