After a death in Florida: what to do, step by step

Step 1: Get death certificates

Where to order: A county health department or the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics (official site). The funeral home usually orders the first certified copies for the family.

Eligibility rules and fees for this state are not yet verified on this site; check the official vital records office.

How many to order →

Step 2: Find and file the will

Yes, within 10 days. Whoever has the will must deposit it with the clerk of the circuit court for the county where the estate would be handled within 10 days after learning of the death, and give the clerk the date of death or the last four digits of the decedent’s Social Security number. This applies even if no probate is planned.

Where: Clerk of the Circuit Court for the county.

• Custodian must deposit the will with the clerk within 10 days after learning of the death. Source: Fla. Stat. § 732.901, checked Oct 29, 2026.

How to file a will →

Step 3: Decide whether probate is needed

Florida shortcut: Summary administration for estates up to $150,000 (less exempt property), or when death was more than 2 years ago.

• Summary administration is available when the estate subject to administration in Florida, less exempt property, does not exceed $150,000, or the decedent has been dead more than 2 years (and a will does not require formal administration). Source: Fla. Stat. § 735.201 (amended by ch. 2026-57), checked Oct 29, 2026.

Florida probate & small estates → · When do you need probate?

Step 4: Find the right court

File in the county where the person lived. Florida probate courts by county →

Official forms, fees and e-filing:

• Florida Courts E-Filing Portal
• Florida trial courts by circuit

Step 5: Creditors and debts

The personal representative publishes a notice to creditors. Claims must be filed in the probate case by the later of 3 months after first publication or, for creditors who must be served, 30 days after service. Regardless, claims are generally barred 2 years after the death.

• Claims must be filed by the later of 3 months after first publication of the notice to creditors or 30 days after service on a creditor required to be served. Source: Fla. Stat. § 733.702, checked Oct 29, 2026.
• Two years after death, the estate, personal representative and beneficiaries are not liable for claims, whether or not letters were issued. Source: Fla. Stat. § 733.710, checked Oct 29, 2026.

How to find debts →

Step 6: Assets, taxes, distribution and closing

Find assets, file the final income tax return, pay valid debts, distribute, and close the estate with the court if a case was opened.

Find assets · Final tax return · Executor checklist

Documents you will usually need

• Certified death certificates
• The original will, if there is one
• Court letters (testamentary or of administration) once appointed
• An IRS EIN for the estate bank account
• Account statements, deeds, titles and insurance policies