Florida Summary Administration Process: How It Works (2026)

Florida's summary administration is designed for smaller estates and is one of the nation's fastest probate processes. Here's how it works.

Who Qualifies

Estates under $150,000 with no real property owned solely by the decedent.

Timeline: Immediate Filing, 2-4 Month Close

• Day 0: No waiting period; file immediately
• Weeks 1-2: Serve notice on heirs and creditors
• Weeks 3-8: Court reviews and approves
• Weeks 8-12: Distribute assets and close
• Total: 2 to 4 months

Step-by-Step

1. Gather Documents

• Death certificate (several copies)
• Original will or certified copy
• Asset list with values
• Beneficiary information
• Proof of heirship (for intestate estates)

2. File Petition for Summary Administration

File the petition with the probate court in the county where the decedent lived. The petition must include asset values and names of heirs/beneficiaries.

3. Serve Notice

Within 5 days of filing, serve notice on all heirs and beneficiaries. Publish notice to creditors.

4. Court Reviews and Approves

The judge reviews the petition. If everything is in order and no objections are filed, the judge approves the summary administration and authorizes distribution.

5. Distribute Assets

Once approved, you can distribute assets directly to heirs and beneficiaries. No final accounting to the court is required for summary administration.

6. Close Estate

Obtain court order closing the estate. Provide beneficiaries with receipts/releases confirming their inheritance.

Cost

Item	Cost
Court filing fee	$250 - $350
Death certificates	$100 - $200
Notice publication	$150 - $300
Notary/copies	$20 - $50
Attorney (if hired, flat fee)	$1,500 - $2,500
DIY total	$520 - $900

Key Advantage: No Waiting Period

Florida has no mandatory waiting period, unlike California and Texas. This is why Florida estates often close faster.

Comparison: Summary vs. Full Probate

Factor	Summary	Full
Estate limit	Under $150k	Any size
Real property	Not allowed	Allowed
Wait period	None	Varies
Court involvement	Yes, streamlined	Yes, extensive
Time to close	2-4 months	6-12 months
Attorney needed	Optional	Often needed

Use ExecutorBench's free eligibility checker to confirm your Florida estate qualifies.

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Disclaimer: ExecutorBench provides self-help workflow software and document preparation support. It is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. For specific questions about Florida summary administration, consult an attorney licensed in Florida.