Can You Self-File Probate in Orange County, Florida?
Find out if you can handle probate yourself, see estimated cost savings vs. hiring an attorney, and get a step-by-step filing checklist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Self-filing in Orange County works best for straightforward estates with a clear will and few beneficiaries.
File at the Clerk of Circuit Court, 425 N. Orange Avenue, Suite 335, Orlando, FL 32801. Phone: 407-836-2057. Hours: Monday - Friday, 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM (call hours 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM).
Orange County requires e-filing for probate matters. E-filing mandatory for attorneys since April 1, 2013. Optional for self-represented parties. Statewide Florida Courts E-Filing Portal for all circuit courts.
Orange County doesn't have a dedicated probate self-help center, so self-filers should confirm local procedures with the court clerk.
Yes, you can file probate without a lawyer in Florida, though the process may require more effort depending on estate complexity.Fla. Stat. § 733.402 (bond — required by default; waivable by will or court order; banks/trust companies exempt), § 733.617 (PR commission presumed reasonable: 3% first $1M, 2.5% $1M-$5M, 2% $5M-$10M, 1.5% above $10M), § 733.6171 (attorney compensation presumed reasonable: $1,500 flat ≤$40K; +$750 $40K-$70K; +$750 $70K-$100K; 3% $100K-$1M; 2.5% $1M-$3M; 2% $3M-$5M; 1.5% $5M-$10M; 1% above $10M; written disclosure of negotiability required), § 733.702 (creditor claims: later of 3 months from first publication OR 30 days from service on known creditor), § 733.710 (absolute 2-year nonclaim bar from date of death), § 733.2121 (publication once/week for 2 consecutive weeks in county newspaper), § 735.201 (summary administration: nonexempt estate ≤$75K OR decedent dead >2 years), § 735.301 (disposition without administration: nonexempt personal property ≤ funeral expenses + 60-day medical/hospital expenses; no fixed dollar cap). Re-verified 2026-05-30 via leg.state.fl.us — all statutory values and thresholds confirmed unchanged.Verified May 30, 2026 Many Florida courts offer self-help resources and standardized forms.
Court filing fees in Florida vary by county.Fla. Stat. § 733.402 (bond — required by default; waivable by will or court order; banks/trust companies exempt), § 733.617 (PR commission presumed reasonable: 3% first $1M, 2.5% $1M-$5M, 2% $5M-$10M, 1.5% above $10M), § 733.6171 (attorney compensation presumed reasonable: $1,500 flat ≤$40K; +$750 $40K-$70K; +$750 $70K-$100K; 3% $100K-$1M; 2.5% $1M-$3M; 2% $3M-$5M; 1.5% $5M-$10M; 1% above $10M; written disclosure of negotiability required), § 733.702 (creditor claims: later of 3 months from first publication OR 30 days from service on known creditor), § 733.710 (absolute 2-year nonclaim bar from date of death), § 733.2121 (publication once/week for 2 consecutive weeks in county newspaper), § 735.201 (summary administration: nonexempt estate ≤$75K OR decedent dead >2 years), § 735.301 (disposition without administration: nonexempt personal property ≤ funeral expenses + 60-day medical/hospital expenses; no fixed dollar cap). Re-verified 2026-05-30 via leg.state.fl.us — all statutory values and thresholds confirmed unchanged.Verified May 30, 2026 Self-filing costs typically include the court petition fee, publication costs, and bond premiums. The filing fee is a fraction of total probate costs. See a full breakdown with the Florida probate calculator.
Your kids shouldn't have to do this.
Florida Estate Planning Resources
In-depth guides covering Florida probate laws, trust requirements, and estate planning strategies.
