Marion County probate help.

Clerk and filing

E-filing and records search

• All proposed orders in Marion County probate and guardianship cases go through the E-portal in Word (.docx) only; PDF documents are not accepted. circuit5.org
• Judge King aims for 100% paperless; paper proposed orders are not submitted by mail, and orders sent through the e-service portal are typically handled within 2 business days. circuit5.org
• Witness lists and the photo ID of unrepresented parties and witnesses are filed through the Florida E-Filing Portal. circuit5.org
• The clerk requires a death certificate to be filed with the original will. marioncountyclerk.org

Probate filing fees posted by the clerk

Source: Marion County Clerk of Court and Comptroller fee schedule, checked October 16, 2026. These amounts come from the clerk's schedule of service charges dated January 20, 2023. Each fee with a § 28.2401 amount is $1 above that amount (plus the $4 petition charge where § 28.2401(3) applies). Cards carry a 3.5% charge. Confirm current amounts with the clerk.

Judges and divisions

5th Judicial Circuit. Serves Citrus, Hernando, Lake, Marion and Sumter counties.

Courthouses that hear probate

• Marion County Judicial Center, 110 NW First Avenue, Ocala, FL 34475; (352) 401-6700 circuit5.org probate assignment

• The circuit lists the Marion County Judicial Center at 110 NW First Avenue, Ocala, (352) 401-6700. Judge King's chambers are in Suite 507. circuit5.org
• The circuit judiciary page for Marion County lists Circuit Judge Brad King and Administrative Judge Steven G. Rogers. circuit5.org
• The Florida Courts site lists the Fifth Circuit as Citrus, Hernando, Lake, Marion and Sumter counties. flcourts.gov

Administrative orders

Orders of the 5th Judicial Circuit that apply to probate and guardianship cases in Marion County. Circuit order index.

• AO M-2025-62-B, Second Amended Order of Judicial Assignments for Marion County Circuit Judges, Magistrates and Hearing Officers for the Year 2026. Date: Signed April 30, 2026; effective June 15, 2026. Assigns all probate and guardianship cases to Circuit Judge Brad King and splits trust and estate civil litigation one third each among Circuit Judges Herndon, Hodges and Youmans.
• AO A-2026-13-A, Amended Administrative Order In Re The Use of Artificial Intelligence in Court Filings and Proceedings and The Protection of Confidential Information. Date: 2026. Applies to every filing in Marion, Citrus, Hernando, Lake and Sumter counties and reminds each signer that Rule 2.515(d)(2) requires the cited legal authorities to exist and be accurately cited.
• AO M-2006-05, Mandatory Procedure on Filing Annual Accountings on a Fiscal-Year Basis in Guardianship Cases in Marion County. Date: 2006. Requires guardianship annual accountings to be filed on a fiscal year that matches the annual plan, and allows no variation without court approval.

Local requirements and forms

Filing and venue

• The clerk files all probate proceedings at the Marion County Judicial Center, 110 NW 1st Ave., Ocala; the courthouse is open Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. marioncountyclerk.org
• The circuit assigns all Marion County probate and guardianship cases to Circuit Judge Brad King for 2026 (AO M-2025-62-B). circuit5.org

Wills

• The original will goes to the clerk, with a death certificate, within 10 days of the custodian learning of the death; there is no filing fee. marioncountyclerk.org
• Certified copies of a will cost $1.00 per page plus $2.00 for certification. marioncountyclerk.org

Small estates

• Disposition of personal property without administration cannot be used when real property is involved; the clerk points to §§ 735.301 to 735.304 for eligibility. marioncountyclerk.org
• The clerk lists the commonly required items: an affidavit, letter or other opening request, the original will if any, the death certificate, the funeral home statement showing who paid, notarized consents from heirs, and statements for the assets. marioncountyclerk.org
• The filing fee is due with the petition, and one certified copy of the Order for Payment of Funds is charged. marioncountyclerk.org

Judge King practice

• Probate and guardianship hearings are on Tuesday (under 2 hours) and Thursday afternoon (1 to 4); hearing requests go by e-mail to the judge's judicial assistant with the case number, subject, time needed and any Zoom request. circuit5.org
• The court says by e-mail whether a hearing is in person or by Zoom, and the attorney who schedules the hearing gives notice of it with the Zoom link if provided. circuit5.org
• Evidence is pre-marked and sent to the parties and the court no more than three business days before the hearing; unrepresented parties are served by U.S. Mail at least ten days ahead. circuit5.org
• A list of expected participants is filed through the portal at least ten business days before the hearing; unrepresented parties and witnesses file photo ID (redacted) at least 48 hours ahead. circuit5.org
• A petition or order for extension of time is not granted for more than six months; the judge instead offers an order administratively closing the estate, which places the case on inactive status and leaves the personal representative undischarged. circuit5.org
• Probate cases are expected to resolve within 12 months of letters of administration. circuit5.org

Proposed orders

• Every proposed order is submitted through the portal in Word (.docx), not PDF, using the codes in the circuit sample order, with a certificate of service. circuit5.org
• The attorney who submits a proposed order makes sure any pro se party gets a copy by U.S. Mail and files a certificate of compliance. circuit5.org

Guardianship and other

• Marion guardianship annual accountings follow a fiscal year that matches the annual plan, with no variation unless the court approves. circuit5.org
• Every filing in the five counties falls under the circuit order on artificial intelligence (AO A-2026-13-A). circuit5.org
• An Alleged Incapacitated Person coversheet applies to Citrus, Hernando, Lake, Marion and Sumter counties. circuit5.org

Forms and checklists

• Standing Order on Probate and Guardianship Hearings (Judge King), Fifth Judicial Circuit
• Form Order Administratively Closing Estate (Judge King), Fifth Judicial Circuit
• Judge King instructions and sample proposed order, Fifth Judicial Circuit
• Alleged Incapacitated Person Coversheet (five-county circuit form), Fifth Judicial Circuit
• Circuit sample proposed orders and instructions, Fifth Judicial Circuit

Property and homestead

• The property appraiser takes exemption applications online: request a PIN, then log in. The office is open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday, at 501 SE 25th Ave, Ocala. pa.marion.fl.us
• Portability lets a Florida resident with a prior homestead exemption transfer part of the homestead assessment-cap benefit to a new Florida residence. pa.marion.fl.us

Death certificates

• Death certificates cover deaths in Florida from 2009 to the present; earlier deaths go to the Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville. Cause of death is released to family members and legal representatives. marion.floridahealth.gov

Records and help

• The clerk is open Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and follows the Fifth Circuit holiday list. marioncountyclerk.org
• Section 735.201(2) in the 2026 Florida Statutes reads $150,000, as amended by chapter 2026-57; the Marion clerk probate page states no summary administration dollar limit. flsenate.gov
• Chapter 2026-57, Laws of Florida, took effect July 1, 2026. laws.flrules.org
• The Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service takes calls at 800-342-8011, Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. floridabar.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.
2. Florida Statutes § 28.241, filing fees for trial and appellate proceedings (2026), checked October 16, 2026
   Supporting text

   • Reopen fees are due at the time a party files a pleading to reopen a proceeding if at least 90 days have elapsed since the filing of a final order or final judgment with the clerk.
3. Florida Statutes § 732.901, production of wills (2026), checked October 16, 2026
   Supporting text

   • The custodian of a will must deposit the will with the clerk of the court having venue of the estate of the decedent within 10 days after receiving information that the testator is dead.
   • the clerk shall retain and preserve the original will in its original form for at least 20 years
4. 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
5. Chapter 2026-57, Laws of Florida, checked October 16, 2026
   Supporting text

   • Section 7. Subsection (2) of section 735.201, Florida Statutes, is amended
   • Section 14. This act shall take effect July 1, 2026.
6. 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.
7. The Florida Bar, Lawyer Referral Service, checked October 16, 2026
   Supporting text

   • Call 800-342-8011, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
8. Fifth Judicial Circuit, home page, checked October 16, 2026
   Supporting text

   • Citrus County
   • Hernando County
   • Lake County
   • Marion County
   • Sumter County
9. Fifth Judicial Circuit, Administrative Orders index, checked October 16, 2026
   Supporting text

   • Administrative Orders are directives that are necessary to properly administer the court's affairs
   • Orders are grouped by their jurisdiction: circuit-wide and individual counties.
   • For the current list of Orders and Rules, please call 352-401-7841
10. Florida Courts, Trial Courts - Circuit, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • Fifth Circuit - Citrus, Hernando, Lake, Marion, and Sumter
11. Fifth Judicial Circuit, AO A-2026-13-A Use of Artificial Intelligence in Court Filings (PDF), checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • AMENDED ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. A-2026-13-A
    • This Order applies to all filings and written materials submitted through the Florida Courts e-Filing Portal or otherwise presented to any division in Citrus, Hernando, Lake, Marion, and Sumter Counties.
    • require each signer of a filing to represent that they have read the document, that there are good grounds supporting the document, and that the legal authorities identified in the filing exist and are accurately cited

    Note: Scanned PDF with no text layer. Quoted text read by OCR on 2026-10-16.

12. Fifth Judicial Circuit, Submitting Proposed Orders, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • The following Fifth Circuit Counties DO ACCEPT Proposed Orders via Florida's E-filing Portal:
    • Citrus
    • Hernando
    • Marion
    • Sumter
    • LAKE COUNTY - DOES NOT ACCEPT Proposed Orders via Florida's E-Filing Portal.
    • Proposed Orders must be SUBMITTED IN WORD FORMAT (.docx) ONLY
    • COVER LETTERS are OPTIONAL. Cover Letters must be in Adobe .pdf format.
13. Fifth Judicial Circuit, Alleged Incapacitated Persons forms, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • Alleged Incapacitated Person Coversheet (Citrus, Hernando, Lake, Marion, and Sumter)
14. Fifth Judicial Circuit, Marion County court page, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • Marion County Judicial Center 110 NW First Avenue Ocala, Florida 34475 (352) 401-6700
    • ALL PROPOSED ORDERS shall be submitted for entry through the E-portal
    • PLEASE SUBMIT ORDERS IN WORD FORMAT ONLY (NO PDF DOCUMENTS WILL BE ACCEPTED)
    • The attorney submitting the proposed order shall ensure that any pro se party receives a copy of the order via U.S. Mail and shall file a certificate of compliance confirming compliance with this requirement.
15. Fifth Judicial Circuit, Marion County judiciary, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • Brad King Circuit Judge
    • Steven G. Rogers Administrative Judge
16. Fifth Judicial Circuit, Circuit Judge Brad King, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • Marion County Judicial Center- Suite 507 110 N.W. 1st Avenue Ocala, FL 34475
    • Welcome to the world of Probate, Guardianship, and Juvenile Delinquency in Marion County.
    • Tuesday - juvenile pleas, probate or guardianship hearings less than 2 hours
    • Thursday - delinquency docket until 12 pm, juvenile hearings, probate or guardianship hearings 1 - 4.
    • Click here to view the Standing Order on Probate and Guardianship Hearings.
    • An Petition/Order for Extension of Time will not be granted for more than six months.
    • you can file the Form Order Administratively Closing Estate that will close the estate until you are prepared to file the necessary documents to dispose of your case
    • EVERY ORDER SHALL INCLUDE A CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
    • ALL PROPOSED ORDERS shall be submitted for entry through the E-portal
    • PLEASE SUBMIT ORDERS IN WORD FORMAT (.docx) ONLY
    • Your order submission must have a certificate of service.
    • INCAPACITY FORMS
17. Fifth Judicial Circuit, Judge King Standing Order on Probate and Guardianship Hearings (PDF), checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • STANDING ORDER ON PROBATE AND GUARDIANSHIP HEARINGS
    • 100% paperless is the goal.
    • Please do not submit proposed orders in paper format or through the mail.
    • are typically dealt with within 2 business days
    • Email [email protected] to schedule your hearing.
    • to advise whether the hearing will be in person or by Zoom.
    • The attorney scheduling the hearing is responsible for the Notice thereof with Zoom link if provided.
    • You will need to provide the case number, subject of the hearing, amount of time requested, and a request for a Zoom hearing, if desired.
    • all items for identification and provide to all parties and the Court
    • no more than three (3) business days prior to the hearing
    • If there are any unrepresented parties involved in your case, a copy of the pre-marked evidence shall be served on them, via US Mail, at least ten (10) days prior to the hearing
    • Provide the court, via the Florida E-Filing Portal, with a list of people who are expected to participate in the hearing no less than ten (10) business days prior to the hearing.
    • Non-represented parties and witnesses must file a copy of their driver's license or photo ID, via the Florida E-Filing Portal, no less than 48-hours prior to the hearing.
    • Redact all but the last four digits of the driver's license and the month and day of birth.
    • DONE AND ORDERED this August 12, 2024 in Ocala
18. Fifth Judicial Circuit, Judge King form Order Administratively Closing Estate (PDF), checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • ORDER ADMINISTRATIVELY CLOSING ESTATE
    • probate cases are expected to be resolved within 12 months of the date of letters of administration being issued
    • this Court, sua sponte, pursuant to Florida Rule of General Practice 2.456(b)(1) orders that this case be placed in inactive status
    • The Personal Representative is not discharged
19. Fifth Judicial Circuit, AO M-2025-62-B Second Amended Order of Judicial Assignments for 2026 (PDF), checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER: M-2025-62-B
    • SECOND AMENDED ORDER OF JUDICIAL ASSIGNMENTS FOR MARION COUNTY CIRCUIT JUDGES, MAGISTRATES AND HEARING OFFICERS
    • Effective June 15, 2026, cases shall be randomly distributed
    • Judge Brad King:
    • All Probate;
    • All Guardianship, including all IPEVA proceedings;
    • All Marchman Act review and hearings;
    • All Baker Act review and hearings;
    • 1/3 Trust/Estate civil litigation cases
    • Judge Lisa Herndon: 1/3 Civil cases;
    • Judge Robert W. Hodges: 1/3 Civil cases;
    • Judge Stacy M. Youmans:
    • this 30th day of April, 2026

    Note: Page 3 of the PDF groups Judge Stacy M. Youmans with 1/3 Civil cases, 1/3 Forfeitures, 1/3 Bond Validations and Assessment Liens, 1/3 Eminent Domain and 1/3 Trust/Estate civil litigation cases. A plain layout text extraction interleaves that block with the Judge Steven G. Rogers block above it. Judges Herndon and Hodges each list 1/3 Trust/Estate civil litigation cases on pages 1 and 2. Judges Brigham and Rogers are not listed for trust and estate litigation.

20. Fifth Judicial Circuit, AO M-2006-05 Annual Accountings in Guardianship Cases (PDF), checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • MANDATORY PROCEDURE ON FILING ANNUAL ACCOUNTINGS ON A FISCAL-YEAR BASIS IN GUARDIANSHIP CASES IN MARION COUNTY
    • all annual accountings shall be filed on a fiscal-year basis to coincide with the filing of annual plans
    • No variation from the accounting procedure set forth in this order shall be permitted without court approval.

    Note: Scanned PDF with no text layer. Quoted text read by OCR on 2026-10-16.

21. Marion County Clerk, Probate, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • Disposition of Personal Property Without Administration may not be used when real property is involved.
    • Please refer to Florida Statutes 735.301-304
    • Original Last Will and Testament of the decedent, if one exists
    • Copy of the statement from funeral home showing by whom the bill was paid
    • Signed and notarized consents from all heirs, if any
    • The filing fee is due at the time the Petition is filed.
    • Order for Payment of Funds
    • within 10 days after receiving information that the testator
    • also requires that a death certificate be filed with the original will
    • there is no charge or filing fee to deposit a will
    • at the rate of $1.00 per page, plus a $2.00 charge for certification
    • Mailing Address: PO Box 1030 Ocala, Florida 34478
    • Physical Address: 110 NW 1st Ave. Ocala, Florida 34475
    • Courthouse Hours: Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
    • Phone Number: (352) 671-5604
22. Marion County Clerk, Office Hours & Holiday Schedule, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • is open regularly Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
    • Follow this link for a list of designated holidays for the Fifth Judicial Circuit.
23. Marion County Clerk, Schedule of Service Charges dated January 20, 2023 (PDF), checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • SCHEDULE OF SERVICE CHARGES
    • Checks should be made payable to Clerk of Court.
    • there is a non-refundable charge of 3.5% to provide this service
    • Opening of any estate of one document or more, including, but not limited to, petitions and $231.00
    • $41.00 Caveat/Notice of Trust
    • Disposition of personal property without administration $231.00
    • Summary administration less than $1,000 $235.00
    • Summary administration greater than $1,000 $345.00
    • Formal administration, Ancillary, Curatorship, or Conservatorship proceedings regardless of $400.00
    • Reopen Fee $50.00
    • Deposit of Will N/C

    Note: The clerk's only posted schedule found is dated January 20, 2023, and the PDF prints two columns, so the extracted text interleaves rows. Amounts are listed only where label and amount sit together. Confirm current amounts with the clerk.

24. Marion County Property Appraiser, Location, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • 501 SE 25th Ave Ocala, FL 34471
    • Phone: 352-368-8300
25. Marion County Property Appraiser, Online Exemption Filing, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • Request a Personal Identification Number (PIN).
    • Log in to online filing.
    • Gather necessary documentation establishing your qualifications to file.
    • Portability allows Florida residents with a previous Homestead Exemption to transfer part of their
    • Office Hours 8am - 4pm Monday - Friday
    • Mailing Address PO Box 486 Ocala, FL 34478

    Note: The page still states the deadline for 2026 exemptions as Monday, March 2, 2026, so no 2027 deadline is published there on the date checked.

26. Florida Department of Health in Marion County, Death Certificates, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • 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
    • A legible copy of a valid driver
    • You must be a family member or legal representative when requesting cause of death.
    • Ocala Facility
    • Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
    • $10 Death Certificate
    • $3 Certificate Protective Sheath
    • Florida Department of Health in Marion County 352-629-0137
    • 1801 SE 32nd Ave. Ocala, FL 34471-5532