Estate Planning & Probate in Highlands County, Florida
Most Highlands County estate questions come down to one fork: avoid probate before a death, or work through it after one. This page points you to the right path—planning ahead, or settling an estate at the Clerk of Circuit Court.
The Probate Process in Highlands County
Probate is the court-supervised process of settling someone's estate after they die — validating the will, paying debts and taxes, and transferring what's left to the heirs. In Highlands County, probate runs through the Clerk of Circuit Court at 430 S. Commerce Avenue, Sebring. The court sits in the 10th Judicial Circuit. The same 10th Judicial Circuit also serves Hardee and Polk.
Full Highlands Countyprobate guide: cost, how to file & attorneys →Probate Court Record
Clerk of Circuit Court
Highlands County · 10th Judicial Circuit
Address
Phone
Hours
Recording Deeds & Property Documents
Recording Office Record
Clerk of the Circuit Court
Highlands County
Address
Phone
Hours
E-recording
$10 for the first page plus $8.5 for each additional page.
Full recording details →Verified September 4, 2026 · Source
Local Procedures at the Clerk of Circuit Court
The will must be deposited by the custodian with the Clerk in the county where the decedent resided within ten days after receiving information of the death (F.S. 732.901). The decedent's date of death and Social Security number must be provided; there is no fee to deposit a will.
Florida Estate Planning Articles
Articles about estate planning, probate, and trusts relevant to families in Highlands County.
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