Miami-Dade County Probate Guide
11th Judicial Circuit · Updated January 2026
(305) 349-7333County Clerk
Family Guide
Professional Reference
Feeling overwhelmed?
Free help is available in Miami-Dade 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 Miami-Dade County - Vital Records
Cost:$15/copy
Get:12 copies
Online:Available
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
Will or trust documents
Property deeds
Bank/investment statements
Insurance policies
Vehicle titles
Tax returns (last 3 years)
Related Topics
Sources (4)
- https://www.miamidadeclerk.gov/clerk/probate-court.page
- https://jud11.flcourts.org/Probate-Smart-Forms
- https://www.miamidadeclerk.gov/clerk/probate-certified-copies.page
- Florida Statutes 28.2401 - Service charges and filing fees in probate matters