The Short Answer

In Florida, an estate is typically “closed” when the court enters an order discharging the personal representative after the administration is completed. Practically, the “sign-offs” you’re thinking of are usually beneficiary consents/waivers (when appropriate) plus court approval of the final accounting and the petition for discharge.

What Florida Law Says

Florida probate does not end just because everyone attends a meeting or signs a sign-in sheet. The personal representative is generally discharged only after the estate administration is completed and the court grants discharge—often after a final accounting and a petition for discharge are filed and served on interested persons (unless waived).

The Statute

The primary law governing this issue is Fla. Stat. § 733.901.

This statute establishes that after administration has been completed, the personal representative shall be discharged, and that discharge generally releases the personal representative (and surety) and bars later actions against them in that capacity.

If your situation involves collecting signatures to avoid objections, the key concept is that beneficiaries (and other “interested persons”) may be asked to sign written waivers/consents or receipts and releases—but whether those documents are sufficient depends on the estate’s posture, the type of administration, and whether anyone’s interests are affected or disputed. For more background, see What Is the Final Accounting in the Florida Probate Process? and What Documents and Beneficiary Receipts Are Needed for Final Probate Distributions in Florida?.

Why You Should Speak with an Attorney

Even when everyone is cooperative, “getting sign-offs” to close an estate can go sideways quickly if the wrong people sign, the wrong form is used, or the paperwork doesn’t match what Florida probate rules and the court expect. Legal outcomes often depend on:

• Strict Deadlines: Closing typically requires a final accounting and a petition for discharge, and objections can affect timing; delays can also create additional reporting and notice issues.
• Burden of Proof: If someone later challenges the accounting, distributions, or fees, the personal representative may need to justify transactions with records (bank statements, receipts, closing statements, valuations, etc.).
• Exceptions: Minor/incapacitated beneficiaries, disputed heirs, unclear will language, creditor issues, or tax issues can prevent “simple” sign-offs from being effective and may require court involvement.

Also, recording a meeting and collecting sign-in sheets may help document cooperation, but it does not automatically substitute for legally effective waivers, releases, or properly served probate filings. Trying to handle this alone can lead to rejected filings, reopened administration, or personal liability exposure for the personal representative.

If you want a deeper overview of the closing process, you can also read What Do I Need to Do to Close a Probate Estate in Florida?.

Get Connected with a Florida Attorney

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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.