Glossary · Probate Administration
Summary Administration
A faster, simpler Florida probate for smaller estates or when the person died more than two years ago.
Summary administration is a shortened probate that skips appointing a personal representative. Instead, the people entitled to the assets file a petition asking the court to order distribution directly.
It is available when the probate estate is worth 75,000 dollars or less, not counting exempt property such as homestead, or when the person died more than two years ago, which is after the creditor claim window has closed.
Because there is no full administration, summary cases can finish in about 4 to 8 weeks when the paperwork is clean and everyone agrees.
In Florida
Florida allows summary administration in two situations: probate assets of 75,000 dollars or less, or a death more than two years ago. The two-year path matters because after two years creditor claims are barred by statute, which removes the main reason for a full administration.
Common questions
What is the dollar limit for summary administration in Florida?
The probate estate must be worth 75,000 dollars or less, not counting exempt assets such as homestead. A death more than two years ago also qualifies regardless of size.
Is summary administration faster than formal probate?
Yes. It commonly finishes in 4 to 8 weeks because no personal representative is appointed and there is no full administration.
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 Summary Administration under Florida law and does not constitute legal advice. Every family and estate is different.