Glossary · Probate Administration
Letters of Administration
The court order that gives a Florida personal representative legal authority to act for the estate.
Letters of Administration are the document the probate court issues to prove that the personal representative has authority to act. Banks, title companies, and other institutions ask to see them before releasing funds or transferring property.
The court issues Letters after the petition for administration is granted and the personal representative is formally appointed. Until then, no one has authority to move estate assets.
In Florida, Letters are typically issued in a formal administration. Summary administration does not appoint a personal representative, so it produces an order of distribution rather than Letters.
In Florida
In Florida, Letters of Administration come out of a formal administration once the court appoints the personal representative. Summary administration skips this step, which is one reason it is faster but leaves no one with ongoing authority to manage assets.
Common questions
What are Letters of Administration used for?
They prove the personal representative’s authority so banks, title companies, and others will release or transfer estate assets.
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Paul Kogan
Fort Lauderdale Litigation Attorney, The Kogan Firm, P.A.
- 17+ years
- Florida Bar
- Martindale Peer Rated
Estate Planning and Probate
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This page is general information about Letters of Administration under Florida law and does not constitute legal advice. Every family and estate is different.