Genetic Testing

Florida has the authority to use administrative orders for genetic testing to assist in establishing paternity.  Administrative orders are an alternative to orders for genetic testing issued by the court, and will reduce judicial time when noncustodial parents comply.

An administrative order for a genetic test notifies the noncustodial parent by mail of the time, date and place to appear to have the genetic tissue sample taken, and provides a copy of the mother's affidavit as an attachment. Noncustodial parents are given the opportunity to agree to paternity and/or support at the appointment if a genetic test is not desired.  If the results of the genetic test exclude the noncustodial parent as the father, a case may not be filed against him.

When a case is filed with the clerk of court, the judicial process is used to obtain a court order for genetic testing.  The noncustodial parent may sign an agreement called a stipulation or the judge may order genetic testing during a court hearing.  After the order is signed by a judge, all parties are scheduled for genetic testing.  Results are filed with the court and a hearing may be held for the final determination of paternity when the noncustodial parent cannot be excluded.

The state of Florida currently uses two (2) genetic testing laboratories: LabCorp of America Holdings, Inc., and Orchid/Genescreen, Inc. LabCorp is the primary provider for Regions 2 through 5 and Manatee County and performs approximately 75% of all tests. Orchid/Genescreen is the primary provider for Region 1 and Dade County and performs approximately 25% of all the tests.

The Department's primary collection method in the state of Florida is buccal swab. Buccal swab eliminates the need to have blood drawn because a sample is taken by rubbing the inside of the mouth with a cotton swab. Collection of a sample can be obtained from adults as well as newborns. The type of test conducted at each laboratory is DNA testing. The cost is $45 per person tested through LabCorps of America Holdings and $51 per person tested through Orchid/Genescreen. The approximate test turnaround time between sample collection and the time the results are received in the appropriate region is approximately 11 calendar days. All contracted labs are responsible for performing tests in intrastate, interstate, prison/jail, and even military paternity cases. The total costs for DNA testing are initially paid by the Department of Revenue. The costs for genetic testing will be assessed against and recovered from the alleged father if he is found to be the biological parent through genetic testing and/or is determined to be the legal father by court or through his own agreement.