Florida doesn't have a traditional small-estate affidavit, but estates under $150,000 may qualify for Summary Administration, a faster and cheaper alternative to formal probate. Whether you need an attorney for the summary procedure depends on the situation; for full formal probate, most families retain counsel.

In Florida, the situations where retaining counsel is typically worth the cost are: blended families with children from prior relationships; ownership of a business, rental property, or significant investment assets; special-needs dependents who need a special-needs trust to preserve benefits; substantial property held in multiple states. If none of these describe your situation, the simpler online and DIY tools are often enough.

Start by filtering the directory above by your county and the practice area you need. Look for firms with experience in your specific situation — board certifications in estate planning, trust, or probate law are a strong signal. Most Florida estate planning attorneys offer an initial consultation; some are free, others charge a flat fee. Ask up front whether the firm bills by the hour or by flat-fee package, and what the expected cost is for your situation.