How Long Does Probate Take in Florida?
Quick Answer
Florida formal probate takes 6-12 months. Summary administration (for estates under $75,000 or when the decedent has been dead for 2+ years) can be completed in 1-3 months. Complex estates with disputes or litigation can take 2+ years.
Types of Probate in Florida
| Type | Timeline | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Summary Administration | 1-3 months | Estate value under $75,000 or decedent dead 2+ years |
| Formal Administration | 6-12 months | Most estates—requires personal representative |
| Contested/Complex | 1-3+ years | Will disputes, creditor claims, litigation |
What Factors Affect Probate Timeline?
Several things can speed up or slow down probate:
- Creditor claims period: Florida law requires a 3-month window for creditors to file claims. This cannot be shortened.
- Estate complexity: Multiple properties, business interests, or out-of-state assets add time.
- Family disputes: Disagreements among heirs about who gets what can extend probate significantly.
- Court backlog: Some Florida counties have busier probate courts than others.
- Selling real estate: Liquidating property early can actually speed up probate by converting an illiquid asset to cash and avoiding ongoing carrying costs.
Can You Sell Real Estate During Probate?
Yes—and it's often a good idea. The personal representative can sell estate real estate with proper court approval. This helps the estate by:
- Avoiding ongoing mortgage, insurance, and tax payments
- Converting an illiquid asset to cash for distribution
- Reducing maintenance and liability concerns
- Simplifying the final distribution to heirs
We specialize in buying probate properties and work with probate attorneys throughout Florida. We can close quickly and coordinate with the court process to make the sale as smooth as possible.
If you're a personal representative dealing with a probate property, call (561) 258-9405 or get a free cash offer.