Working With a Gestational Carrier in Florida: What to Know

For many hopeful parents, gestational surrogacy offers a powerful path to building a family. If you're exploring this option, understanding the process of working with a gestational carrier in Florida is an essential first step. From legal guidelines to clinical care, Florida has become one of the most surrogacy-friendly states in the U.S. but it’s important to know the details before you begin. 

What Is a Gestational Carrier? 

A gestational carrier (also known as a gestational surrogate) is a woman who carries a pregnancy for someone else but is not genetically related to the baby. The embryo is created using the intended parents’ or donors’ egg and sperm through in vitro fertilization (IVF), then transferred into the gestational carrier’s uterus. 

This is different from traditional surrogacy, where the surrogate uses her own egg. In Florida, gestational surrogacy is most commonly practiced and legally supported, for most intended parents.  

How the Gestational Carrier Process Works in Florida 

Florida has clear laws and a well-established legal framework for gestational surrogacy, making it one of the most attractive states for intended parents and gestational carriers. Here’s a overview of the process: 

Eligibility and Matching 

Intended parents (IP) can be individuals or couples of any gender or sexual orientation. The first step is often a consultation with a fertility clinic and a surrogacy agency, where you’ll discuss your goals and undergo initial medical and psychological screening. 

Gestational carriers are carefully screened to ensure they are physically and emotionally healthy, typically meeting criteria such as: 

• Having had at least one healthy pregnancy 

• Being between 21 and 40 years old 

• Passing a thorough medical evaluation 

• Completing a psychological assessment 

At IVFMD, we work with many agencies that can help match intended parents with a compatible and qualified gestational carrier. 

Legal Agreements and Contracts 

Individuals and couples will retain a reproductive attorney and finalize a legally binding gestational surrogacy agreement before the embryo transfer, ensuring all necessary legal protections are in place. Under Florida law, it is strongly advised that each party retain independent legal counsel. 

Medical Procedures 

Once legal documents are obtained: 

• The intended mother or egg donor undergoes IVF to retrieve eggs 

• Fertilization occurs in the lab using sperm from the intended father or donor 

• The resulting embryo(s) are transferred to the gestational carrier's uterus 

The carrier is monitored closely throughout the pregnancy first by the fertility clinic, and then by an OB/GYN. Intended parents often participate in appointments, fostering a strong connection throughout the journey. 

Pregnancy and Birth 

During the pregnancy, the gestational carrier receives prenatal care as with any pregnancy. Communication and support between the carrier and intended parents are essential.