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How Much Does Probate Cost in Florida?

Compare filing fees, attorney costs, and timelines across the most common probate options in Florida.

Quick Summary

Disposition
$232Narrow small-estate cases
Summary (Under $75K)
$236-$346
Formal (Over $75K)
$401+

Typical Total Cost Ranges

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$10,000 estate
$500 - $1,200
$50,000 estate
$1,500 - $3,000
$100,000 estate
$3,000 - $7,000
$250,000 estate
$8,000 - $15,000
$500,000+ estate
$15,000 - $30,000+

Probate Cost by Procedure

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ProcedureEstate SizeCourt FeeTimelineAttorney?Best For
Disposition Without AdministrationNarrow personal-property cases only$232A few weeks to 2 monthsNoExempt-property/final-expense cases or certain intestate estates up to $10,000 after 1 year
Summary AdministrationUnder $75,000, or more than 2 years after death$236 - $3463-6 monthsNo (but recommended)Small to medium estates and older estates
Formal AdministrationOver $75,000 or complex$4016-12+ monthsYesLarge estates, disputes, or no will

Additional Costs to Expect

Attorney Fees

Florida attorney fees are typically based on estate value. Florida Statutes Section 733.6171 says attorney fees must be "reasonable" rather than setting statutory percentages. Required for formal administration.

3-5% of estate value

Personal Representative Compensation (Statutory)

Florida Statutes Section 733.617 gives personal representatives the right to reasonable compensation for their services: 3% of estate assets for ordinary services, with additional compensation available for extraordinary services.

3% of estate assets for ordinary services

Publication of Notice to Creditors

The notice must run once a week for two consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation; the cost depends on the newspaper and county. Publication starts the 3-month creditor claims period.

$100 to $300

Court Costs

Certified copies of Letters and orders ($2-5 each), recording fees for real estate transfers (typically $10 to $35 per document), and certified death certificates ($9 to $20 each).

$50-$500

Bond Premium

If the will requires bond or beneficiaries request it. Depends on estate value.

$100-$500+

Appraisal Fees

Real estate, personal property, and business valuations required for larger estates.

$200-$1,000+

Accountant/CPA

Final tax returns (federal and Florida has no estate tax), estate accounting.

$500-$5,000

One more cost source to check: if the person who died received Medicaid long-term care benefits, the state may file a recovery claim against the estate. The Florida Medicaid estate recovery guide explains when that applies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest probate option in Florida?
Disposition Without Administration is usually the cheapest Florida court option at about $232, but it is narrower than a flat dollar threshold. It is usually limited to exempt-property/final-expense cases or certain intestate personal-property estates with up to $10,000 of nonexempt personal property after the decedent has been dead more than 1 year. Summary Administration is the broader simplified option at about $236-$346.
Do I need an attorney for probate in Florida?
Florida law requires an attorney for Formal Administration. Summary Administration and Disposition Without Administration can be done without an attorney, but many people choose to hire one for complex cases.
How much does a probate attorney cost in Florida?
Florida probate attorneys typically charge 3-5% of estate value, though some charge hourly rates ($200-$400/hour). For a $100,000 estate, expect $3,000-$5,000 in attorney fees.
Can I get a fee waiver for probate in Florida?
Yes, Florida courts offer indigent fee waivers for petitioners who cannot afford court fees. Contact your county clerk to request an Application for Civil Indigent Status and provide financial documentation.
Are probate fees the same across all Florida counties?
Court filing fees are standardized across Florida per state statutes. However, additional costs like publication fees, certified copy fees, and attorney rates may vary by county.
How long does probate take in Florida?
Summary Administration typically takes 3-6 months. Formal Administration takes 6-12+ months depending on estate complexity, creditor claims, and court backlog.

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Source Notes
Statute / Authority
Florida Statutes Chapter 733-735 (Sections 733.617 and 733.6171)
Fee Source
Florida Clerk of Court fee schedules
Last Verified
March 2026
SourcesOfficial references used for this page