Losing a loved one is never easy. Navigating the legal process that follows shouldn’t make it harder. At Daniel M. Genet, P.A., we help families throughout every county in Florida efficiently and compassionately handle probate matters—from simple Summary Administrations to complex Formal Administrations involving large or contested estates.
📍 Office Location: 5322 Primrose Lake Circle, Suite F, Tampa, FL 33647
📞 Speak with a Florida Probate Lawyer: (813) 872-8787
What Is Probate in Florida?
Probate is the court-supervised process of identifying and gathering the assets of a deceased person (the “decedent”), paying the decedent’s debts, and distributing the remaining assets to beneficiaries.
In Florida, probate is governed by the Florida Probate Code under Chapters 731–735, Florida Statutes. The process can vary depending on the size and complexity of the estate.
We Handle All Types of Probate Throughout Florida
Our firm represents clients in all 67 counties in Florida, including Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, Hernando, Polk, Osceola, Orange, Volusia, Seminole, Duval, Manatee, Sarasota, Lee, Collier, Miami-Dade, Broward, and beyond. Whether you’re local or out-of-state, we can help you navigate probate quickly and cost-effectively.
Summary Administration in Florida
Summary Administration is an expedited form of probate available in limited circumstances under Florida Statutes § 735.201–735.2063. It is typically faster and less expensive than Formal Administration.
✅ When Does Summary Administration Apply?
An estate may qualify for Summary Administration if:
- The value of the entire estate subject to administration in Florida is $75,000 or less, OR
- The decedent has been dead for more than two years, regardless of estate value
⚠️ Additional Requirements:
- There must be no pending creditor claims or all creditors must be satisfied
- A properly executed Petition for Summary Administration must be filed with the court
- The court must be satisfied that the estate qualifies based on the petition and supporting documents
Benefits of Summary Administration:
- No requirement to appoint a personal representative
- No formal notice to creditors (in certain cases)
- Can often be completed in 4–6 weeks
Formal Administration in Florida
Formal Administration is required when the estate does not qualify for Summary Administration, typically because:
- The value of the estate exceeds $75,000
- The decedent passed away within the last two years
- There are significant debts, disputes, or litigation concerns
Formal Administration is governed by Florida Statutes § 733.101–733.901.
✅ Requirements to Qualify as a Personal Representative
To open a Formal Administration, a Personal Representative (PR) must be appointed by the probate court.
Under Florida Statutes § 733.302–733.3101, to qualify as a PR:
- The person must be at least 18 years old
- Must be a Florida resident, or
- A non-resident who is:
- A spouse, sibling, parent, child, uncle, aunt, nephew, or niece of the decedent or the spouse of one of the listed individuals
Disqualifications include:
- Convicted felons
- Persons mentally or physically unable to perform duties
- Individuals lacking the trust of the beneficiaries or being otherwise unfit
Responsibilities of the Personal Representative:
- File the will with the court (if there is one)
- Open an estate bank account
- Inventory estate assets
- Pay valid debts and taxes
- Distribute assets to beneficiaries
- File court-required accountings and close the estate
Why Choose Daniel M. Genet, P.A. for Your Probate Matter?
- ✅ Statewide Probate Representation in all 67 counties
- ✅ Experienced in both contested and uncontested estates
- ✅ Remote and out-of-state representation available
- ✅ Compassionate, efficient, and strategic approach
- ✅ Fixed fees available for Summary Administration
We know how overwhelming probate can be—especially if you live out of state or are dealing with a complex estate. We make the process clear, manageable, and as quick as Florida law allows.
Frequently Handled Probate Issues:
- Estates with real estate and homestead property
- Distribution of bank accounts, personal property, vehicles, and more
- Handling disputes over wills and beneficiary rights
- Ancillary probate for out-of-state decedents with Florida assets
- Coordination with CPA, financial advisors, and heirs
Let Us Help You Through the Florida Probate Process
Whether you’re looking for Summary Administration to resolve a small estate or need full Formal Administration to handle a more complex matter, we are here to help—anywhere in Florida.
📞 Call Us Today: (813) 872-8787
📍 Office: 5322 Primrose Lake Circle, Suite F, Tampa, FL 33647
🗓️ Virtual Consultations Available
Daniel M. Genet, P.A. – Florida Probate Solutions with Experience, Compassion & Statewide Representation