Broward County probate help.

Clerk and filing

E-filing and records search

• Attorneys must file all probate documents electronically on the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal. Self-represented filers may file in the clerk's probate division. browardclerk.org
• The circuit's Probate eFiling page directs filers to myflcourtaccess.com to register, and keeps an e-filing mailing list at [email protected]. 17th.flcourts.org
• Administrative Order 2011-26-PRC lets attorneys e-file pleadings and papers in the probate division, and requires the original of a will, bond or death certificate to be filed with the clerk as well. 17th.flcourts.org
• Online access to probate and guardianship case documents needs an eServices account and a subscription to one of the clerk's Case Access Services. browardclerk.org

Probate filing fees posted by the clerk

Source: Broward County Clerk of Courts, Probate and Guardianship Division fee schedule, checked October 16, 2026. Each posted fee that has a § 28.2401 amount is $2 above that amount (plus the $4 petition charge where § 28.2401(3) applies). The clerk accepts no personal checks.

Judges and divisions

17th Judicial Circuit. Broward County is the only county in the circuit.

Courthouses that hear probate

• Broward County Courthouse, 201 S.E. 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301; 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 17th.flcourts.org probate assignment

• Florida Courts lists the Seventeenth Circuit as Broward County. flcourts.gov
• The circuit's Probate Division handles estates (disposition without administration, summary administration and formal administration), trusts, guardianships, incapacity determinations, Baker Act and Marchman Act cases, among other matters. 17th.flcourts.org
• Three circuit judges preside in probate: Judge Gillespie (Division 62J, Administrative Judge for Probate), Judge DePrimo (Division 61J) and Judge Lopane (Division 60J). The circuit's chief judge is Carol-Lisa Phillips. 17th.flcourts.org
• New probate cases are split evenly among Divisions 60J, 61J and 62J (33.3% each). Pro se disposition, summary administration and ancillary summary administration cases, and hearings on them, go to the probate general magistrates. 17th.flcourts.org

Administrative orders

Orders of the 17th Judicial Circuit that apply to probate and guardianship cases in Broward County. Circuit order index.

• AO 2022-45-PRC (Amendment 1), Distribution of Probate Division Cases. Date: November 13, 2023 (effective January 1, 2024). The clerk assigns new probate division cases one-third each to Divisions 60J, 61J and 62J, and sends pro se disposition, summary administration and ancillary summary administration cases to the general magistrates in Division 68 (even case numbers) and Division 69 (odd case numbers).
• AO 2021-49-PRC (Amendment 1), Probate and Guardianship Procedures. Date: October 19, 2023. Eliminates uncontested motion calendar hearings and ex parte dockets; uncontested matters go through the CMS proposed order and agreed order portals, and contested matters are set for hearing through CMS.
• AO 2023-42-PRC, Requiring Mandatory Checklist for Certain Petitions. Date: October 19, 2023. Requires a certified checklist with ten listed petitions, including formal and summary administration, homestead, sale of real property and discharge.
• AO 2019-94-PRC, Establishing Assignment of Case Types to a Probate Division. Date: December 3, 2019. Directs the clerk to assign Florida Probate Code, Florida Trust Code and Florida Guardianship Law proceedings, among other case types, to a probate division.
• AO 2011-26-PRC, Establishing Electronic Filing Procedures for the Probate Division. Date: November 12, 2013, nunc pro tunc to April 29, 2011. Lets attorneys e-file in the probate division and requires the original of wills, bonds, death certificates and similar documents to be filed with the clerk.
• AO 2021-52-PRC, Circuit and County Civil and Probate Emergency Matters. Date: September 13, 2021. Requires a separate Request for Emergency Relief with an emergency motion and defines an emergency as irreparable harm, death or manifest injury.

Local requirements and forms

Filing and e-filing

• Attorneys file all probate documents on the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal. Self-represented filers may file court documents in the clerk's probate division. browardclerk.org
• A formal administration needs legal representation, as stated on the clerk's probate page. browardclerk.org
• Scanned wills, bonds, death certificates, returns of service and documents ordered by the court may be e-filed, and the original must also be filed with the clerk (Administrative Order 2011-26-PRC). 17th.flcourts.org
• A will custodian deposits the will with the clerk's probate division in the county where the decedent lived within ten days after learning of the death. Depositing a will costs nothing. browardclerk.org
• An attorney who holds a will e-files it first, then mails the original to the clerk after the portal accepts the filing. browardclerk.org
• A document that has an associated Smart Form may be rejected by the clerk if the form is not attached. The court recommends only the forms it lists. 17th.flcourts.org
• Case numbers on forms take the format PRC010001234, not P-RC-01-0001234. 17th.flcourts.org

Mandatory checklists and affidavits

• Ten petitions require a certified checklist at filing: disposition of personal property without administration, determine homestead, sell real property, formal administration (intestate and testate), summary administration (intestate and testate), formal ancillary administration, summary ancillary administration, and discharge (Administrative Order 2023-42-PRC). 17th.flcourts.org
• The checklist is filed with its petition as a separate document, the petition is uploaded first, and the portal description reads Court Mandated Checklist followed by the petition type. 17th.flcourts.org
• The clerk does not forward those petitions to the court for review until the matching checklist is e-filed. 17th.flcourts.org
• An Affidavit of Heirs is filed in all intestate cases, formal and summary. 17th.flcourts.org
• An Affidavit Regarding Criminal History is filed in all testate and intestate cases, formal and summary. 17th.flcourts.org

Orders and hearings

• Uncontested motion calendar hearings and ex parte dockets are eliminated. Uncontested matters go to the assigned division judge through the CMS proposed order portal, or the agreed order portal when the parties agree. 17th.flcourts.org
• The clerk no longer presents orders to the court for entry without hearing. The attorney for the moving party submits proposed and agreed orders to CMS. 17th.flcourts.org
• Submitting an order to CMS affirms that the matter is uncontested, that interested parties were served, and that no objection was received. 17th.flcourts.org
• The petition or motion and its supporting documents, with e-filing reference numbers on the face, are uploaded as other attachments. Missing documents can lead to rejection of the proposed order. 17th.flcourts.org
• Contested matters, or matters where the filer does not know whether they are contested, are set for hearing through the CMS online scheduling system. Hearing time over thirty minutes is scheduled through the division's judicial assistant. 17th.flcourts.org
• Before setting a hearing the movant first tries in good faith to resolve the motion and coordinates the hearing with all interested parties (Local Rule 10A). 17th.flcourts.org
• Proposed orders for a hearing are emailed to the division judicial assistant in Microsoft Word format ahead of the hearing. 17th.flcourts.org
• A hearing that is no longer needed is cancelled in CMS and a notice of cancellation is filed. 17th.flcourts.org
• A request for emergency relief is filed with a separate Request for Emergency Relief. The administrative order defines an emergency as a matter that will result in irreparable harm, death or manifest injury without immediate relief, and a request without an objectively reasonable basis can bring sanctions under § 57.105, Florida Statutes. 17th.flcourts.org
• Letters of administration are not entered ex parte when the court decides the personal representative must post a bond, or when a beneficiary or other interested person has filed a caveat. 17th.flcourts.org

Bonds and security

• Under the Local Procedures, all non-residents of Florida post a bond before appointment as personal representative, and security is mandatory when the personal representative is not a Florida resident. 17th.flcourts.org
• The court may require a bond even when the will waives it or the proposed personal representative is the only beneficiary. 17th.flcourts.org

Summary administration and small estates

• A summary administration filing includes the petition, the original will and order admitting it if there is a will, proof of paid funeral and last medical expenses, the death certificate, the order of summary administration, and the mandatory checklist. 17th.flcourts.org
• A disposition of personal property without administration requires that the decedent lived in Broward County or left property there. It allows reimbursement of funeral and medical expenses incurred in the last sixty days before death, to the extent insurance did not cover them. 17th.flcourts.org

Homestead and real property

• In a summary administration, the court generally does not require notice to creditors before it issues the homestead order and the order of summary administration. 17th.flcourts.org
• In a formal administration, the court does not enter the homestead order until the creditor period ends, three months from the first publication of the notice to creditors. 17th.flcourts.org
• A petition and order to sell real property state the contract price, that it is fair market value and how that was determined, that the sale is at arm's length, the legal description and street address, the closing date if known, and that the order covers only that sale. 17th.flcourts.org

Closing and reopening

• Closing an estate calls for the death certificate, inventory, proof of publication of the notice to creditors, the receipt of beneficiaries, a verified statement regarding creditors, the final accounting or waivers, the petition for discharge, the schedule and report of distribution unless waived, and the order of discharge. 17th.flcourts.org
• Reopening a closed estate costs a $50 filing fee. For an estate closed by order of discharge, the filer files a Petition for Subsequent Administration and an Order for Subsequent Administration. 17th.flcourts.org

Division procedures

• Division 62J (Judge Gillespie) holds a mandatory conference of parties under Local Rule 10A, and in evidentiary hearings the parties exchange witness lists and exhibit lists five days ahead. docs.google.com
• Division 61J (Judge DePrimo) holds hearings under one hour by Zoom and hearings of one hour or more in person in Courtroom 14170 unless the court says otherwise. Pleadings go into CMS supporting documents, not email. docs.google.com
• Division 60J (Judge Lopane) holds non-evidentiary hearings by Zoom, and evidentiary hearings and trials in person unless the court allows Zoom. Pleadings go into CMS supporting documents, not email. docs.google.com

Forms and checklists

• Local Procedures, Probate Division (updated October 2023), Seventeenth Judicial Circuit
• Checklist instructions (October 17, 2023), Seventeenth Judicial Circuit
• Checklist for Petition for Disposition of Personal Property without Administration, Seventeenth Judicial Circuit
• Checklist for Petition to Determine Homestead, Seventeenth Judicial Circuit
• Checklist for Petition to Sell Real Property, Seventeenth Judicial Circuit
• Checklist for Petition for Formal Administration of Intestate Estate, Seventeenth Judicial Circuit
• Checklist for Petition for Summary Administration of Intestate Estate, Seventeenth Judicial Circuit
• Checklist for Petition for Formal Administration of Testate Estate, Seventeenth Judicial Circuit
• Checklist for Petition for Summary Administration of Testate Estate, Seventeenth Judicial Circuit
• Checklist for Petition for Formal Ancillary Administration, Seventeenth Judicial Circuit
• Checklist for Petition for Summary Ancillary Administration, Seventeenth Judicial Circuit
• Checklist for Petition for Discharge, Seventeenth Judicial Circuit
• Affidavit of Heirs (all intestate cases), Seventeenth Judicial Circuit
• Affidavit Regarding Criminal History (all testate and intestate cases), Seventeenth Judicial Circuit
• Probate and Guardianship Smart Forms home page, Seventeenth Judicial Circuit
• Division 62J procedures, Seventeenth Judicial Circuit
• Division 61J procedures, Seventeenth Judicial Circuit
• Division 60J procedures, Seventeenth Judicial Circuit

Property and homestead

• The Broward Property Appraiser's timely filing period for the 2027 homestead exemption runs from March 3, 2026 through March 1, 2027. bcpa.net
• The last day to late-file any 2027 exemption is September 20, 2027, and the appraiser states that the law allows no later filing for any reason. bcpa.net
• A homestead exemption requires that the owner made the property a permanent home as of January 1, and a Florida driver's license or Florida ID card is required. A property held in trust needs a notarized certificate of trust or a complete copy of the trust agreement. bcpa.net
• An owner who holds a homestead exemption or an equivalent residency-based exemption on other property is not eligible in Broward County until that exemption is cancelled. bcpa.net
• The Broward Property Appraiser's office is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Broward County Governmental Center, Room 111. bcpa.net

Death certificates

• Death certificates are ordered through VitalChek, the only vendor the Department of Health authorizes online, or in person or by mail at the three Broward vital statistics offices. A copy of valid identification goes with every request. broward.floridahealth.gov
• Broward County health department offices cover deaths in Florida from 2009 to the present. Earlier deaths are requested from the Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville or through VitalChek. Cause of death is released to family members and legal representatives. broward.floridahealth.gov
• The county page lists no fee amount. The Department of Health's state page lists a $5 search fee that includes one certified copy and $4 for each additional certified copy on orders to the Bureau of Vital Statistics, and notes that county health department fees vary. floridahealth.gov
• The three offices close at 3 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month. broward.floridahealth.gov

Records and help

• A mailed request to find out whether a probate case exists names the decedent and date of death, includes a self-addressed stamped envelope, and carries a $2.00 search fee for each decedent's name. browardclerk.org
• The clerk's probate page and the circuit's Local Procedures (updated October 2023) print $75,000 as the summary administration limit, the figure that chapter 2026-57 replaced with $150,000 in § 735.201(2). browardclerk.org
• Section 735.201(2), Florida Statutes, sets the summary administration limit at $150,000, or a decedent dead more than two years (chapter 2026-57). flsenate.gov
• The circuit's Local Procedures were last updated in October 2023. Where a division procedures page or an administrative order is newer, the newer document is the one to follow. 17th.flcourts.org
• Probate case search is on the clerk's public case search. Attorneys have Attorney of Record Access. browardclerk.org
• Probate division questions of a general nature can be sent through the circuit's Approach the Bench form. Court staff does not give legal advice or comment on specific cases. 17th.flcourts.org
• The Self Help Equal Access Center and Law Library is in the North Wing of the Central Courthouse, Room 1800, 201 S.E. 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, with public access Monday to Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The telephone is 954-831-6226. browardclerk.org
• The clerk's office cannot give legal advice or assistance. browardclerk.org

Sources

Last checked: October 16, 2026. Each source shows the text that supports the facts above.

1. Florida Statutes § 28.2401, probate service charges and filing fees (2026), checked October 16, 2026
   Supporting text

   • Fee for formal administration, guardianship, ancillary, curatorship, or conservatorship proceedings .......... $395
   • Fee for summary administration - estates valued at $1,000 or more .......... $340
   • Fee for summary administration - estates valued at less than $1,000 .......... $230
   • Charge for caveat .......... $40
   • Fee for disposition of personal property without administration .......... $230
   • Fee for guardianship proceedings of person only .......... $230
   • Charge for exemplified certificates .......... $7
   • An additional service charge of $4 on petitions seeking summary administration, formal administration, ancillary administration, guardianship, curatorship, and conservatorship shall be paid to the clerk.
   • Recording shall be required for all petitions opening and closing an estate; petitions regarding real estate; and orders, letters, bonds, oaths, wills, proofs of wills, returns, and such other papers as the judge shall deem advisable to record or that shall be required to be recorded under the Florida Probate Code.
   • Fee for the opening of any estate of one document or more
   • not to exceed the following amounts
2. Florida Statutes § 735.201, summary administration (2026), checked October 16, 2026
   Supporting text

   • does not exceed $150,000 or that the decedent has been dead for more than 2 years
   • s. 7, ch. 2026-57
3. Florida Courts E-Filing Portal, checked October 16, 2026
   Supporting text

   • the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal serves as a single, statewide access point connecting thousands of users to Florida's court system.
4. Florida Courts, Trial Courts (Circuit) list, checked October 16, 2026
   Supporting text

   • Seventeenth Circuit - Broward
   • Nineteenth Circuit - Indian River, Martin, Okeechobee, and St. Lucie

   Note: The circuit list is built by script on the page. The text was read in a browser on October 16, 2026.

5. Seventeenth Judicial Circuit, home page, checked October 16, 2026
   Supporting text

   • Is Located at 201 SE 6th Street, Ft Lauderdale, Fl. 33301
   • Normal operating hours are 8:30am - 5:00pm
6. Broward County Clerk of Courts, Probate and Guardianship, checked October 16, 2026
   Supporting text

   • Attorneys must electronically file all documents on the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal
   • Pro-Se filers may file court documents in the Probate division.
   • Due to the close supervision of collection and distribution of assets, a legal representation is required.
   • The custodian of a will must deposit the will with the Clerk's Probate division, in the county in which the decedent resided, within ten days after receiving information of the death of the maker of the will.
   • If the custodian is an attorney, they must first electronically file the will through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal.
   • After receiving an acceptance confirmation, the original will must be mailed to the Clerk's Office.
   • There is no fee to deposit a will with the Clerk of Court.
   • For the opening of any estate that does not include issuance of Letters of Administration or Order of Summary Administration $232.00
   • Formal Administration, Guardianship, Ancillary, Curatorship, or Conservatorship $401.00
   • Disposition of Personal Property without Administration $232.00
   • Summary Administration Less than $1000.00 $236.00
   • Summary Administration $1000.00 or more $346.00
   • Caveat $42.00
   • Notice of Trust $42.00
   • Guardianship of Person only $236.00
   • Veteran Guardianship $236.00
   • No Personal Checks Accepted.
   • All court hearings are processed through the 17th Judicial Circuit Court Online Scheduling.
   • Perform a Case Search at www.browardclerk.org
   • Before you can view online Probate and Guardianship case documents, you must first create an online eServices account and subscribe to one of the Case Access Services.
   • include a $2.00 search fee for each decedent's name
   • Brenda D. Forman Clerk of Court Broward County 17th Judicial Circuit
   • Self Help Equal Access Center - Law Library
   • Judicial Complex, North Wing 1st Floor, Room: 1800 201 S.E. 6th Street Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
   • The Law Library is open Monday to Friday from 7:30am to 12:00pm for public access
   • The Clerk's Office is unable to provide legal advice or assistance.
   • A Summary Administration can be filed if the estate contains less than $75,000 in non-exempt assets, including any assets other than the decedent's home, or if at least 2 years have passed since the date of the decedent death.

   Note: The $75,000 limit printed on this page was replaced by $150,000 in § 735.201(2) (chapter 2026-57).

7. Broward County Clerk of Courts, Hours and Locations, checked October 16, 2026
   Supporting text

   • Probate and Guardianship Central Courthouse Judicial Complex, West Building 201 S.E. 6th Street Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 3rd Floor, Room: 03150 Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Excluding Holidays 954-831-7154 - Probate
   • South Regional Courthouse Is Located At 3550 Hollywood Blvd Hollywood, FL 33021 Business Hours Monday-Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
   • West Regional Courthouse Is Located At 100 N Pine Island Rd Plantation, FL 33324 Business Hours Monday-Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
   • North Regional Courthouse Is Located At 1600 W Hillsboro Blvd Deerfield Beach, FL 33442 Business Hours Monday - Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
   • Circuit Civil and Probate Filings
8. Broward County Clerk of Courts, Fees and Costs, checked October 16, 2026
   Supporting text

   • Probate and Guardianship Fees and Costs
   • Formal Administration, Guardianship, Ancillary, Curatorship, or Conservatorship $401.00
   • Summary Administration $1000.00 or more $346.00
   • Guardianship of Person and Property $401.00
9. Broward County Clerk of Courts, home page, checked October 16, 2026
   Supporting text

   • Case Search - Public
   • Attorney of Record Access
10. Seventeenth Judicial Circuit, Probate and Guardianship, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • Estates (disposition without administration, summary administration and formal administration)
    • Judges currently presiding in the Probate Court are:
    • KENNETH L. GILLESPIE (Admin. Judge Probate)
    • Judicial Assistant: Taneshia Barbary-Snell
    • Phone Number: (954) 831-7565
    • Chamber: WW14133
    • Courtroom: WW14160
    • Division: 62J
    • NATASHA DEPRIMO
    • Judicial Assistant: Lisa Tucker
    • Phone Number: (954) 831-5614
    • Chamber: WW14127
    • Courtroom: WW14170
    • Division: 61J
    • NICHOLAS LOPANE
    • Judicial Assistant: Luisa Prieto
    • Phone Number: (954) 831-7608
    • Chamber: WW14129
    • Courtroom: WW14155
    • Division: 60J
    • Affidavit of Heirs to be filed in all intestate cases (formal and summary administrations)
    • Affidavit Regarding Criminal History to be filed in all testate and intestate cases (formal and summary administrations)
    • Approach the Bench provides an opportunity to submit a question concerning any general matter regarding probate and guardianship issues.
    • Court staff is prohibited from giving legal advice or commenting on specific cases.
    • any and all questions of a general and informational nature will be answered with 3 business days.
    • Correct: PRC010001234
    • Incorrect: P-RC-01-0001234
11. Seventeenth Judicial Circuit, Probate and Guardianship Smart Forms Home Page, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • **Only the listed forms are recommended by the Court. If the specific topic is not listed here, a form should not be used.
    • The Clerk's Office may reject the filing if the form is not attached.
    • After the form is complete save in PDF/A format for electronic filing via the E-Filing Authority Portal.
12. Seventeenth Judicial Circuit, Probate Administrative Orders, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • 2022-45-PRC (Amendment 1) Distribution of Probate Division Cases
    • 2021-49-PRC (Amendment 1) Probate And Guardianship Procedures
    • 2023-42-PRC Requiring Mandatory Checklist For Certain Petitions
    • 2019-94-PRC Establishing Assignment Of Case Types To A Probate Division
    • 2011-26-PRC Establishing Electronic Filing Procedures
    • 2021-52-PRC Circuit And County Civil And Probate Emergency Matters. Request For Emergency Relief
13. Seventeenth Judicial Circuit, Local Procedures, Probate Division (updated October 2023), checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • Letters of Administration will not be entered on an ex parte basis if the Court determines that the Personal Representative will need to post a bond.
    • Letters of Administration will not be entered when the court file reflects that a caveat has been filed by a beneficiary or other interested person
    • all non-residents of the State of Florida are required to post a bond prior to being appointed as a Personal Representative of an estate
    • the decision to require a bond, even if waived in the will or the proposed Personal Representative is the only beneficiary, is within the discretion of the Court.
    • Security is mandatory in all estates when a personal representative is not a resident of the State of Florida.
    • Proof of Paid Funeral Expenses and Last Medical Expenses
    • Decedent must have been a Broward County resident or maintained property located in Broward County.
    • reimbursement for reasonable funeral expenses and medical expenses incurred within the last sixty (60) days of decedent's death to the extent not covered by insurance
    • A $50 filing fee is required to reopen a closed estate.
    • Electronically file a Petition for Subsequent Administration and Order for Subsequent Administration.
    • the Court will not require Notice to Creditors prior to the issuance of the Homestead Order and Order of Summary Administration
    • the Court will not enter the Homestead Order until the expiration of the creditor's period (three months from the date of the first publication of the notice to creditors)
    • Contract price in the petition and order;
    • Statement that the transaction is an arm's length transaction;
    • The legal description and the street address of the property;
    • The order stating that it applies only to the specific sale that is the subject of the petition;
    • Proof of Publication of Notice to Creditors (Notice of Administration is not a substitute);
    • Receipt of Beneficiaries
    • Verified Statement Regarding Creditors
    • Petition for Discharge
    • Order of Discharge
    • Schedule of Distribution (unless waived)
    • The Broward County Clerk of Court (Probate Division) is located in the Broward County Courthouse, Room 3150.
    • (1) probate assets are less than $75,000 (excluding the value of property exempt from claims of creditors) or (2) decedent has been dead for more than two (2) years.

    Note: The $75,000 limit printed in the Local Procedures was replaced by $150,000 in § 735.201(2) (chapter 2026-57).

14. Seventeenth Judicial Circuit, judiciary assignment chart (file dated 10-02-2026), checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • Carol-Lisa Phillips
    • Kenneth Gillespie
    • Natasha DePrimo
    • Nicholas Lopane
    • Administrative Judge
15. Administrative Order 2022-45-PRC (Amendment 1), Distribution of Probate Division Cases, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • Division 60J 33.3%
    • Division 61J 33.3%
    • Division 62J 33.3%
    • Division 68 All even numbered cases
    • Division 69 All odd numbered cases
    • Petitions for Summary Administration (Testate and Intestate), and Petitions for Ancillary Summary Administration to the general magistrates
    • The same general magistrate division shall be assigned the incapacity and guardianship case for an individual.
    • this 13th day of November, 2023
16. Administrative Order 2021-49-PRC (Amendment 1), Probate and Guardianship Procedures, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • uncontested Motion Calendar hearings and Ex Parte dockets are hereby eliminated
    • The Broward County Clerk of Court will no longer present orders to the Court for entry without hearing.
    • The submission of an order to either the CMS proposed order portal or agreed order portal shall be considered an affirmation that the matter is uncontested, that all interested parties have been served notice of the petition/motion, and that no notification has been received that any interested party objects to the entry of the proposed/agreed order.
    • Failure to upload all necessary supporting documents may result in a proposed/agreed order being rejected.
    • Where hearing time in excess of thirty minutes is sought, the matter shall be scheduled through the assigned Division's Judicial Assistant.
    • by first attempting in good faith to resolve the motion, and coordinating the hearing in advance with all interested parties.
    • Proposed Orders shall be submitted via email in Microsoft Word format in advance of any hearing.
    • the scheduling party shall immediately cancel the hearing or trial by using CMS, and file a notice of cancellation.
    • 19th day of October, 2023
17. Administrative Order 2023-42-PRC, Mandatory Checklist for Certain Petitions, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • At the time of filing the following petitions, all petitioners are required to file the corresponding certified checklist
    • Petition for Disposition of Personal Property without Administration
    • Petition to Determine Homestead
    • Petition to Sell Real Property
    • Petition for Formal Administration of Intestate Estate
    • Petition for Summary Administration of Testate Estate
    • Petition for Formal Ancillary Administration
    • Petition for Summary Ancillary Administration
    • Petition for Discharge.
    • 19th day of October, 2023
18. Administrative Order 2019-94-PRC, Assignment of Case Types to a Probate Division, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • Proceedings governed by the Florida Probate Code
    • Proceedings governed by the Florida Trust Code
    • Proceedings governed by the Florida Guardianship Law
    • this 3rd day of December, 2019
19. Administrative Order 2011-26-PRC, Electronic Filing Procedures for the Probate Division, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • The following documents may be scanned and efiled; however, the original must be filed with the Clerk:
    • Last Will and Testament for estate cases;
    • Bonds;
    • Death certificates;
    • Returns of service;
    • Documents ordered by the Court;
    • Effective immediately attorneys may electronically file pleadings and papers for cases in the probate division.
    • Broward County, Florida on November 12, 2013, nunc pro tunc to April 29, 2011
20. Administrative Order 2021-52-PRC, Civil and Probate Emergency Matters, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • Any party requesting emergency relief for any motion, appeal or petition shall file a separate notice of "Request for Emergency Relief."
    • An emergency is defined as a matter that will result in irreparable harm, death or result in a manifest injury if immediate relief is not afforded.
    • is subject to sanctions, pursuant to section 57.105, Florida Statutes
    • 13th September, 2021
21. Seventeenth Judicial Circuit, Checklist instructions (October 17, 2023), checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • The applicable checklist must be filed at the same time as the corresponding petition.
    • The checklist must be uploaded as a separate document in the filing.
    • the corresponding petition MUST be the first document uploaded.
    • select the description: "Court Mandated Checklist" followed by the appropriate type of petition.
    • the Clerk's Office WILL NOT forward any of the following petitions to the court for review until the corresponding checklist is e-filed:
22. Seventeenth Judicial Circuit, Probate Division 62J procedures (updated 2/12/2025), checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • PROBATE DIVISION 62J PROCEDURES
    • Updated 2/12/2025
    • JUDGE KENNETH L. GILLESPIE
    • DIVISION 62J: [email protected]
    • the parties shall exchange a witness list and exhibit list.
    • A mandatory conference between parties is mandated pursuant to Local Rule 10a.
23. Seventeenth Judicial Circuit, Probate Division 61J procedures, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • PROCEDURES FOR PROBATE DIVISION 61J
    • NATASHA DEPRIMO
    • Divisional Email: [email protected]
    • ALL HEARINGS LESS THAN ONE (1) HOUR WILL CONTINUE TO BE HELD THROUGH ZOOM VIDEO CONFERENCE UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED BY THE COURT TO BE HELD IN PERSON.
    • ALL HEARINGS FOR ONE (1) HOUR OR MORE WILL BE HELD IN PERSON IN COURTROOM 14170.
    • PLEASE DO NOT EMAIL PLEADINGS.
    • Evidentiary Hearings shall NOT be set unilaterally.
24. Seventeenth Judicial Circuit, Probate Division 60J procedures, checked October 16, 2026
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    • PROCEDURES FOR PROBATE DIVISION 60 J
    • NICHOLAS R. LOPANE
    • Division Email: [email protected]
    • All non-evidentiary hearings shall be conducted via Zoom.
    • PLEASE DO NOT EMAIL PLEADINGS.
    • Evidentiary hearings and trials shall be conducted in person
25. Seventeenth Judicial Circuit, Probate eFiling, checked October 16, 2026
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    • Please visit www.myflcourtaccess.com to register an account for efiling.
    • please send an email request to [email protected] to be added to the mailing list!
26. Broward County Property Appraiser, home page, checked October 16, 2026
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    • Broward County Property Appraiser
    • HOMESTEAD & OTHER EXEMPTIONS
27. Broward County Property Appraiser, Homestead and other exemptions, checked October 16, 2026
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    • You are entitled to a Homestead Exemption if, as of January 1st, you have made the property your permanent home
    • The timely filing period for Homestead Exemption for 2027 is March 3, 2026 through March 1, 2027.
    • The absolute deadline to LATE FILE for any 2027 exemption
    • is September 20, 2027.
    • Florida's Driver's License (or -- for non-drivers only -- a Florida I.D. Card) is REQUIRED.
    • NOTARIZED CERTIFICATE OF TRUST OR A COMPLETE COPY OF THE TRUST AGREEMENT
    • you will NOT be eligible for a Homestead Exemption in Broward County until after you cancel the exemption on the other property.
28. Broward County Property Appraiser, Office Location, checked October 16, 2026
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    • Broward County Property Appraiser's Office Broward County Governmental Center 115 South Andrews Avenue, Room 111 Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301
    • Main Number: 954-357-6830
    • open Weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
29. Florida Department of Health in Broward County, Death Certificates, checked October 16, 2026
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    • Order death certificates online through VitalChek
    • the only vendor authorized by the Florida Department of Health
    • Death Certificates are available for deaths occurring in the state of Florida from 2009 to present.
    • Any death prior to 2009 must be requested from the Florida Department of Health's Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville
    • A legible copy of a valid driver's license, passport, state-issued ID, or military identification card must accompany all requests.
    • You must be a family member or legal representative when requesting cause of death.
    • Fort Lauderdale Operations Building 2421A SW 6th Ave., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315 954-467-4413 Monday: 8 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. Tuesday-Friday: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday: Closed
    • South Regional Health Center 4105 Pembroke Road, Hollywood, FL 33021 954-467-4413 Monday-Friday: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
    • Paul Hughes Health Center 205 NW 6th Ave., Pompano Beach, FL 33060 954-467-4413 Monday-Friday: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
    • offices are closed at 3 p.m.
30. Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics, death records, checked October 16, 2026
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    • $5 Search fee for one calendar year and one certified copy $4 Additional certified copies
    • county health department fees do vary
31. Checklist for Petition for Disposition of Personal Property without Administration, checked October 16, 2026
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    • CHECKLIST FOR DISPOSITION OF PERSONAL PROPERTY WITHOUT
32. Checklist for Petition to Determine Homestead, checked October 16, 2026
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    • CHECKLIST FOR PETITION TO DETERMINE HOMESTEAD
33. Checklist for Petition to Sell Real Property, checked October 16, 2026
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    • CHECKLIST FOR PETITION TO SELL REAL PROPERTY
34. Checklist for Petition for Formal Administration of Intestate Estate, checked October 16, 2026
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    • CHECKLIST FOR PETITION FOR FORMAL ADMINISTRATION OF INTESTATE
35. Checklist for Petition for Summary Administration of Intestate Estate, checked October 16, 2026
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    • CHECKLIST FOR PETITION FOR SUMMARY ADMINISTRATION OF INTESTATE
36. Checklist for Petition for Formal Administration of Testate Estate, checked October 16, 2026
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    • CHECKLIST FOR PETITION FOR FORMAL ADMINISTRATION OF TESTATE
37. Checklist for Petition for Summary Administration of Testate Estate, checked October 16, 2026
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    • FOR SUMMARY ADMINISTRATION OF TESTATE ESTATE This Checklist must be completed and e-filed with your Petition.
38. Checklist for Petition for Formal Ancillary Administration, checked October 16, 2026
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    • CHECKLIST FOR PETITION FOR FORMAL ANCILLARY ADMINISTRATION
39. Checklist for Petition for Summary Ancillary Administration, checked October 16, 2026
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    • CHECKLIST FOR PETITION FOR SUMMARY ANCILLARY ADMINISTRATION
40. Checklist for Petition for Discharge, checked October 16, 2026
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    • CHECKLIST FOR PETITION FOR DISCHARGE
41. Affidavit of Heirs (all intestate cases), checked October 16, 2026
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    • AFFIDAVIT OF HEIRS
42. Affidavit Regarding Criminal History (all testate and intestate cases), checked October 16, 2026
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    • AFFIDAVIT CONCERNING CRIMINAL HISTORY