( CNN ) -- A lesbian couple have applied to adopt a child after Florida 's child advocacy agency announced it wo n't fight a court ruling that found the state 's ban on such adoptions unconstitutional . Jennifer Haseman and Hillary Jovi , who were unaware of Tuesday 's announcement by the state , called Family Services of Metro Orlando , central Florida 's child protective contractor , to begin the process of adoption . The couple believed they could make their dream a reality after a September decision by the Third District Court of Appeal that lifted Florida 's three-decade ban on gay adoption . `` We 've wanted to adopt ever since we discussed wanting a family , '' said Jovi , who said she has had a 12-year relationship with Haseman . `` We always wanted to have our own children and adopt . '' The couple , formerly from New York , had considered moving back there just for the opportunity to adopt a child . Both women have battled infertility . The Florida Department of Children and Families said any appeal by the state agency was likely to be unsuccessful following opinions from the appeal court and a circuit court judge in Miami , Florida . Gov . Charlie Crist ordered the department to stop enforcing the ban after the circuit court ruling . `` I do n't think for us it is about sexual orientation so much as it is about a kid that deserves a second chance with a good parent or parents , '' said DCF spokeswoman Carrie Hoeppner . The ACLU of Florida represented licensed foster parent Frank Martin Gill , who wanted to adopt two boys who had been placed in his care after the Department of Children and Families removed them from their home for neglect . He sued to have the adoption ban overturned . `` We are happy to hear that DCF wants to bring this case to an end and allow the Gill family to get on with their lives , '' said Howard Simon , ACLU of Florida executive director . But , the director says , the case is not yet final . `` What is needed now is a similar statement from Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum that will formally end this case and allow judges to decide -- on a case-by-case basis -- what is in the best interests of children . '' Ryan Wiggins , spokeswoman for McCollum , said , `` We appreciate the announcement , and look forward to a conversation with DCF about what the next actions will be . '' The attorney general office has until October 22 to file an appeal . Florida was the only remaining state to prohibit gay adoption . The state agency said Wednesday it has removed from adoption forms the question about an applicant 's sexual orientation . Jovi , an event planner and Haseman , a restaurant manager , said Monday they plan to attend an orientation class as the first step to become approved for adoption . Haseman said , `` I think it 's going to be a really , really , great thing to just be able to help a child that needs a place , a home and needs love . ''
Couple file to adopt in Florida , hours after a state announcement on the issue . An appeals court recently overturned state 's ban on such adoptions . The state said Tuesday it would not appeal the ruling .