The Short Answer

In Florida probate, you generally cannot “list personal property broadly” just to reduce scrutiny. The personal representative must file a verified inventory that lists estate assets with reasonable detail and includes an estimated fair market value as of the date of death—so an overly vague inventory can create more risk, not less.

What Florida Law Says

Florida requires a personal representative to disclose estate property in an inventory that is detailed enough to identify what the estate owns and what it is worth. If the personal representative later learns an item was omitted or that a description/value was “erroneous or misleading,” Florida law requires an amended or supplementary inventory. Beneficiaries also have rights to request an explanation of how values were determined.

The Statute

The primary law governing this issue is Fla. Stat. § 733.604.

This statute establishes that the personal representative must file a verified inventory listing estate property with reasonable detail and an estimated fair market value at the date of death, and must correct inventories that are erroneous or misleading.

If you want a deeper overview of what must be included (and what is often not a probate asset), see: What assets must be listed in a Florida probate estate inventory?

Why You Should Speak with an Attorney

While the statute provides the general rule, applying “reasonable detail” to real-life personal property (household contents, collectibles, tools, firearms, jewelry, business equipment, etc.) is where disputes usually start. Legal outcomes often depend on:

• Strict Deadlines: Florida probate rules typically require the inventory to be filed relatively early in the case (often within weeks of appointment), and delays can trigger motions and court involvement.
• Burden of Proof: If your brother claims you “hid” assets or undervalued them, you may need documentation showing what existed at death, where it went, and how values were estimated (receipts, photos, appraisals, account records, witness statements).
• Exceptions and Corrections: Florida law requires amended/supplementary inventories if something was omitted or if a description/value was “erroneous or misleading.” A strategy that is too broad can backfire by creating an argument that the inventory itself was misleading.

Just as important: beneficiaries can request explanations of valuation methods under the statute, and inventory disputes can quickly turn into petitions, evidentiary hearings, and allegations of breach of fiduciary duty. A probate attorney can help you describe and value personal property in a way that is compliant, defensible, and less likely to escalate conflict.

Related reading if you anticipate a fight over disclosures and money movement: How can an executor’s accounting be challenged in Florida?

Get Connected with a Florida Attorney

Do not leave your legal outcome to chance. We can connect you with a pre-screened Probate attorney in Florida to discuss your specific facts and options.

Find a Florida Attorney Now

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.