Glossary · Incapacity Documents
Designation of Health Care Surrogate
Florida’s document naming who makes your medical decisions if you cannot.
A designation of health care surrogate is the Florida document that names a person to make medical decisions for you when you are unable to make them yourself. It is the health care counterpart to a financial power of attorney.
You can allow your surrogate to act immediately, or only when a physician determines you cannot make your own decisions. You can also give the surrogate access to your medical records.
Pairing it with a living will gives your surrogate clear guidance, so they are not left guessing about your wishes during a crisis.
In Florida
Florida has its own statutory health care surrogate form and rules. A Florida-compliant designation avoids the delays that come when hospitals are handed an unfamiliar or out-of-state document, and it can let your surrogate act and see records right away if you choose.
Common questions
What is the difference between a health care surrogate and a living will?
A health care surrogate names the person who decides. A living will states your wishes about end-of-life treatment. The two work together.
Related terms
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Fort Lauderdale Litigation Attorney, The Kogan Firm, P.A.
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This page is general information about Designation of Health Care Surrogate under Florida law and does not constitute legal advice. Every family and estate is different.