How Long Does Probate Take in Florida? (And How to Speed It Up)

One of the first — and biggest — questions families ask after a loved one passes is: “How long will probate take?” It’s a fair concern. Many heirs rely on their inheritance to pay bills, handle funeral costs, or settle final affairs. The honest answer is: it depends. In Florida, probate can be wrapped up in just a few months, or drag on for years. Here’s what to expect — and how you can help keep it moving.

⏳ Typical Probate Timelines in Florida

Probate in Florida generally follows one of two tracks, depending on the size of the estate and how complex things are.

• ✅ Summary Administration: This is a streamlined process for simpler estates — typically when assets are under $75,000 (excluding exempt property) or the person has been deceased for over two years. Summary probate often takes about 3-6 months.
• ✅ Formal Administration: This is the standard (and most common) route. It applies to larger estates or those with debts, real estate, or any disputes. Formal probate usually lasts 6-12 months, but it’s not unusual to see it stretch to 18-24 months when there are complications.

Typical cost: Formal probate in Florida often runs 3-8% of the estate’s value once you factor in court filing fees, attorney costs, appraisals, and executor (personal representative) fees. For a $400,000 estate, that could mean $12,000 to $32,000 spent before heirs receive their share.

🚧 What Makes Probate Drag On?

Many cases start off looking straightforward, only to get stuck for months on seemingly small issues. Here’s what typically slows things down:

• ✅ Missing or Outdated Documents: Lost wills, unclear property titles, or outdated beneficiary forms often send families scrambling for paperwork, delaying court filings.
• ✅ Family Disagreements & Disputes: Siblings arguing over who gets what, or who should serve as executor, can stall everything — sometimes forcing court hearings to sort it out.
• ✅ Large Debts or Creditor Claims: Creditors have a window to come forward (usually 3 months after formal notice is published). Sorting through claims can extend probate significantly.
• ✅ Real Estate Complications: If the estate owns a home that needs repairs, has code violations, or heirs can’t agree whether to keep or sell, it often adds months to the timeline.

⚡ How Families Can Help Speed Up Probate

While you can’t eliminate Florida’s legal requirements, there’s a lot you can do to keep probate from dragging on unnecessarily:

• ✅ Stay Organized & Respond Quickly: Provide requested documents (like bank statements or property deeds) as soon as the attorney or personal representative asks. Don’t let paperwork sit in a pile.
• ✅ Be Transparent With Other Heirs: Open communication about what’s happening reduces suspicion and prevents fights that lead to court delays.
• ✅ Hire Professionals Who Know Probate: A probate-savvy attorney, CPA, or real estate agent understands the paperwork and court deadlines. They’ll keep things moving — and avoid mistakes that force costly do-overs.

🤝 How Probate Advocates Keeps Cases Moving

At Probate Advocates, we know how frustrating waiting can be. That’s why we focus on:

• ✅ Setting Realistic Timelines: We’ll explain what you can expect at each stage so you’re never left guessing how long this will take.
• ✅ Coordinating Property Matters: From cleanouts and staging to appraisals and repairs, we handle the local legwork to keep buyers (and the court) from hitting pause on the process.
• ✅ Connecting You to Trusted Florida Attorneys: We only recommend experienced probate attorneys who file paperwork right the first time — preventing costly delays or rejections.

Our calm, organized approach helps families feel supported, reduces the risk of arguments, and keeps your loved one’s estate on track for closing.

✅ Bottom Line: It’s Not Always Fast, But It Doesn’t Have to Be a Nightmare

Probate is rarely quick. But with the right support, it becomes a manageable, step-by-step process — not an endless, stressful ordeal. By staying organized, communicating openly, and working with professionals who understand Florida probate inside and out, you can help wrap up the estate months faster than families who go it alone.

Get Help Speeding Up Florida Probate

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional legal or financial advice. Always consult a qualified Florida probate attorney for guidance on your specific case.