Florida Estate Planning
Get your own affairs in order in Florida, for yourself or an aging parent. Compare the documents most adults need (a will, a power of attorney, and a healthcare directive), decide whether you need a trust, and see how to keep your estate out of probate.
Which document do I need?
The core documents at a glance. Each row links to its Florida guide.
- Will
- Florida will requirements explained: what makes a will legally valid, witness rules, self-proving requirements, and mistakes that invalidate Florida wills. Read the guide
- Living trust
- Florida revocable living trust explained: how living trusts avoid probate, costs, funding requirements, and whether a trust fits your estate. Read the guide
- Power of attorney
- Learn how Florida's Chapter 709 governs powers of attorney. Covers types, creation requirements, agent duties, and incapacity planning. Read the guide
- Healthcare directive
- Florida healthcare surrogate designation and living will guide under Chapter 765. Covers signing requirements, surrogate powers, and end-of-life wishes. Read the guide
Florida estate planning guides
Florida Estate Planning Basics: Essential Guide for Protecting Your Family
Florida estate planning basics: the essential documents you need, how to protect your family, avoid probate, and navigate homestead and spousal rights laws.
Florida Will Requirements: How to Make a Valid Will in Florida
Florida will requirements explained: what makes a will legally valid, witness rules, self-proving requirements, and mistakes that invalidate Florida wills.
Florida Power of Attorney Guide (Chapter 709)
Learn how Florida's Chapter 709 governs powers of attorney. Covers types, creation requirements, agent duties, and incapacity planning.
Florida Healthcare Directive Guide
Florida healthcare surrogate designation and living will guide under Chapter 765. Covers signing requirements, surrogate powers, and end-of-life wishes.
Florida Guardianship Planning Guide (Ch. 744)
How to plan guardianship in Florida under Chapter 744. Covers minor children, adult incapacity, pre-need designations, and alternatives.
Florida Revocable Living Trust: Complete Guide to Avoiding Probate
Florida revocable living trust explained: how living trusts avoid probate, costs, funding requirements, and whether a trust fits your estate.
Florida Trust Administration: Successor Trustee Duties
Florida trust administration guide for successor trustees: duties, notification requirements, timelines, and how to distribute assets after the grantor dies.
Does Florida Have a Transfer on Death Deed?
Florida has no statutory Transfer on Death Deed for real property. Learn why, and how a Lady Bird deed achieves the same probate-avoidance goal.
Not sure what you need in Florida?
Answer a few questions and we'll tell you which estate planning documents to set up first.
Information current as of 2026-06-18
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 your state can change. Consult with a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation. Full disclaimer.