The Short Answer

In Florida, many “small estate” cases are handled through summary administration, and the timeline is often measured in weeks to a few months—but it can take longer if there are creditor issues, missing signatures, or disputes among heirs/beneficiaries. Costs are usually a mix of court filing fees, certified copies, and attorney fees (which are negotiable), plus any expenses needed to transfer assets like a vehicle.

What Florida Law Says

Florida has more than one “small estate” pathway. For many estates under the statutory threshold (or where the decedent has been dead long enough), the court can allow summary administration, which is a streamlined probate process that can result in a court order authorizing distribution without the same ongoing court supervision as a full formal administration.

The Statute

The primary law governing this issue is Fla. Stat. § 735.201.

This statute establishes that summary administration may be used when (among other requirements) the estate value subject to administration in Florida (minus exempt property) does not exceed $75,000, or when the decedent has been dead for more than 2 years.

Florida law also requires petitioners in summary administration to address creditors before the court enters the order. In particular, the petitioner must make a diligent search for known or reasonably ascertainable creditors, serve them, and make provision for payment to the extent assets are available. See Fla. Stat. § 735.206.

Depending on the assets and facts, some very small estates may qualify for “disposition without administration,” which is even more limited and fact-specific. See Fla. Stat. § 735.301.

Why You Should Speak with an Attorney

Even when an estate “qualifies” as a small estate, applying the rules to real-life facts—like a renouncing executor who is still an heir, a vehicle that needs to be transferred, and outstanding credit card debt—can create delays and unexpected costs. Legal outcomes often depend on:

• Strict creditor requirements and liability risk: In summary administration, petitioners must identify and serve known or reasonably ascertainable creditors and make provision for payment before the order is entered. If a creditor is missed or not properly addressed, recipients can face later problems and potential personal liability issues under Fla. Stat. § 735.206.
• Burden of proof and paperwork accuracy: The court must be satisfied the estate qualifies and that the will (if any) is properly proved and admitted. Errors in the petition, beneficiary information, or asset descriptions commonly cause “deficiency” letters and re-filing delays.
• Family conflict and “remote” administration issues: When an heir refuses to cooperate (or refuses an asset like a vehicle), it can affect how the petition is drafted and what the court will require before signing an order—especially if signatures, consents, or notices are disputed.

Costs to plan for typically include court costs (filing fees vary by county), certified copies of the probate order (often needed to transfer a vehicle or access a bank account), and attorney fees. Attorney fees in probate are generally required to be reasonable, and Florida law makes clear there is not a mandatory fee schedule—fees are negotiable and must be properly disclosed. See Fla. Stat. § 733.6171.

If you want a deeper overview of timelines and cost drivers, you may also find these helpful: Small Estate vs. Full Probate in Florida and How Much Does Probate Cost 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—especially if you need to move quickly, handle the process remotely, and avoid creditor or title-transfer problems.

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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.