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Named as Executor
What an executor actually does: getting appointed, notifying creditors, paying debts and taxes, and where personal liability starts.
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Death of a Parent
A step-by-step guide to what happens after a parent dies: the documents to find, the certificates to order, and whether probate is even required.
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Loss of a Spouse
What a surviving spouse needs to do: death certificates, survivor benefits, whether probate is even required, and the tax election that expires.
Learn moreForms for Settling an Estate in Florida
Free forms for settling an estate in Florida: probate petition, small estate affidavit, creditor notice and closing forms. Prepare each form for Florida.
Notice to Creditors
In Florida, the notice to creditors is published for 2Fla. Stat. §§ 733.2121, 733.702 (later of 3 months from first publication or 30 days from service on a served creditor), 733.703, 733.705, 733.707, 733.710Verified Oct 18, 2026View source weeks in a local newspaper, and creditors have 3 monthsFla. Stat. § 733.702Verified Sep 8, 2026View source from first publication to present claims.
Estate Inventory
In Florida, the personal representative files the estate inventory within 60 daysFla. Prob. R. 5.340; Fla. Stat. § 733.604Verified Sep 15, 2026View source of appointment.
Estate Closing
In Florida, the personal representative is discharged by court orderFla. Prob. R. 5.400(e); Fla. Stat. § 733.901Verified Sep 15, 2026View source, and a final accounting is required unless it is waived.
IRS Form 1310
Claim a refund due a deceased taxpayer on the official form, on the box the form routes you to, with what the form says to attach.
Letter of Instruction
Prepare the letter a bank or insurer requests during estate settlement, addressed to its claims department.
Tools for Settling an Estate in Florida
Free tools for settling an estate in Florida: whether probate is needed, executor and trustee pay, creditor deadlines and taxes. Run each tool for Florida.
How Much Can an Executor Charge?
Florida sets executor compensation on a statutory schedule that is presumed reasonable — about $15,000 on a $500,000 estate, roughly 3.0%Fla. Stat. § 733.617Verified Sep 8, 2026View source.
Can I Self-File Probate?
Florida has no statewide fill-in probate petition, so the opening petition is drafted as a legal pleading, and informal probate is not available.
How Do I Get Letters Testamentary?
In Florida, the Circuit Court issues Letters of Administration once the Circuit Court appoints the personal representative; every appointment goes through the court.
What Are the Creditor Claim Deadlines?
In Florida, creditors have 3 monthsFla. Stat. § 733.702Verified Sep 8, 2026View source from first publication of the creditor notice to present claims; late claims are barred.
What Happens When an Estate Is Insolvent?
When an estate owes more than it holds, Florida pays the claims in 8Fla. Stat. § 733.707Verified Sep 23, 2026View source classes in statutory order, beginning with costs and expenses of administration, and compensation of personal representatives and their attorneys.
How Do I Claim a Deceased Person's Unclaimed Property?
In Florida, a deceased owner's unclaimed property is claimed from the Florida Department of Financial Services, Division of Unclaimed PropertyFla. Stat. Chapter 717 (Florida Disposition of Abandoned Personal Property Act); §§ 717.124, 717.1243, 717.1261; Fla. Admin. Code R. 69G-20.0022Verified Aug 24, 2026View source.
How Do I Open an Estate Account When Someone Dies?
Compare estate-account opening requirements bank by bank: channels, required documents, and steps.
Hire a Florida Probate Attorney
Browse 152 probate firms in Florida with addresses, contact info, and practice details.
Florida Estate Settlement Resources
In-depth guides covering Florida probate, estate administration, and settling an estate.
