Broward County Circuit Court probate division Guide
17th Judicial Circuit · Circuit Court probate division information · Updated January 2026
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Feeling overwhelmed?
Free help is available in Broward County.
Not sure if you need probate?
Many estates can avoid probate entirely. Assets with beneficiary designations, joint accounts, and trust assets may pass automatically without court involvement.
First: Get Death Certificates
Required for everythingFlorida Department of Health in Broward County - Vital Statistics
Secure the Property
- Lock the residence and secure valuable items
- Forward mail to a responsible family member
- Make a list of what you find (don't throw anything away yet)
Locate Important Documents
County filing packet
Broward County probate filing packet
Use this packet to confirm the local Florida Circuit Court probate division, compare common probate paths, gather core documents, and identify possible next steps before filing. This is an informational filing guide, not legal advice or a court-approved packet.
Where this packet starts
- Circuit Court probate division
- Probate Division - 17th Judicial Circuit
- Clerk
- Brenda D. Forman
- Address
- 201 S.E. 6th Street, 3rd Floor, Room 03150, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
- Phone
- (954) 831-7154
Common filing paths
Formal administration
Full probate administration with court supervision. Most common form of probate for larger estates.
- Threshold:
- Estates exceeding $75,000 in non-exempt assets, or less than 2 years since death
- Filing fee:
- $401
Summary administration
Simplified probate for smaller estates or estates where sufficient time has passed since death.
- Threshold:
- $75,000 in non-exempt assets (excluding homestead) OR 2+ years since death
- Filing fee:
- $236-$346
Disposition without administration
Simplest form of probate for very small estates where assets only cover final expenses.
- Threshold:
- Exempt property + preferred funeral expenses + reasonable and necessary medical and hospital expenses of the last 60 days of the last illness (F.S. 735.301; no fixed dollar cap)
- Filing fee:
- $232
Ancillary administration
For non-Florida residents who owned property in Broward County at death.
- Filing fee:
- $401
Notice of trust
Trustee of a revocable trust must file notice with the court upon death of the settlor (trust creator).
- Filing fee:
- $42
Caveat
Written notice filed to prevent probate of a will or administration of an estate without notice to the caveator. Used to protect potential heirs or creditors.
- Filing fee:
- $42
Documents to gather
General filing documents
- Certified Death Certificate
- Original Will if applicable
- Petition for Administration (Form 500.100)
- Oath of Personal Representative (Form 500.300)
- Designation of Resident Agent (Form 500.400) if applicable
- Inventory (Form 500.500)
Formal administration
- Petition for Administration
- Death Certificate (certified)
- Original Will (if testate)
- Oath of Personal Representative
- Designation of Resident Agent (if non-FL resident)
- Bond (if required by will or court)
Summary administration
- Petition for Summary Administration
- Death Certificate (certified)
- Original Will (if testate)
- Order of Summary Administration
Disposition without administration
- Petition for Disposition Without Administration
- Death Certificate (certified)
- Itemized Funeral Bill
- Proof of Payment of Funeral Expenses
- Medical Bills from Last 60 Days
- Asset Documentation
Fee signals
- Formal administration: $401
- Summary administration: $236-$346
- Disposition without administration: $232
- Certified copy per page: $1
- Certification per document: $2
Deadline signals
- Deposit the original will within 10 days if one exists.
- Creditor claims period: 3 months.
- Notice to creditors publication: Once a week for 2 consecutive weeks for Once a week for 2 consecutive weeks.
Compare next-step options
If you are not sure probate is required, start with the probate assessment. If you are ready to organize a filing, use the county-aware plan handoff.
Check if probate is neededA personalized probate report for estates that likely need court administration.
Get My Plan$19 one-time · Delivered to your inbox in about 15 minutes
Packet details are based on official filing-office, clerk, and state sources. Confirm final instructions with the sources section below before filing.
This informational filing guide is not legal advice or a court-approved packet. Confirm final instructions, forms, fees, and filing options with the listed official sources before filing.
Other Topics That May Apply
Sources (6)
- https://www.browardclerk.org/Divisions/ProbateAndGuardianship
- https://www.browardclerk.org/GeneralInformation/FeesAndCosts
- https://www.17th.flcourts.org/
- https://www.17th.flcourts.org/probate-and-guardianship-smart-forms-home-page
- Florida Statutes Title XLII (Estates and Trusts)
- Florida Statutes 28.2401 - Service charges and filing fees in probate matters
You've seen what probate involves. Here's how to spare your own family.
A few simple steps (naming beneficiaries, a transfer-on-death deed where your state allows it, or a living trust) can keep your estate out of court.
See how to avoid probate in FloridaVerified against Probate Division - 17th Judicial Circuit on January 5, 2026
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Probate laws and procedures in Florida can change. Consult with a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation. Full disclaimer.