How Much Does an Executor Get Paid in Florida?
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.
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. The statutory amount is the baseline; executors and beneficiaries can agree on a different fee. Executors can waive the fee entirely or accept a reduced amount.
On estates under $100,000, co-executors divide one full commission. At $100,000 or more, each executor is entitled to a full commission, with the estate bearing at most 2 full commissions in total.Fla. Stat. § 733.617(5)Verified Jul 25, 2026View source
Florida requires a bond of the personal representative by defaultFla. Stat. § 733.402Verified Sep 8, 2026View source. The requirement can often be excusedFla. Stat. § 733.402Verified Sep 8, 2026View source, by a waiver in the will, agreement of the heirs, or court order, depending on the state. If the court requires a corporate surety, the premium runs about 0.5%Fla. Stat. § 733.402Verified Sep 8, 2026View source of the bonded amount annually; most estates avoid it through a waiver or a surety-free bond. The bond protects beneficiaries against executor misconduct or mismanagement.
Executor fees and attorney fees are separate costs in Florida probate: attorney fees on a statutory schedule presumed reasonableFla. Stat. § 733.6171Verified Sep 8, 2026View source, and executor compensation is set separatelyFla. Stat. § 733.617Verified Sep 8, 2026View source. Both are paid from the estate before distribution to beneficiaries. Estimate the attorney fee with the Florida probate attorney fee calculator.
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Forms for Settling an Estate in Florida
Free forms for settling an estate in Florida: the probate petition, small estate affidavit, notice to creditors, inventory, and closing forms.
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.
Renunciation of Executor
In Florida, a person named as personal representative may renounce the right to serveFla. Stat. § 733.301(1)(a), (4); Fla. Prob. R. 5.201(b); Fla. Stat. § 731.302Verified Sep 23, 2026View source before anyone is appointed.
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.
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 inheritance taxes.
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 Appointed as Executor?
In Florida, the Circuit Court appoints the personal representative and the The Circuit Court issues Letters of Administration; 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 Open an Estate Account When Someone Dies?
Compare estate-account opening requirements bank by bank: channels, required documents, and steps.
What Is the Estate's Personal Property Worth for Probate?
Estimate the fair market value of household items for probate and see how it affects fees.
How Much Does Probate Cost?
Probate on a $500,000 estate in Florida costs an estimated $30,600Fla. Stat. § 733.6171Verified Sep 8, 2026View source. Attorney fees on a statutory schedule presumed reasonableFla. Stat. § 733.6171Verified Sep 8, 2026View source.
Hire a Florida Probate Attorney
Browse 152 probate firms in Florida with addresses, contact info, and practice details.
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Florida Estate Settlement Resources
In-depth guides covering Florida probate, estate administration, and settling an estate.