Broward County Circuit Court probate division Guide
17th Judicial Circuit · Circuit Court probate division information · Updated January 2026
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Feeling overwhelmed?
Free help is available in Broward County.
Not sure if you need probate?
Many estates can avoid probate entirely. Assets with beneficiary designations, joint accounts, and trust assets may pass automatically without court involvement.
First: Get Death Certificates
Required for everythingFlorida Department of Health in Broward County - Vital Statistics
Secure the Property
- Lock the residence and secure valuable items
- Forward mail to a responsible family member
- Make a list of what you find (don't throw anything away yet)
Locate Important Documents
Deposit the Will
If there's a will, the original will often needs to be filed with the Broward County Circuit Court probate divisionbefore probate can move forward. Verify the local deadline before submitting anything. (F.S. 732.901)
Notify Key Parties
- Banks and credit card companies (to prevent unauthorized use)
- Social Security Administration (1-800-772-1213)
- Employer (if applicable) for final paycheck and benefits
Which probate type is right for you?
Small estate? If the estate is worth less than your state's small-estate limit (shown on the options below), you may qualify for simplified procedures.
Is there a valid will? If yes, you'll file for testate probate. If no will exists, it's intestate administration.
Complex assets? Business interests, real estate in multiple states, or contested claims may require formal administration.
Select a probate type below to see specific requirements and costs.
Which applies to your situation?
County filing packet
Broward County probate filing packet
Use this packet to confirm the local Florida Circuit Court probate division, compare common probate paths, gather core documents, and identify possible next steps before filing. This is an informational filing guide, not legal advice or a court-approved packet.
Where this packet starts
- Circuit Court probate division
- Probate Division - 17th Judicial Circuit
- Clerk
- Brenda D. Forman
- Address
- 201 S.E. 6th Street, 3rd Floor, Room 03150, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
- Phone
- (954) 831-7154
- Hours
- Monday - Friday 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Documents to gather
General filing documents
- Certified Death Certificate
- Original Will if applicable
- Petition for Administration (Form 500.100)
- Oath of Personal Representative (Form 500.300)
- Designation of Resident Agent (Form 500.400) if applicable
- Inventory (Form 500.500)
Formal administration
- Petition for Administration
- Death Certificate (certified)
- Original Will (if testate)
- Oath of Personal Representative
- Designation of Resident Agent (if non-FL resident)
- Bond (if required by will or court)
Summary administration
- Petition for Summary Administration
- Death Certificate (certified)
- Original Will (if testate)
- Order of Summary Administration
Disposition without administration
- Petition for Disposition Without Administration
- Death Certificate (certified)
- Itemized Funeral Bill
- Proof of Payment of Funeral Expenses
- Medical Bills from Last 60 Days
- Asset Documentation
Filing fees and deadlines
Filing fees
- Formal administration: $401
- Summary administration: $236-$346
- Disposition without administration: $232
- Certified copy per page: $1
- Certification per document: $2
Deadlines
- Deposit the original will within 10 days if one exists.
- Creditor claims period: 3 months.
- Notice to creditors publication: Once a week for 2 consecutive weeks for Once a week for 2 consecutive weeks.
Official links and help
Not sure probate is required for this estate? Start with the free assessment.
Check if probate is neededPacket details are based on official filing-office, clerk, and state sources.
This informational filing guide is not legal advice or a court-approved packet. Confirm final instructions, forms, fees, and filing options with the listed official sources before filing.
Other Topics That May Apply
Sources (6)
- https://www.browardclerk.org/Divisions/ProbateAndGuardianship
- https://www.browardclerk.org/GeneralInformation/FeesAndCosts
- https://www.17th.flcourts.org/
- https://www.17th.flcourts.org/probate-and-guardianship-smart-forms-home-page
- Florida Statutes Title XLII (Estates and Trusts)
- Florida Statutes 28.2401 - Service charges and filing fees in probate matters
You've seen what probate involves. Here's how to spare your own family.
A few simple steps (naming beneficiaries, a transfer-on-death deed where your state allows it, or a living trust) can keep your estate out of court.
See how to avoid probate in FloridaVerified against Probate Division - 17th Judicial Circuit on January 5, 2026
Settled Estate is not a law firm, and this content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Probate laws and procedures in Florida can change. Consult with a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation. Full disclaimer.