The Florida Legislature passed the “Safe Haven Law” in 2000 to provide a safe location for parents to take unwanted newborns without fear of prosecution. The law originally established hospitals and fire stations to be the primary Safe Haven locations, but expanded the list to include emergency medical services (EMS) stations in 2001. Although little formal statistical data has been gathered on abandonment, the Gloria M. Silverio Foundation (A Safe Haven for Newborns) has reported that over 77 newborns have been taken to Safe Haven locations in Florida since the law was enacted in 2000.

Florida Statute 383.50, commonly known as the Safe Haven Law, allows a parent to drop off an unwanted baby that is 3 days old or younger at any full time fire station, EMS station or hospital. The parent may leave the child with a firefighter, emergency medical technician, paramedic or hospital employee without fear of prosecution providing there is no suspected abuse or actual signs of abuse. The parent may remain anonymous throughout the process, but may be asked to volunteer medical information for the future medical care of the infant.

The parent may reclaim the child at any point up until the court enters a judgment terminating his or her parental rights. Once the parental rights of the birth parents are terminated, the child is placed in the protective custody of the state and will eventually become available for adoption.

If you are considering abandoning your newborn, there are resources available for you. The Safe Haven For Newborns non-profit foundation has a 24-hour toll free hotline and website with information available on the Safe Haven Law. The foundation can be found at www.asafehavenfornewborns.com or 1-877-767-2229. Brochures are also available in English, Spanish and Creole at the Fort Myers Beach Fire Control District building.

All Fort Myers Beach fire stations are Safe Haven locations. For information on locations please refer to the “locations” link on the home page. 

To see an educational video on the Safe Haven Law click here.