Is an Online Will Legal in Florida?
An online service can prepare a valid Florida will. The standard path is to print it and execute it under § 732.502: the testator signs at the end before two witnesses, who sign in the presence of the testator and each other. Florida ALSO recognizes fully electronic wills executed with an online notary and remote witnesses under §§ 732.521-732.525.
The Answer at a Glance
Prepare the will online
ValidWhether a will drafted with online software can become a valid Florida will.
Sign it fully remotely
RecognizedWhether Florida recognizes an electronic will executed without an in-person paper signing.
Remote (audio-video) witnessing is not effective for the signature of a principal who is a vulnerable adult; for testamentary instruments such signers need witnesses physically present.
What this means for you
Notarization is not required for a valid Florida will, but adding the § 732.503 self-proving affidavit at signing avoids tracking down witnesses during probate. Fully remote execution runs through Florida online notarization and does not work for a vulnerable adult, whose witnesses must be physically present.
What Florida Law Requires
The governing law is Fla. Stat. ch. 732, part V (Wills); electronic wills at Fla. Stat. §§ 732.521-732.525. Each rule below links to the official source it was read from.
| Requirement | The Florida rule | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Who can make a will | Age 18 or older, sound mind; emancipated minors qualify. | Fla. Stat. § 732.501 |
| Written document | Required. | Fla. Stat. § 732.502(1) |
| Signature | The testator signs, at the end of the will. Another person may subscribe the testator's name to the will in the testator's presence and by the testator's direction. | Fla. Stat. § 732.502(1)(a) |
| Witnesses | 2. The testator must sign, or acknowledge a previous signature, in the presence of the two attesting witnesses, and the witnesses must sign in the presence of the testator and in the presence of each other. | Fla. Stat. § 732.502(1)(b)-(c) |
| Notarization | Not required for validity. A self-proving affidavit is optional and speeds probate. | Fla. Stat. § 732.503 |
Signing Day in Florida
The testator must sign, or acknowledge a previous signature, in the presence of the two attesting witnesses, and the witnesses must sign in the presence of the testator and in the presence of each other.
The self-proving step worth adding
Self-proof is optional and does not affect validity; it lets the will be admitted to probate without witness testimony. The statutory affidavit form covers both physical-presence and online notarization. Timing: at execution or at any time afterwards.
Choose witnesses carefully
Any person competent to be a witness may witness a will, and a will or codicil (or any part of either) is not invalid because it is signed by an interested witness.
Shortcuts Florida Does and Does Not Recognize
Handwritten (holographic) wills
NoAn unwitnessed handwritten (holographic) will is not valid in Florida even if it was valid where executed: § 732.502(2) excludes holographic wills from Florida's recognition of nonresident wills. A will in the testator's handwriting that IS executed with the § 732.502(1) formalities is not treated as a holographic will. (Fla. Stat. § 732.502(2))
Oral wills
NoNuncupative (oral) wills are not valid: § 732.502(1) requires a signed, witnessed instrument, and § 732.502(2) excludes nuncupative wills from Florida's recognition of nonresident wills. (Fla. Stat. § 732.502(1)-(2))
Electronic wills
YesAn electronic will executed under § 732.522 is treated the same as a will executed in accordance with § 732.502. Defined terms (electronic will, online notarization, qualified custodian, secure system) are in § 732.521. (Fla. Stat. §§ 732.521-732.525)
Remote witnessing: allowed within the statute’s conditions. Witnesses may be present by audio-video communication technology meeting part II of chapter 117 when the signing is supervised by an online notary public in an online notarization session; the instrument must state that the maker intends to execute it in and under the laws of Florida. Remote (audio-video) witnessing is not effective for the signature of a principal who is a vulnerable adult; for testamentary instruments such signers need witnesses physically present.
A Will Signed in Another State
A will executed by a nonresident of Florida is valid in Florida if it was valid under the laws of the state or country where it was executed, EXCEPT holographic and nuncupative wills, which are not recognized. Military testamentary instruments executed under 10 U.S.C. § 1044d are also valid. (Fla. Stat. § 732.502(2)-(3))
Keep Going
- The full Florida will-requirements guide covers capacity, revocation, and what happens when formalities fail.
- Florida estate planning sets the will beside the other documents a complete plan needs.
- A Florida revocable living trust is the main alternative when avoiding probate is the goal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make my will online in Florida?
Does a Florida will need to be notarized?
How many witnesses does a Florida will need?
Are handwritten (holographic) wills valid in Florida?
Are electronic wills legal in Florida?
Is a will made in another state valid in Florida?
SourcesOfficial references used for this page
Verified against Fla. Stat. ch. 732, part V (Wills); electronic wills at Fla. Stat. §§ 732.521-732.525 on August 16, 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.
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