The Short Answer

In Florida, a qualified beneficiary generally has the right to receive regular trust accountings and to request meaningful information about trust assets, liabilities, and administration. For an irrevocable trust, the trustee typically must provide an accounting at least annually (and also at trust termination or a change of trustee), and the accounting should identify and (to the extent feasible) value trust assets.

What Florida Law Says

Florida’s Trust Code requires trustees to keep qualified beneficiaries reasonably informed and to provide accountings and relevant information upon reasonable request. Importantly, Florida law also spells out what a trust accounting should contain, including asset values (when feasible) and disclosures of transactions, receipts, disbursements, and compensation.

If you are a beneficiary and you suspect missing assets, undervaluation, self-dealing, or unexplained expenses, an accounting is often the starting point—but disputes commonly turn on whether you are a “qualified beneficiary,” whether the trust is revocable or irrevocable, and whether the trustee’s disclosures meet Florida’s statutory requirements.

For more background on beneficiary information rights, you may also find helpful: How Can a Trust Beneficiary Get Information or Distributions From a Trustee in Florida?.

The Statute

The primary law governing this issue is Fla. Stat. § 736.0813.

This statute establishes that a trustee must keep qualified beneficiaries reasonably informed and, for an irrevocable trust, must provide a trust accounting at least annually (and on termination or change of trustee), plus provide relevant information about trust assets and liabilities upon reasonable request.

Florida also defines what a trust accounting must include in Fla. Stat. § 736.08135, including that (to the extent feasible) the accounting should identify and value trust assets at the close of the period and, for assets capable of valuation, show both carrying/acquisition value and an estimated current value.

Why You Should Speak with an Attorney

While the statutes provide the general rule, applying them to your situation is rarely simple. Legal outcomes often depend on:

• Strict Deadlines: Trust disputes can involve limitations periods tied to when disclosures or accountings were provided, and delays can affect your leverage and remedies.
• Burden of Proof: Even with an accounting, beneficiaries often need additional records (statements, appraisals, closing documents, fee invoices) to confirm values and test whether transactions were proper.
• Exceptions: Rights can change depending on whether the trust is revocable vs. irrevocable, whether you are a “qualified beneficiary,” whether you waived accountings, and whether special trustee structures (like certain family trust companies) apply.

If a trustee is stonewalling, providing incomplete numbers, or refusing to value assets, an attorney can assess whether the accounting complies with Florida law and what remedies may be available (including court-ordered accountings or other relief).

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Disclaimer: This article provides general information under Florida law and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws change frequently. For legal advice specific to your situation, please consult with a licensed attorney.