How Much Does Probate Cost in Washington County, Florida?
Understanding what probate costs before you start helps you plan and avoid surprises. Here's what families in Washington County can expect.
What probate costs in Washington 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 1293 Jackson Avenue, Chipley. The court is part of the 14th Judicial Circuit.
Probate matters are handled through the Probate Department. Filing and payment go through these offices, not the main clerk window.
Florida charges $395Fla. Stat. § 28.2401(1)(g)Verified May 7, 2026 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 May 7, 2026 of estate value annually.
Probate in Florida typically runs 9 monthsFla. Stat. § 733.402Verified May 7, 2026 to 12 monthsFla. Stat. § 733.402Verified May 7, 2026, and costs accrue throughout. The 3 monthsFla. Stat. § 733.702Verified May 7, 2026 creditor claim window is the single biggest driver of that timeline — a mandatory wait regardless of estate complexity.
Legal Sources
- Fla. Stat. § 28.2401(1)(g)
- Fla. Stat. § 733.402
- Fla. Stat. § 733.702
Data sourced from Florida statutes and official state code. How we research.
Frequently Asked Questions
Total probate costs usually run 3–8% of the estate value. For Washington County, that means filing fees ($395 to open), attorney fees, executor compensation, publication costs, and possibly a bond. The calculator on this page runs the math for your estate size.
The petition to open probate costs $395 in Washington County. Additional filings during administration (inventory, accounting, final petition) can add to the total. The calculator above shows the full picture.
Florida uses a "presumed reasonable" fee schedule — the statute sets percentages, but they can be negotiated. Washington County attorneys typically follow the schedule for straightforward estates and negotiate for complex ones.
Florida allows "reasonable" executor compensation, typically 1–5% of estate value depending on complexity. Family executors often waive fees because the fee is taxable income while an inheritance is not.
A revocable living trust skips probate entirely — no filing fee, no attorney schedule, no executor commission. The cost of setting up the trust is typically recovered many times over compared to what probate would cost the estate. Create a revocable trust online and keep the estate out of Washington County probate.
Clerk of Circuit Court
Washington County
Paper Filing Available
E-Filing Optional
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