Working with a Gestational Carrier in Orlando, Florida

What Is a Gestational Carrier—and How Does It Work in Florida? 

If you'd like to grow your family but are unable to carry a pregnancy for any reason, a gestational carrier may be able to help you achieve your dreams of having a biological child. A gestational carrier is a woman who carries a baby created via in vitro fertilization (IVF), using embryos created from the biological parent’s eggs and/or sperm, donor gametes, or a combination of the two. The gestational carrier has no genetic connection to the child.  

The General Pathway for Intended Parents Using a Gestational Carrier in Florida 

Here’s a state-specific roadmap for intended parents considering a Florida gestational carrier: 

1. Explore and Decide – Determine whether gestational surrogacy aligns with your medical, personal, and emotional needs. Additionally, having a comprehensive financial consult is critical as there are many costs associated with this process, most of which come from outside of the clinic.

2. Medical Evaluation & IVF – Begin with a consultation at CRM to assess your fertility and have all your questions answered by a board-certified reproductive endocrinologist. The intended parent(s) undergo IVF procedures—egg retrieval, fertilization, and embryo creation. We are proud to offer all of these services at our on-site lab in Orlando, FL. 

3. Matching with a Carrier – The gestational carrier will go through extensive review including a thorough record review before she is accepted for screening. Once she has passed the review to qualify as a gestational carrier, a woman must pass additional medical and psychological screening and have experienced a least one full-term live birth.  Additionally, the intended parent(s) and gestational carrier go through a screening and matching process, followed by legal agreements to ensure all parties are protected.  The matching will occur through an agency, and we have a list of trusted agencies we most often work with.  Even if you find your GC on your own, you will have to partner with an agency in order to work with her at CRM to assist and coordinate this journey.

4. Legal Agreements – Retain a reproductive attorney and execute a binding gestational surrogacy agreement prior to embryo transfer, covering all the required legal protections. Florida law highly recommends that both parties have independent legal counsel. At the Center for Reproductive Medicine, we require the lawyers to send us clearance letters with a summary of your agreements and proof that contracts have been executed.

5. Embryo Transfer & Pregnancy – After clearance, the embryo transfer will be performed under CRM’s expert care. Many intended parents foster ongoing communication with the gestational carrier throughout the pregnancy.

6. Birth & Post-Birth Legal Steps – At birth, initiate the parentage proceedings within 3 days to have the child legally recognized as yours and issued a birth certificate under your names. 

Legal Considerations & Key Steps for Intended Parents in Florida 

Embarking on the gestational surrogacy journey in Florida brings both hope and legal responsibilities. To ensure clarity, safety, and a smooth experience, here are the foundational legal stages you’ll navigate: 

Drafting the Florida Gestational Surrogacy Agreement 

• Medical and psychological approvals must come first. The surrogate (and her spouse/partner, if applicable) must be fully cleared by both the IVF physician and a qualified mental health professional—these screenings are covered by the intended parents.  

• Once approvals are in place, an enforceable gestational surrogacy contract is drafted—conducted by separate attorneys for both the intended parents and the surrogate to ensure fairness and clarity.  

• Importantly, Florida law requires that a medical determination exists confirming the intended mother cannot safely gestate to term or that pregnancy would pose a significant health risk to her or the fetus.  

Understanding Florida’s Inclusive Legal Framework 

• Florida is widely regarded as one of the most surrogacy-friendly states. The law supports diverse paths to parenthood—including married couples, unmarried individuals, same-sex couples, and those using donor sperm, eggs, or embryos.  

Why Choose CRM for Your Florida Gestational Carrier Journey? 

• Decades of experience: The Center for Reproductive Medicine has served families in Central Florida since 1985, helping realize countless parenthood dreams. 

• Comprehensive fertility care: From diagnostic testing to IVF, donor services, and gestational surrogacy, CRM offers end-to-end reproductive solutions under one trusted roof. 

• Welcoming environment: We are committed to inclusivity—supporting same-sex couples and individuals with personalized, compassionate care. 

• Collaborative support: You and your carrier both receive expert-guided care every step of the way. 

• Expert third party department: at the Center for Reproductive Medicine, we have a dedicated third-party department who focuses on screening and managing your gestational carrier’s cycle and your embryo creation cycle when a gestational carrier will carry. 

Final Thoughts 

Working with a Florida gestational carrier through the Center for Reproductive Medicine blends heartfelt support with legal integrity and medical excellence. We combine personal warmth with state-specific expertise, guiding you through the legal nuances unique to Florida and fostering a trusting journey toward your growing family. 

Ready to begin? Request a consultation at one of our clinics in Winter Park, Celebration, or Lake Nona.