In the State of Florida, Paternity can be established through a variety of means. One way is governed by Florida Statute 742.12 Scientific testing to determine paternity.--
“In any proceeding to establish paternity, the court on its own motion may require the child, mother, and alleged fathers to submit to scientific tests that are generally acceptable within the scientific community to show a probability of paternity. The court shall direct that the tests be conducted by a qualified technical laboratory.”
Through Marriage
Any child born during the course of an intact marriage raises a presumption that the husband is the legal and biological father of the child and as a result all of the rights and obligations fall on the husband. This type of paternity can be overcome but remember it is public policy to make sure that each child has a “Father.”
Boyfriend / Girlfriend / Child Support
This is the type of case that I see quite often. Boyfriend and Girlfriend are together and boyfriend signs the birth certificate and along with the girlfriend provides support for the minor child. After a while the parties decide to break up and one party applies for public assistance. At that time, the Department of Revenue will get involved to make sure the parent who is applying for public assistance is receiving the necessary child support payments. During the relationship, or after DOR is involved, paternity is generally established, because before child support is placed on someone paternity has to be determined.