Thousands of people benefit each year from the gifts generously given by organ & tissue donors. In fact, a single donor could potentially save or change the lives of nearly 60 people. Deciding to be a donor, and making your wishes known, is easy – join the Florida Organ and Tissue Donor Registry when renewing your driver license or identification card, or simply download a registry form from our web site, fill it out and share your decision with your family. You can make a difference. DONATE LIFE.

Frequently Asked Questions About Organ & Tissue Donation

What is the Florida Organ and Tissue Donor Registry?

Florida's Organ and Tissue Donor Registry was established in 1996 to allow Floridians to officially designate their wishes to donate life.  By completing and mailing or faxing the registry form, individuals can be officially listed in the state registry.  You can also designate your wishes when obtaining or renewing your license or identification card at your local driver license office.

The Registry is operated by the Agency for Healthcare Administration, a government entity of the State of Florida.  To learn more about this organization, please visit their website. 

How do I join Florida's Organ and Tissue Donor Registry?

Click here and follow the instructions to complete your registration.  You can also join the Registry when renewing your driver license or identification card at your local driver license office.

Registrants under the age of 18 still require parentla consent for donation to take place.

I put “organ donor” on my driver license, is that all I need to do to indicate my wish to be an organ donor?

Joining the Florida Organ Donation Registry can make your wishes known. This is known as “donor designation." In the event that organ donation is an option for you, your family will be contacted and informed of your decision. Tell your loved ones how important it is to you to donate and help others. Most often, family members who are aware of their loved one’s wishes will follow them.

What is Donor Designation?

The term used when a state has established policies or legislation to allow an individual's designation to become an organ donor to be binding. This designation is irrevocable at the time of one's death. Donor Designation is also referred to as "first-person consent." The Nick Oelrich Act, which was passed by the Florida Legislature in 2003, supports donor designation. How does the donation process work with the Registry?

How does the donation process work with the Registry?

All hospitals are required to contact their designated Organ Procurement Organization (OPO) when they identify a potential donor.  The OPO then checks the Registry to see if the potential donor has registered their wish to become and organ and/or tissue donor.  If the potential donor is registered, this information is shared with the family, and they will be consulted about the donor's medical/social history.  The OPO facilitates the donation process until organs have been recovered for transplant and have been transported to surgeons who will perform lifesaving transplants.

Can my family override my decision to donate?

Your donor designation on Florida's Organ and Tissue Donor Registry grants authorization for donation to take place.  Should you be in the position to donate, your next of kin will be presented with documentation of your registration.  We strongly encourage you to inform your family of your decision to become a donor so they will be prepared to assist in carrying out your wish.  If you are under the age of 18, your parents/legal guardian must give consent for donaiton to take place.

How will my family be informed of my decision?

We strongly encourage you to talk to your family about your decision to become a donor so they can be prepared to provide information about your medical and social history.  Your family will be supported by OPO staff throughout this entire process.

What if I change my minda after I sign up on the Registry?

To remove your wishes, you must renew your license and request they not designate you as a donor.  You may also call the Agency for Healthcare Administration to inquire about the removal of your name from the state registry.  They can be reached at (888) 419-3456.

Why do we need an Organ and Tissue Donor Registry?

Proor to the Registry, the responsibility for giving consent for donation fell solely on the donor's family.  Unfortunately, the family members were not always aware of their loved one's wishes regarding donation.  The Registry eliminates any doubt a family member may have about your wish to DONATE LIFE. 

Who can become a donor?

Almost everyone is eligible to become a donor regardless of age or past medical history. One’s medical condition at the time of death will determine which organs and/or tissue can be recovered.

If I put organ donor on my driver license, will it affect the care that I receive at a hospital if I am in a accident?

Medical professionals caring for you at a hospital after injury are completely separate from those involved with organ donation. In fact, the organization responsible for organ donation is not involved until after a patient has died. Your desire to be an organ donor will not alter the life-saving care you will receive if you are in an accident.

What organs & tissues can be donated to save lives?

Heart, liver, lungs, kidneys, pancreas and small intestine can be donated to save the lives of as many as eight people. Among the tissue that can be donated are skin, tendons, bone, heart valves, cornea and veins.

Will becoming an organ donor place additional financial burden on my family?

All costs incurred as a result of organ donation are paid for by the Organ Procurement Organization (OPO), Tissue Bank or Eye Bank. Costs related to efforts to save your life, and funeral costs, are still the family’s responsibility.

How does donation affect funeral arrangements?

Your decision to donate should not interfere with funeral arrangements. However, it is important that you let your funeral home of choice know of your desire to donate. Donation should not delay funeral arrangements or add to the cost. With funeral homes supporting donation, the body is carefully reconstructed and a normal, open casket funeral service may be held.

Your desire to be an organ donor may also be indicated in your living will or in your advance directives, or by simply sharing your wishes with your family.