Florida's probate process is more formal than in neighbouring states, and knowing which track an estate is on changes what the first month looks like.
This page provides general information to help you get organized. It is not legal, medical, financial or mental-health advice. Requirements can depend on the estate and the circumstances, so consider confirming anything important with the relevant agency or a qualified professional.
Sleep, food, childcare, pets, medication. Nothing on any checklist matters more in the first day, and almost no paperwork is genuinely urgent.
A will, insurance policies, deeds, titles, recent statements, military discharge papers. Gathering them in one place removes most of the later scrambling.
Usually a named executor or personal representative, or a surviving spouse. Knowing who signs saves weeks of stalled requests.
Most organizations want a certified copy, not a photocopy. Ordering the right number at once is cheaper and faster than going back.
Social Security, employers, pensions, insurers, banks, utilities, landlords. Some can wait weeks. A short list has real deadlines.
Lock an empty home, redirect mail, stop autopay where it makes sense, and note which phones and email accounts hold everything else.
One list, ordered by what actually needs attention this week, shared with the people helping you so nothing is done twice.
Requirements can depend on the estate and the circumstances. Consider confirming the applicable process with the relevant state agency or a qualified professional.
The Florida Department of Health Bureau of Vital Statistics issues certified copies, and county health department offices issue them locally for deaths registered in that county.
Order both versions if you can: with cause of death for insurers and pensions, without cause of death for routine account closures.
State bureau, ordering options and eligibility.
Florida uses the term personal representative. Petitions are filed with the Clerk of the Circuit Court in the decedent's county of residence, and Florida generally requires an attorney for formal administration.
Summary administration may be available when the estate value is under the statutory threshold or the death occurred more than two years ago.
Court system guidance and county clerk directory.
The statute covering administration of estates.
Florida's Chief Financial Officer runs the state's unclaimed property program. Searching a deceased person's name is free and frequently turns up old accounts or insurance proceeds.
Official Florida unclaimed property search.
The Florida Department of Elder Affairs runs the Elder Helpline at 1-800-963-5337, which connects families to local Aging and Disability Resource Centers for benefits counselling and caregiver support.
211 operates through regional partners across Florida and is a fast route to counselling, food and utility assistance.
Elder Helpline and regional resource centres.
Search local 211 partners by ZIP code.
The Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs has county veteran service officers who help survivors file claims at no cost, and several national cemeteries serve the state.
County service officers and survivor benefits.
Bring your Florida questions: summary versus formal administration, or handling a Florida estate from out of state.
Every step from the first 72 hours to the first two months, free to download.
OpenMiami-Dade offices, courts and local starting points.
OpenForty-five minutes on what actually happens once the funeral is over.
OpenThis page provides general information to help you get organized. It is not legal, medical, financial or mental-health advice. Requirements can depend on the estate and the circumstances, so consider confirming anything important with the relevant agency or a qualified professional.