What to Do When Someone Dies in Levy County, Florida

Probate in Levy County runs through the Clerk of Circuit Court: prove the will, settle the debts, and pass the house to the heirs. Here is how the local process works—and what each step actually costs.

When someone dies in Levy County, settling their estate runs through the Clerk of Circuit Court. This page covers the court record, whether probate is required, what it costs, how to file, transferring property, and the local attorneys who handle probate here.

Probate Court Record

Clerk of Circuit Court

Levy County · 8th Judicial Circuit

Address

355 S. Court StreetBronson, FL 32621

Hours

Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Visit court website →
Paper filing availableE-filing required for attorneysSelf-filing allowed

Departments

  • Probate Division352-486-5266 ext. 1259

Verified July 3, 2026 · Source

How Probate Works in Levy 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 Levy County, probate runs through the Clerk of Circuit Court at 355 S. Court Street, Bronson. The court sits in the 8th Judicial Circuit. The same 8th Judicial Circuit also serves Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Gilchrist and Union.

The personal representative opens the case, gives notice to heirs and creditors, files an inventory of the estate's assets, settles outstanding debts and taxes, and then distributes the remainder under the will — or under Florida intestacy law when there is no will.

Most Florida estates take 9 months to 12 months to move through this process. The 3 monthsFla. Stat. § 733.702Verified Sep 8, 2026View source creditor claim window is the largest fixed piece of that timeline — a mandatory wait regardless of how simple the estate is.

What Probate Costs in Levy County

What probate costs in Levy County, Florida comes down to a handful of line items — the court filing fee, attorney and executor compensation, publication, and sometimes a bond — scaled by the estate's size and whether the will is contested. The case itself runs through the Clerk of Circuit Court at 355 S. Court Street, Bronson. The court is part of the 8th Judicial Circuit.

Probate matters are handled through the Probate Division. Filing and payment go through these offices, not the main clerk window.

Levy County runs a probate self-help center, which is the single biggest cost-saver for families who can self-file. Staff can walk you through the paperwork and explain procedures, though they cannot give legal advice on your specific case. Call 352-264-6991.

Florida charges $399Fla. Stat. § 28.2401(1)(g), (3)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source to open probate, the same in every county. Additional filings during administration — inventory, accounting, the final petition — add to the total.

E-filing is mandatory for attorneys filing at the Clerk of Circuit Court (https://www.myflcourtaccess.com/). Self-represented filers can request a paper-filing exemption.

Estimate the costs for this estate:

Attorney fees in Florida are based on reasonable compensation — usually hourly billing or a flat fee for the engagement.

Executor compensation is based on reasonable pay for time and effort. Family members who are also beneficiaries often waive the fee — executor pay is taxable income while inheritances are not.

Florida requires publishing creditor notice in a local newspaper, typically $200–$500. Professional appraisals for real estate or business interests add $300–$600 per asset.

A surety bond may be required unless the will waives it or all beneficiaries consent. Premiums run roughly 0.5%Fla. Stat. § 733.402Verified Sep 8, 2026View source of estate value annually.

Probate in Florida typically runs 9 months to 12 months, and costs accrue throughout that period.

How to File Probate at the Clerk of Circuit Court

If you're handling probate yourself in Levy County, Florida, you can file at the Clerk of Circuit Court in person or by mail. E-filing is mandatory for attorneys but families filing without one are exempt and can use paper forms. The court sits in the 8th Judicial Circuit.

Filings here are routed through the Probate Division. Confirm with the office which intake handles the petition type you're filing.

How to File Your Documents

Paper Filing Available

You can file your probate documents in person or by mail. While attorneys are required to e-file in Levy County, families handling probate themselves are exempt and can file on paper.

E-Filing Also Available

If you prefer, you can file electronically through the state's online system. This is optional for families filing without an attorney.

View E-Filing Information

Can You File Without an Attorney?

Not every estate requires an attorney. Estate size, asset types, and whether beneficiaries agree determine if self-filing at the Clerk of Circuit Court is realistic. Levy County has a self-help center that assists people filing without an attorney.

For a full cost comparison and filing checklist, see the Levy County Self-Filing Assessment.

Levy County Filing Requirements

These are specific requirements for filing probate in this county. Following these guidelines will help avoid delays or rejected filings.

Before You File

Disposition of Personal Property Without Administration may be filed pro se

The Disposition of Personal Property Without Administration may be filed without the assistance of an attorney through the Deputy Clerk in the Probate Division.

Source

Document Requirements

Original will deposited within 10 days; no fee

Per F.S. 732.901 the custodian must deposit the decedent's will with the Clerk in the county of residence within 10 days of learning of the death; a will cannot be deposited for safekeeping while the testator is alive, and there is no fee to deposit a will.

Source

What to Bring

To file at the Clerk of Circuit Court you need: the original will (or proof there isn't one), a certified death certificate, contact information for all heirs and beneficiaries, and a summary of what the estate owns and owes.

Transferring Property in Levy County

Clearing title to real estate after a death, whether by a personal representative’s deed, an affidavit of survivorship, or a court order, happens at the Clerk of the Circuit Court.

Deeds and other real property documents for Levy County are recorded with the Clerk of the Circuit Court at 355 South Court Street, Bronson, FL 32621. Phone: 352-486-5266. Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM.

The Clerk of the Circuit Court charges $10 for the first page plus $9 for each additional page.

Levy County accepts electronic recording through Simplifile, CSC, eRecording Partners Network (ePN).

Recording Office Record

Clerk of the Circuit Court

Levy County

Address

355 South Court StreetBronson, FL 32621

Fax

352-486-5166

Hours

Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

E-recording

Available via Simplifile, CSC, eRecording Partners Network (ePN)E-recording info →
Visit recorder website →

Recording fees

Base fee (first page)$10
Each additional page$8.5

Fla. Stat. 28.24(13), (13)(c), (13)(d), (13)(e); Fla. Stat. 201.02(1)(a)

Verified September 4, 2026 · Source

Probate Attorneys Serving Levy County

Florida uses formal, court-supervised probate, which makes an attorney worthwhile for most estates in Levy County — the filing sequence, notice requirements, and accounting leave little room for error. Estates under the small-estate threshold are the usual exception.

Florida uses a presumed-reasonable fee schedule for probate attorneys — the percentages are a starting point that can be negotiated, especially for simple estates. Levy County firms typically follow the schedule for routine work and negotiate on complex matters.

A probate attorney files the petition with the Clerk of Circuit Court, publishes the required creditor notices, prepares the inventory and accounting, handles creditor claims and tax filings, and guides the final distribution. They represent the personal representative — not the beneficiaries — a distinction that matters if a dispute develops.

Solo PracticeGainesville, FL

Clayton-Johnston, P.A.

Since 1927 · Serves 11 counties

Gainesville firm founded in 1927 by E.G. Baxter and E.A. Clayton, one of the oldest continuously operated law firms in Florida. Handles estate administration, probate, trust administration, and asset-protection and charitable trusts for families across eleven north-central Florida counties, from Alachua and Marion to Lafayette, Dixie, and Putnam.

PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationTax PlanningGuardianshipand 3 more

Office
18 NW 33rd CourtGainesville, FL 32607

FirmGainesville, FL

Ossi Law Group, P.A.

Serves 6 counties

Gainesville practice serving Alachua, Bradford, Gilchrist, Levy, Union, and Marion counties, and handling probate matters in Gainesville, Ocala, and Orlando. Works directly with the personal representative on creditor notice, asset collection, and distribution, alongside trust administration and wealth-preservation planning. The office does not handle Medicaid planning.

PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationAsset ProtectionProbate Administration

Office
5618 NW 43rd Street, Suite AGainesville, FL 32653

FirmGainesville, FL

The Law Office of Knellinger & Associates

Since 1974 · Serves 12 counties

Gainesville firm serving Alachua County and north-central Florida since 1974. Handles probate and estate administration, trust administration, wills and trusts, Medicaid planning, and elder and minor guardianships. Richard Knellinger was admitted to The Florida Bar in 1974 and holds Martindale-Hubbell's AV Peer Review Rating.

PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationElder LawGuardianshipand 2 more

Office
2815 NW 13th Street, Suite 305Gainesville, FL 32609

FirmGainesville, FL

The Miller Elder Law Firm

Serves 8 counties

Gainesville elder law firm serving Alachua, Marion, Columbia, and neighboring north-central Florida counties. Handles probate and trust administration, guardianships, trust and estate litigation, elder financial exploitation recovery, Medicaid planning, and special needs planning. Shannon M. Miller has been board certified by The Florida Bar in Elder Law since 2011.

PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationTrust LitigationElder Lawand 4 more

Office
806 NW 16th Avenue, Suite BGainesville, FL 32601
Free consultation

FirmGainesville, FL

Harrison Estate Law, P.A.

A probate litigation attorney firm in Gainesville serving most of Florida (excluding Broward and Miami-Dade counties). Guides families through Florida's probate process with exclusive focus on estates and trusts. McCabe G. Harrison has an L.L.M. in taxation and expertise in financial and tax aspects.

PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbate LitigationAsset ProtectionProbate Administration

Office
7015 SW 24th AveGainesville, FL 32607
Free consultationVirtual consultations

Solo PracticeOcala, FL

The Law Office of Stanley Plappert

Serves 5 counties

Ocala solo practice serving Marion, Sumter, Citrus, Lake, and Levy counties, including The Villages. Stanley W. Plappert represents personal representatives named in a will and those appointed by the court, advises successor trustees, and screens estates for summary administration. Also handles Florida probate for out-of-state families. Se habla espanol.

PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationElder LawProbate AdministrationReal Estate

Office
351 NE 8th AvenueOcala, FL 34470
See all 24 firms serving Levy County→

Firm listings are for informational purposes only. SimplyTrust does not endorse or recommend any specific firm or attorney. Contact firms directly to verify their current practice areas and availability.

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Legal Sources

Data sourced from Florida statutes and official state code. How we research.