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Florida executor checklist (printable)

Last reviewed Oct 29, 2026 · How we check · Report a correction

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1. Order certified death certificates (A county health department or the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics).
2. Find the original will. Florida: 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.
3. Secure the home, vehicles and valuables; forward mail.
4. 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.
5. If a case is needed, file with the court for the county where the person lived: Clerk of the Circuit Court for the county (county list).
6. Get appointed and receive court letters.
7. Get an EIN from the IRS and open an estate bank account.
8. Handle creditor claims. Florida: 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.
9. Prepare an inventory if the court requires one.
10. File the final income tax return and any estate income tax returns.
11. Pay valid debts and expenses, distribute assets and get receipts.
12. Close the estate with the court if a case was opened.

Sources

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Official forms, fees and e-filing:

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

When to get professional help

This site gives general legal information, not legal advice. Consider talking to a licensed attorney in the state if:

• someone may contest the will, or family members disagree;
• the estate owns a business, out-of-state real estate, or may owe estate tax;
• debts may be larger than the assets;
• you are unsure whether a deadline applies to you, or one may already have passed.

Many state and local bar associations run lawyer referral services; your probate court’s self-help page may list them.

Step-by-step guide: After a death in Florida · General version: Executor checklist