Glossary · Incapacity Documents
Living Will
A Florida document stating your wishes about life-prolonging treatment near the end of life.
A living will records your instructions about life-prolonging medical procedures if you are terminally ill, end-stage, or in a persistent vegetative state with no reasonable hope of recovery. It speaks for you when you cannot speak for yourself.
It is not the same as a last will and testament, which deals with property after death. A living will is purely about medical care while you are alive.
Used with a health care surrogate designation, it spares your family the burden of guessing your wishes and reduces conflict during an already hard time.
In Florida
Florida recognizes living wills by statute and provides a standard form. Florida also lets you name someone in the living will to confirm your wishes. Keeping the document accessible, rather than locked away, is what makes it useful when minutes matter.
Common questions
Is a living will the same as a last will and testament?
No. A living will covers medical treatment while you are alive. A last will and testament distributes property after death.
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 Living Will under Florida law and does not constitute legal advice. Every family and estate is different.