There are three types of probate administration under Florida law: formal administration, summary administration and disposition of personal property without administration.
Formal administration is a court-supervised process for identifying and gathering the decedent’s assets, paying taxes, claims and expenses of administration, and distributing assets to beneficiaries.
Summary administration is an abbreviated form of probate which is available under limited circumstances and is intended for small estates. It is also available for most larger estates if a person has been deceased more than two years.
Disposition of personal property without administration is intended for very small estates. It is easily available without an attorney but only applies in limited circumstances.
A more detailed description of the probate process from the Florida Bar is available by clicking the link below.
The Personal Representatives Handbook, edited by the Probate Division of the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit for Broward County, Florida is available. This handbook is recommended for all Florida Personal Representatives .