Surrogacy in Fort Lauderdale offers a path to parenthood for couples facing infertility challenges. With advancements in reproductive technology, surrogacy allows couples to have children when traditional methods aren’t an option. In Fort Lauderdale, surrogacy is fully legal, providing a supportive legal framework for both intended parents and surrogates. A surrogate mother carries the embryo of a couple who cannot conceive naturally, offering a life-changing opportunity for those in need. If you’re exploring surrogacy in Fort Lauderdale, this article will guide you through the legalities, costs, and top clinics in the area, helping you make an informed decision as you begin your journey to parenthood.
Is Surrogacy Legal in Fort Lauderdale, FL?
Yes — surrogacy is completely legal in Fort Lauderdale and throughout the state of Florida. The state’s surrogacy laws are among the most supportive in the U.S., especially for gestational surrogacy, where the surrogate carries an embryo that is not genetically related to her.
Under Florida law, both married heterosexual and same-sex couples can pursue surrogacy as long as they meet certain requirements. The process involves signing a detailed surrogacy contract that outlines parental rights, compensation, medical care, and other important conditions. Once the child is born, intended parents can easily establish legal parenthood through a pre-birth or post-birth order issued by the court.
Still, because the legal process can be complex, both intended parents and surrogates must have separate surrogacy attorneys to protect their rights.
Surrogacy Cost in Fort Lauderdale
The total cost of surrogacy in Fort Lauderdale typically ranges between $100,000 and $150,000, depending on the clinic, agency, and medical procedures involved. Here’s a general breakdown:
Surrogate compensation: $40,000–$60,000
Agency and coordination fees: $20,000–$30,000
IVF and medical procedures: $25,000–$40,000
Legal and administrative costs: $10,000–$15,000
Insurance or medical coverage: $10,000–$20,000 (if needed)
If you already have frozen embryos, your total cost can be slightly lower since you won’t need a full IVF cycle. However, you’ll still need to pay for the embryo transfer (FET) and the surrogate’s related medical care.
While some insurance plans may cover parts of prenatal care or delivery, most do not fully cover surrogate pregnancies. You can purchase surrogacy-specific insurance if your surrogate’s existing policy doesn’t apply.
Surrogacy in Florida usually costs $100,000–$150,000, depending on medical and legal factors
Fort Lauderdale and the surrounding South Florida area are home to several highly rated fertility and surrogacy clinics offering advanced reproductive technologies and personalized care. Some of the top options include:
IVF Florida Reproductive Associates – Known for their high success rates and experienced reproductive endocrinologists.
UHealth Fertility Center – Plantation – Provides full IVF and embryo transfer services with cutting-edge facilities.
Palm Beach Fertility Center – A trusted name for comprehensive fertility care, serving many surrogacy cases in southern Florida.
Creative Love Egg Donor & Surrogacy Agency – A family planning center offering surrogacy services in Fort Lauderdale, Florida (2787 E Oakland Park Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33306, United States)
Many intended parents already have embryos created from earlier fertility treatments and can continue their journey through these clinics.
For detailed information on how to choose the best surrogacy agency, continue reading our comprehensive guide.
Legal guidance is a vital part of any surrogacy journey in Florida. A qualified surrogacy lawyer ensures that your agreement complies with state laws and protects everyone’s rights throughout the process.
Here are a few respected Fort Lauderdale surrogacy attorneys and law firms you might consider:
Marla Neufeld, Esq. – Florida Bar Board Certified in surrogacy and reproductive law.
Gellar Law and Mediation – Offers family law and surrogacy contract services.
Remember that the intended parents are typically responsible for covering the surrogate’s legal fees as part of the agreement.
Affordable Alternatives for Intended Parents
Although Fort Lauderdale offers excellent medical and legal infrastructure for surrogacy, the overall cost can still be overwhelming for many families. That’s why some intended parents choose international or alternative surrogacy programs that provide the same quality care at a fraction of the price.
For example, VitaLife offers complete surrogacy packages ranging from $20,000 to $30,000, including IVF, embryo transfer, and full coordination. These programs give families the opportunity to experience parenthood while saving significantly — money that can later be invested in their child’s future.
Final Thoughts
Starting your surrogacy journey in Fort Lauderdale, FL is an exciting and life-changing decision. With supportive state laws, reputable fertility clinics, and experienced surrogacy professionals, this city offers a solid foundation for intended parents and surrogates alike.
However, it’s essential to plan carefully, understand the legal requirements, and consider all financial aspects before moving forward. Whether you choose a local agency or explore affordable alternatives like VitaLife, the most important thing is finding the right path to bring your baby home safely and with peace of mind.