The Short Answer

In Florida probate, a repossessed vehicle is typically handled by documenting it as an estate asset that was subject to a lien/secured loan and then updating the estate inventory if the repossession changes what the estate actually owns. The personal representative generally must file a verified inventory and later correct it if information changes or was incomplete.

What Florida Law Says

Florida requires the personal representative to identify and report estate property with reasonable detail and an estimated fair market value as of the date of death. If you later learn that an asset’s description or value is wrong or that something material changed (for example, the vehicle was repossessed and the estate no longer has it), Florida law also requires an amended or supplementary inventory.

The Statute

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

This statute establishes that a personal representative must file a verified inventory listing estate property with reasonable detail and its estimated fair market value at the date of death, and must file an amended/supplementary inventory if property was omitted or the description/value was erroneous or misleading.

Separately, if the vehicle was physically recovered by a repossession agent and personal items were inside, Florida law requires an inventory of personal effects found in/on a recovered vehicle and notice to the debtor about where those effects are located. See Fla. Stat. § 493.6404.

For a deeper dive on what must be listed and how inventories work, see: What assets must be listed in a Florida probate estate inventory?. If your situation involves a financed vehicle and repossession risk, this may also help: What happens if a financed truck is repossessed during Florida probate?.

Why You Should Speak with an Attorney

While the statute provides the general rule, applying it to your specific situation is rarely simple. Legal outcomes often depend on:

• Strict Deadlines: Florida probate requires timely filings and corrections—if the inventory is incomplete or not updated after repossession, it can create disputes with beneficiaries and creditors and delay closing the estate (see the filing and amendment requirements in Fla. Stat. § 733.604).
• Burden of Proof: You may need documentation showing the vehicle’s value as of the date of death, the loan payoff, the repossession date, and whether any “deficiency balance” remains as a claim against the estate.
• Exceptions: Whether the vehicle was actually a probate asset can depend on title, co-ownership, beneficiary designations, or whether it was transferred before death—issues that can change what must be inventoried and who is responsible.

Because the personal representative is a fiduciary, mistakes in reporting assets and debts can expose you to objections, surcharge claims, or costly court involvement. A Florida probate attorney can help you document the repossession correctly, evaluate any remaining secured debt/deficiency claim, and keep the estate administration on track.

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.