File the Petition for Probate: Submit a petition to the county court where the decedent lived, requesting to open probate and appoint a Personal Representative.
Locate & File the Will (if applicable): If there’s a will, it must be filed with the court (usually within 10 days after death).
Hire a Probate Attorney (if required): In Florida, hiring a probate attorney is often necessary unless the estate qualifies for a simplified process.
Court Appoints Personal Representative: The court officially appoints the Personal Representative and issues "Letters of Administration," granting the authority to manage the estate.
Notice to Beneficiaries and Creditors: Formal notices are sent to heirs and creditors. Creditors typically have a 3-month window to file claims against the estate.
Identify and Value Assets: The Personal Representative compiles a full inventory of the estate, including real estate, bank accounts, investments, and personal property. Assets are appraised and submitted to the court.
Final Petition and Court Discharge: The Personal Representative files a final petition to close the estate, and the court officially discharges their duties, ending the probate process.
QUICK GLANCE: PROBATE TIMELINE
A COMPREHENSIVE OVERVIEW OF THE PROBATE PROCESS
WEEKS 1–4
FILE PETITION, LOCATE WILL, OPEN PROBATE
WEEKS 2–6
COURT APPOINTS PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE
WEEKS 4–8
NOTIFY HEIRS AND CREDITORS
MONTHS 1–3
INVENTORY AND APPRAISE ASSETS
MONTHS 2–6
PAY DEBTS, TAXES, AND EXPENSES
MONTHS 3–9
SELL REAL ESTATE (IF NEEDED)
SALE OF REAL ESTATE: CAN OCCUR ONCE THE PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE IS APPOINTED, BUT COURT APPROVAL MAY BE REQUIRED BASED ON THE CIRCUMSTANCES.