In Florida, there are five ways to establish paternity:
Marriage: The parents are married to each other when the child is born.
Acknowledgement of Paternity: The unmarried couple signs a legal document in the hospital when the child is born, or later.
Administrative Order Based on Genetic Testing: Paternity is ordered if a genetic test proves fatherhood.
Court Order: A judge orders paternity in court.
Legitimation: The mother and natural father get married to each other after the child is born and update the birth record through the Florida Office of Vital Statistics.
Contact a Jacksonville Child Custody and Child Support Lawyer if you want to establish your rights as a father in Florida.