Putnam County probate help.

Clerk and filing

E-filing and records search

• The clerk's Online Services menu lists E-File, E-Notify, E-Recording and Forms. putnamclerk.com
• The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal is the statewide access point for e-filing. myflcourtaccess.com
• Division 51 proposed orders go to the court by e-mail as Word attachments; a party without an attorney files the proposed order with the clerk. circuit7.org
• The clerk's online court records search (OCRS) offers anonymous public access, plus attorney, registered-user and party access with a user ID and password. civitekflorida.com
• Parties without an attorney complete a designation of e-mail address form; documents they file must carry a signature, printed name, address, telephone number and e-mail address. circuit7.org

Probate filing fees posted by the clerk

Source: Putnam County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller fee schedule, checked October 16, 2026. Putnam's posted probate schedule is dated January 1, 2023. Each posted fee that has a § 28.2401 amount is $1 above that amount (plus the $4 petition charge where § 28.2401(3) applies), except the $7.00 exemplified certificate, which matches it.

Judges and divisions

7th Judicial Circuit. Serves Flagler, Putnam, St. Johns and Volusia counties.

Courthouses that hear probate

• Putnam County Courthouse, 410 St. Johns Ave., Palatka, FL 32177 (probate hearings in Courtroom 305) circuit7.org probate assignment

• Judge France hears Putnam County probate cases at the Putnam County Courthouse in Palatka and Flagler County family cases at the Kim C. Hammond Justice Center in Bunnell. circuit7.org
• The circuit says most court facilities are open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding holidays; individual clerk offices may vary. circuit7.org

Administrative orders

Orders of the 7th Judicial Circuit that apply to probate and guardianship cases in Putnam County. Circuit order index.

• G-2026-043-PT, Assignment of Cases in Circuit Court (Putnam County). Date: July 9, 2026 (effective July 13, 2026). Assigns all probate, guardianship, incapacity and trust cases filed in Putnam County to Division 51.
• G-2026-025-SC (A), Circuit Division Assignments. Date: January 7, 2026 (effective January 20, 2026). Names Judge Christopher A. France to Division 51.
• PB-2022-019-SC, Motions to Compel Discovery in Probate Actions. Date: September 30, 2022. Requires written notice of the discovery deficiency with 10 days to cure before a motion to compel discovery in a probate or guardianship action is filed.
• PB-2022-018-SC, Guardianship Examining Committees. Date: September 30, 2022. Lists the people qualified to serve on guardianship examining committees in the circuit.
• PB-2019-006-SC, Guardianship Education Requirements. Date: February 25, 2019. Approves the guardian education course providers for the circuit; professional guardians are outside the order.
• PB-2017-010-SC, Guardian Advocate Training, Baker Act and Marchman Act. Date: Printed as October 4, 2000 (numbered 2017). Approves the Department of Children and Families online guardian advocate training for use in the circuit.
• PB-2009-022-SC, Adversary Case Style on Probate Pleadings. Date: May 22, 2009. Directs the clerk to return unfiled any adversary pleading that lacks the Rule 5.025(d) adversary case style.
• PB-2000-001-SC, Codification of Administrative Orders in the Probate/Guardianship/Mental Health Division. Date: October 4, 2000. Sets the PB numbering for probate administrative orders and rescinds earlier probate orders.

Local requirements and forms

Filing and venue

• Probate proceedings are filed with the clerk of the circuit court, usually in the county where the decedent lived at death; a filing fee is paid to the clerk. putnamclerk.com
• The clerk says a personal representative typically needs a lawyer, though a person may represent himself or herself. putnamclerk.com
• Probate, guardianship, incapacity and trust cases filed in Putnam County are assigned to Division 51. circuit7.org
• Pleadings declared adversary by Rule 5.025 that lack the adversary case style are returned unfiled by the clerk. circuit7.org

Wills

• The custodian deposits the original will with the clerk within ten days after learning of the death and supplies the date of death or last four Social Security digits if known; no attorney is needed and there is no fee to deposit, with a $7.00 fee if a receipt is requested. putnamclerk.com
• Section 732.901 requires deposit within 10 days after the custodian receives information that the testator is dead, and the clerk keeps the original at least 20 years. flsenate.gov

Summary administration

• The clerk page prints $75,000 as the summary administration limit; § 735.201(2) reads $150,000 (chapter 2026-57, effective July 1, 2026). flsenate.gov

Disposition without administration

• The clerk's packet requires that the decedent was a Putnam County resident and that the value stated is for the entire estate. putnamclerk.s3.amazonaws.com
• Documents listed: certified death certificate, original will if any, consent of all heirs if applicable, a description of assets, funeral bill, medical bills for the last 60 days, and a list of other creditors. putnamclerk.s3.amazonaws.com
• The packet lists a $231.00 non-refundable filing fee and says in-person filings go to the Customer Service Center, 107 Sixth St., Palatka; the Probate Department line is (386) 326-7620. putnamclerk.s3.amazonaws.com

Hearings, Division 51

• Hearings are noticed as in person. A party who wants to appear remotely files a motion with cause and e-mails a proposed order for review. circuit7.org
• Notices of hearing use the Putnam County Courthouse address, 410 St. Johns Ave., Palatka, Courtroom 305, and not the Bunnell mailing address. circuit7.org
• Evidentiary hearings are in person, and a court reporter may not appear remotely. circuit7.org
• A hearing is moved or canceled only by a motion with cause filed at least 3 days before the hearing; otherwise the hearing stays noticed and the parties attend. circuit7.org
• Hearing time is requested by e-mail to the judicial assistant with the amount of time needed. circuit7.org

Proposed orders, Division 51

• Proposed orders go by e-mail in Word format to the division's mailbox; orders are signed electronically, and the movant serves parties who have no designated e-mail address. circuit7.org
• A party without an attorney files the proposed order with the clerk instead. circuit7.org

Parties without an attorney

• Documents filed with the clerk must include a signature, printed name, address, telephone number and e-mail address, and the party completes a designation of e-mail address form. circuit7.org

Discovery

• A motion to compel discovery in a probate or guardianship action requires prior written notice of the deficiency with 10 days to cure. circuit7.org

Forms and checklists

• Division 51 Putnam County probate and guardianship procedures, Seventh Judicial Circuit
• Judge France's page (procedures and forms), Seventh Judicial Circuit
• Putnam County designation of e-mail address form for parties without an attorney, Seventh Judicial Circuit
• Disposition of personal property without administration packet (dated 06/20/2022), Putnam County Clerk
• Clerk forms page, Putnam County Clerk
• Affidavit of heirs sample form, Seventh Judicial Circuit

Property and homestead

• Homestead applications are taken year-round in the Palatka office; the deadline is March 1 after the home purchase, and later filings need the Extenuating Circumstances form. pa.putnam-fl.com
• For a property held in trust, the appraiser reviews the trust: the applicant needs beneficial or equitable title for life and a present possessory interest, and the deed into the trust must be recorded. pa.putnam-fl.com
• The $5,000 widow and widower exemptions end on remarriage, and the appraiser may ask for a death certificate at the first filing. pa.putnam-fl.com

Death certificates

• Death certificates are available for deaths in Florida from 2009 to the present; photo ID must accompany a request, and cause of death requires being a family member or legal representative. putnam.floridahealth.gov
• The Palatka vital statistics counter is open Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. putnam.floridahealth.gov

Records and help

• The clerk also lists a Government Complex office (2509 Crill Ave., Suite 300, Palatka) and satellite offices in Crescent City and Interlachen; the clerk's pages do not say which of them accept probate filings. putnamclerk.com
• The clerk's probate page says that if an account is held solely by the person who died, a court order is needed to reach it. putnamclerk.com
• The clerk's probate page says to record a certified copy of the death certificate without the cause of death section in the Official Records for assets that pass by survivorship. putnamclerk.com
• The Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service: 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.
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. Seventh Judicial Circuit, home page, checked October 16, 2026
   Supporting text

   • Serving Flagler, Putnam, St. Johns, and Volusia Counties
9. Florida Courts, Trial Courts - Circuit, checked October 16, 2026
   Supporting text

   • Seventh Circuit - Flagler, Putnam, St. Johns, and Volusia
10. Seventh Judicial Circuit, Administrative Orders, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • Probate/Guardianship
11. Seventh Judicial Circuit, Courthouse Hours and Holidays, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • Most court facilities in the Seventh Judicial Circuit are open to the public between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday (excluding holidays). Operating hours for individual Clerk of Court offices may vary.
12. Seventh Judicial Circuit, Zoom Tutorial, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • In the Seventh Judicial Circuit, some court proceedings are conducted utilizing the virtual platform Zoom
13. Seventh Judicial Circuit, Affidavit of Heirs sample form, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • AFFIDAVIT OF HEIRS
    • you must list ALL RELATIVES of the decedent
14. Seventh Judicial Circuit, PB-2000-001-SC, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • Codification of Administrative Orders in the Probate/Guardianship/Mental Health Division
    • DONE AND ORDERED at Daytona Beach, Volusia County, Florida this 4th day of October, 2000.
15. Seventh Judicial Circuit, PB-2009-022-SC, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • Adversary Case Style on Probate Pleadings
    • that do not contain the adversary case style described in Fla. Prob. R. 5.025(d) are not authorized by law and shall be returned by the clerk of court to the pleader
    • DONE AND ORDERED in Daytona Beach, Volusia County, Florida this 22nd day of May 2009.
16. Seventh Judicial Circuit, PB-2017-010-SC, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • Guardian Advocate Training - Baker Act / Marchman Act
    • The on-line training courses developed by the Department of Children and Families, in conjunction with the Florida Certification Board
    • this 4th day of October, 2000
17. Seventh Judicial Circuit, PB-2019-006-SC, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • Guardianship Education Requirements
    • courses provided and taught by the following organizations are approved for use in the Seventh Judicial Circuit
    • this 25th day of February 2019
18. Seventh Judicial Circuit, PB-2022-018-SC, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • Guardianship Examining Committees
    • are qualified to serve as members of guardianship examining committees in the Seventh Judicial Circuit
    • this 30 th day of September 2022
19. Seventh Judicial Circuit, PB-2022-019-SC, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • MOTIONS TO COMPEL DISCOVERY IN PROBATE ACTIONS
    • Said written notice must provide 10 days for the opposing party to cure said asserted deficiencies, or such shorter time as may be required by the Court.
    • this 30 th day of September 2022
20. Seventh Judicial Circuit, G-2026-025-SC (A), Circuit Division Assignments, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • CIRCUIT DIVISION ASSIGNMENTS
    • ORDERED AND ADJUDGED that the following judicial division assignments become effective January 20, 2026, and remain in effect until further order of the Chief Judge:
    • DONE AND ORDERED in Daytona Beach, Volusia County, Florida, this 7th day of January 2026.
    • Division 51 Judge Christopher A. France
21. Putnam County Clerk, Probate, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • Probate proceedings are filed with the clerk of the circuit court, usually in the county in which the decedent lived at the time of his or her death. A filing fee is required and should be paid to the clerk.
    • After you file for probate, the clerk then assigns a file number and maintains an ongoing record of all documents filed with the clerk for the administration of the decedent's probate estate.
    • This type of proceeding is used when the value of the entire estate does not exceed $75,000 or the decedent has been deceased over two years.
    • This type of proceeding is used to request the release of assets of the deceased up to $6,000.00 or reasonable funeral expenses to the person who paid the final expenses
    • the custodian of the will must deposit the original will with the Clerk of the Circuit Court within ten (10) days after receiving information that the person is deceased.
    • The custodian should supply the person's date of death or the last four digits of the person's Social Security number to the Clerk upon deposit of the original will, if this information is available.
    • No, an attorney is not necessary to deposit the will with the Clerk of the Circuit Court.
    • There is no fee to deposit a will. If a receipt is requested, the fee is $7.00.
    • Yes, but you should know the law. However, it is important and typically required that the personal representative of an Estate have legal representation.
    • Death certificates must be obtained from the Health Department of the county where the decedent died.
    • Online Services E-Certify E-File E-Notify E-Recording Forms
    • you should record a certified copy of the death certificate in the Official Records of the county that does not include the cause of death section.

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

22. Putnam County Clerk, Contact, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • Courthouse Complex 107 6th St, Palatka, FL (Customer Service Center) 410 St Johns Ave, Palatka, FL (Courthouse) Monday- Friday 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
    • Government Complex 2509 Crill Ave, Suite 300 Palatka, FL 32177 Monday, Wednesday, & Friday 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
    • Crescent City Satellite Office 115 N Summit St Crescent City, FL 32112 Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
    • Interlachen Satellite Office 1114 State Road 20 Interlachen, FL 32148 Tuesday & Thursday 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
    • Mailing Address P.O. Box 758 Palatka, FL 32178 Phone (386) 326-7600
23. Putnam County Clerk, Fee Schedule effective January 1, 2023, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • PUTNAM COUNTY CLERK OF COURT FEE SCHEDULE EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2023
    • Opening Any Estate
    • Open Safe Deposit Box
    • Settlement of Minor's Claims
    • Caveat
    • Notice of Trust
    • Foreign Wills
    • Disposition without Administration
    • Summary Administration < $1,000
    • Summary Administration > $1,000
    • Formal Administration, Guardianship, Curatorship, Conservatorship, Trust
    • Guardianship Person Only
    • Reopen Fee

    Note: The PDF's text layer lists each label apart from its amount, so the amounts were read from the rendered table on the PDF's third page: Opening Any Estate $231.00; Caveat $41.00; Notice of Trust $41.00; Foreign Wills $231.00; Disposition without Administration $231.00; Summary Administration under $1,000 $235.00; over $1,000 $345.00; Formal Administration $400.00; Guardianship Person Only $235.00; Reopen Fee $50.00. The schedule is dated January 1, 2023.

24. Putnam County Clerk, Forms, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • Disposition of Personal Property
    • Designation of E-Mail Service by a Party Not Represented by an Attorney
    • Registration Agreement for Online Court Records
25. Putnam County Clerk, Disposition of Personal Property Without Administration packet, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • PROBATE- DISPOSITION OF PERSONAL PROPERTY WITHOUT ADMINISTRATION 06/20/2022
    • The decedent must have been a resident of Putnam County.
    • The value must be for the entire estate; you cannot probate a portion of the estate.
    • FILING FEE OF $231.00 (non-refundable)
    • Customer Service Center 107 Sixth St Palatka, FL, 32177
    • Copies are $1.00 per page and $2.00 for each certification.
    • you may contact the Probate Department at (386)326-7620.
    • CERTIFIED COPY OF DEATH CERTIFICATE
    • ORIGINAL WILL (if applicable)
    • COPY OF FUNERAL BILL OR RECEIPT.
    • COPY OF ANY MEDICAL BILLS OR RECEIPTS FOR THE LAST 60 DAYS IF NOT COVERED BY INSURANCE.
    • CONSENT SIGNED BY ALL HEIRS(if applicable-form included in packet)
26. Putnam County OCRS, Online Court Records Search, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • Putnam County OCRS Online Court Records Search
    • This option allows for anonymous access to court records.
27. Seventh Judicial Circuit, Judge Christopher A. France, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • Divisions 47 - Unified Family, 51 - Probate
    • He currently presides in a Unified Family Court division the Kim C. Hammond Justice Center in Bunnell and probate cases at the Putnam County Courthouse in Palatka.
    • PUTNAM COUNTY PROBATE/GUARDIANSHIP PROCEDURES
    • PUTNAM COUNTY DESIGNATION OF EMAIL ADDRESS FORM FOR PRO SE LITIGANTS
28. Seventh Judicial Circuit, Putnam County Probate/Guardianship Procedures, Division 51, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • PROBATE/GUARDIANSHIP PROCEDURES PUTNAM COUNTY/DIVISION 51
    • PLEASE EMAIL PROPOSED ORDERS IN WORD FORMAT TO: [email protected].
    • THE MOVANT IS TO SERVE ORDERS TO PARTIES THAT DO NOT HAVE A DESIGNATED EMAIL ADDRESS.
    • IF YOU ARE PRO SE, PLEASE FILE YOUR ORDER WITH THE CLERK OF COURT.
    • HEARINGS SHALL BE NOTICED AS IN PERSON. PARTIES WISHING TO APPEAR REMOTELY MUST FILE A MOTION WITH THE COURT, WITH CAUSE, AND EMAIL A PROPOSED ORDER FOR REVIEW.
    • PLEASE NOTICE YOUR HEARINGS WITH THE PUTNAM COURTHOUSE ADDRESS AND NOT THE MAILING ADDRESS LISTED ABOVE.
    • PUTNAM COUNTY COURTHOUSE 410 ST. JOHNS AVE PALATKA, FL 32177 COURTROOM 305
    • EVIDENTIARY HEARINGS ARE IN PERSON. IF YOU ACQUIRE A COURT REPORTER, THEY ARE NOT PERMITTED TO APPEAR REMOTELY.
    • HEARINGS MAY NOT BE MOVED OR CANCELLED UNLESS A MOTION IS FILED AT LEAST 3 DAYS PRIOR TO HEARING, WITH CAUSE.
    • PRO SE LITIGANTS ARE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE A DESIGNATION OF EMAIL ADDRESS FORM
    • IF YOU ARE IN NEEED OF HEARING TIME, PLEASE EMAIL THE JA
    • ORDERS ARE ELECTRONICALLY SIGNED AND
    • MAILING ADDRESS: KIM C. HAMMOND JUSTICE CENTER 1769 E. MOODY BLVD, BLDG. 1 BUNNELL, FL 32110
    • DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE CLERK OF COURT MUST INCLUDE A SIGNATURE, WITH PRINTED NAME, ADDRESS, TELEPHOINE NUMBER, AND E-MAIL ADDRESS ON THE DOCUMENT.
29. Seventh Judicial Circuit, Putnam County Designation of Email Address form for pro se litigants, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • DESIGNATION
30. Seventh Judicial Circuit, G-2026-043-PT, Assignment of Cases in Circuit Court (Putnam County), checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • ASSIGNMENT OF CASES IN CIRCUIT COURT (Putnam County)
    • All probate, guardianship, incapacity and trust cases are to be assigned to Division 51.
    • hereby order that effective July 13, 2026, cases filed in the Circuit Court in and for Putnam County are to be assigned as follows:
    • DONE AND ORDERED in Daytona Beach, Volusia County, Florida, this 9th day of July 2026.
31. Seventh Judicial Circuit, Putnam County, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • Putnam County Courthouse 410 St. Johns Ave. Palatka, FL 32177
32. Putnam County Property Appraiser, Exemptions, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • Applications can be made year-round in the Palatka Office.
    • The deadline to submit a homestead and all exemption applications is March 1 following the year of your home purchase.
    • After March 1, you must also complete the Property Tax Exemption Extenuating Circumstances form along with the application.
    • The property must be your primary residence as of January 1st (as per Florida Statute 196.015)
    • If the property is owned by a trust, there are strict requirements that must be met for the applicant to qualify.
    • The deed that transfers the property into the trust must be recorded.
    • Hand delivered to 312 Oak Street, Palatka
    • WIDOWS EXEMPTION $5000 - Any widow who is a permanent Florida resident may claim this exemption.
    • WIDOWERS EXEMPTION $5000 - Any widower who is a permanent Florida resident may claim this exemption.
    • You may be asked to produce a death certificate when filing for the first time.
    • Customer Service/Exemption Department at (386) 329-0286
33. Putnam County Property Appraiser, Contact Information, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • Main Office Phones & Email Phone: 386-329-0286
    • Exemptions Office Phones & Email Phone: 386-329-0286
34. Putnam County Property Appraiser, home page, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • Property Appraiser - Putnam County, Florida
35. Florida Department of Health in Putnam 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.
    • 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.
    • Fees $10, Death Certificate $8, Additional Certificates $17, Mail Fed-Ex Fee $2, Certificate Protective Sleeve
    • Vital Statistics 386-326-3274
    • 2801 Kennedy St. Palatka, FL 32177
36. Florida Department of Health in Putnam County, Main Office, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • Physical Address: 2801 Kennedy St., Palatka, FL 32177
    • Vital Statistics Monday 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Tuesday 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Wednesday 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Thursday 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Friday 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.