Sarasota probate attorney, Sarasota County.

Clerk and filing

E-filing and records search

• Administrative Order 2014-5.2 requires all documents for new probate and guardianship cases to be filed electronically. jud12.flcourts.org
• Judge Williams' e-filing tip: file the proposed orders that the clerk audits as "Pleadings on an Existing Case" and choose the "Order - Proposed" document type, so the document goes to the clerk's review queue. jud12.flcourts.org
• ClerkNet public access shows all records except sealed, expunged or confidential ones, and gives no remote access to images of records in cases under the Florida Probate Rules (§ 28.2221(5)(a)). secure.sarasotaclerk.com
• Wills deposited for safekeeping can be searched in ClerkNet: choose Records Search, court type Probate/Guardianship/Mental Health, case type Wills for Safekeeping, and an approximate date range. sarasotaclerk.com

Probate filing fees posted by the clerk

Source: Sarasota County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller fee schedule, checked October 16, 2026. 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

12th Judicial Circuit. Serves DeSoto, Manatee and Sarasota counties.

Courthouses that hear probate

• Judge Lynn N. Silvertooth Judicial Center, 2002 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34237; (941) 861-7800; Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. jud12.flcourts.org probate assignment
• South County Courthouse, 4004 S. Tamiami Trail, Venice, FL 34293; (941) 861-7800; Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. jud12.flcourts.org probate assignment

• The Probate and Guardianship Division page lists Judge Maria Ruhl under South County Probate and Guardianship on October 16, 2026. AO 2026-05b.4 assigns South County probate to Judge Williams. jud12.flcourts.org
• The Twelfth Circuit hears probate for DeSoto, Manatee and Sarasota counties; its Probate Division has jurisdiction over the settlement of the estates of decedents and minors. jud12.flcourts.org

Administrative orders

Orders of the 12th Judicial Circuit that apply to probate and guardianship cases in Sarasota County. Circuit order index.

• AO 2026-05b.4, Fourth Amended Judicial Assignments 2026. Date: August 31, 2026 (effective September 3, 2026). Assigns Sarasota County, South County and Manatee County probate and guardianship cases to Judge Charles E. Williams.
• AO 2026-12.2, Second Amended Modification of South County Judicial District of Sarasota County and Division H Case Assignments. Date: August 27, 2026. Defines the South County Judicial District as the land south of Blackburn Point Road and sends probate cases that meet its criteria to the South County Courthouse in Venice.
• AO 2022-1.2, Proposed Orders E-Filed Through the Portal. Date: January 14, 2022 (effective January 24, 2022). Requires the probate Order Admitting Will and Order of Discharge to be e-filed to the clerk for audit; other proposed orders follow the judge's requirements.
• AO 2019-4.5, Assignment of Adversary Probate Proceedings. Date: February 2019. In Sarasota County outside South County Division H, moves an adversary probate proceeding expected to take more than three hours to the Civil Division when it is ready for a trial calendar; the Probate Division keeps the pretrial motions. South County Division H hears adversary probate proceedings through trial.
• AO 2019-11.1, Circuit Civil, Family, Probate and County Civil Cases Change in Status Reporting Requirements. Date: August 2019. Treats pending probate cases as active unless the court or clerk marks them inactive; the clerk changes status on a suggestion of bankruptcy, a post-judgment notice of appeal, an abatement or a Department of Justice hold.
• AO 2014-5.2, Creation of a Uniform Ex Parte Process for All Probate and Guardianship Cases and Division H Case Assignment. Date: January 2014 (effective March 3, 2014). Requires electronic filing of the documents that open a probate case and of the will before the paper original goes to the clerk, and notice to the judicial assistant by 3 p.m. the business day before an ex parte hearing.
• AO 2005-5.2, Case Maintenance Duties of Clerks in Probate Cases: Checklist for Closing Estates. Date: March 3, 2005. Directs the clerks to complete formal administration checklists before presenting a proposed order of discharge.
• AO 1997-14.5, Clerk Authorized to Enter Dates on Letters of Administration. Date: June 1997. Directs the clerk to date letters of administration with the date the bond is approved.
• AO 2024-14.5, Rescinding Administrative Order Regarding Do-Not Resuscitate Orders for the Ward in Guardianship Cases. Date: July 2, 2024. Rescinds AO 2020-02.5, because § 744.4431 now requires professional guardians to petition the court before consenting to a do-not-resuscitate order or to withholding life-prolonging procedures.
• AO 2018-8.5, Court Appointment of Non Professional Guardians in Guardianship Cases. Date: May 2018. Directs the clerk to keep Level 2 screening results and file credit history reports for each nonprofessional guardian who seeks appointment.
• AO 2017-11.5, Order Approving Guardianship Education Course. Date: July 2017. Approves the State College of Florida "Guardianship Training" course as compliance with § 744.3145.
• AO 2016-9.2, Due Process Service Rates. Date: July 2016 (rate schedule updated May 27, 2021). Sets the compensation rate schedule for due process services in cases where the court pays the cost.
• AO 2015-5a.5, Examining Committee Members' Fees in Guardianship Proceedings Where Ward Is Not Indigent. Date: 2015, effective April 1, 2015. Sets examining committee fees at $400 for a psychiatrist, other physician or psychologist and $250 for other members, paid from the ward's assets.

Local requirements and forms

Filing and venue

• The clerk takes the probate petition. Venue is the county where the decedent lived; if there was no probate in that county or state, venue is where the property is located. sarasotaclerk.com
• A personal representative must be represented by a Florida attorney unless the personal representative is the sole interested person (Florida Probate Rule 5.030, cited by the clerk). sarasotaclerk.com
• The court's formal probate checklist asks whether the decedent lived in Sarasota County and whether the resident agent is a member of the Florida Bar or a Sarasota County resident. jud12.flcourts.org
• Probate cases that meet the South County Judicial District criteria are filed at the South County Courthouse in Venice: the respondent lives in the district or in Charlotte County, or the property is in the district. The district is the land south of Blackburn Point Road. The clerk may transfer a case filed in the wrong location. jud12.flcourts.org

Wills

• The custodian of a will must deposit it with the clerk within 10 days after learning of the death. The clerk keeps the original for at least 20 years. flsenate.gov
• The clerk charges no fee to deposit a will. The depositor supplies the date of death or the Social Security number, and may deposit at the Sarasota or Venice office without an attorney. sarasotaclerk.com
• Recording is required for petitions that open and close an estate, petitions about real estate, and orders, letters, bonds, oaths, wills and proofs of wills (§ 28.2401(4)). flsenate.gov

Small estates

• Disposition of personal property without administration: the clerk's packet asks for the notarized petition, a certified death certificate, the paid funeral bill, 60 days of medical expenses with receipts, and a document showing the asset. The estate must hold no real property. sarasotaclerk.com
• The clerk's disposition packet states that the judges have consistently required a summary administration petition when creditors are known. sarasotaclerk.com
• Summary administration fits an estate of $150,000 or less, or a decedent who has been dead more than two years (§ 735.201(2)). The court's summary probate checklist tests the same limit. flsenate.gov

Hearings

• Attorneys schedule hearings on JACS. The Twelfth Circuit requires its own attorney-access registration, which uses the Florida Bar number and Bar email address. jud12.flcourts.org
• Hearings of one hour or less are scheduled on JACS in 15, 30 and 60 minute slots. Hearings expected to run longer than one hour are scheduled by email to the judicial assistant. jud12.flcourts.org
• Sarasota County ex parte hearings are held on Wednesdays and Thursdays. They are scheduled on JACS up to 48 hours ahead, held remotely, and limited to uncontested, non-evidentiary matters of 15 minutes or less. jud12.flcourts.org
• A notice of hearing is required for every hearing. jud12.flcourts.org
• The scheduling attorney arranges the Zoom or conference call credentials and enters them on JACS at scheduling and on the notice of hearing. Missing credentials can cancel the hearing without notice. jud12.flcourts.org
• Evidentiary hearings are held in person, run at least one hour, and are treated as contested unless the parties stipulate to the evidence in advance. Known contested matters are set for at least 30 minutes. jud12.flcourts.org
• Sarasota proceedings before Judge Williams are in Courtroom 6A at the Silvertooth Judicial Center; verify the courtroom on arrival because courtrooms can change. jud12.flcourts.org
• Courtesy copies of the notice of hearing, motion, proposed order and referenced documents are due 3 days before the hearing, or the hearing can be cancelled without notice. jud12.flcourts.org
• Courtesy copies for Sarasota, North and South County hearings go to [email protected] as two PDFs: the notice of hearing, petition and attachments in the first, only the proposed orders in the second. The subject line gives the case style, hearing date and motion title. jud12.flcourts.org
• In Sarasota North and South County cases, discovery motions and motions directed to the pleadings are heard by the Civil Magistrate. They are scheduled on JACS (Court #27) after the judge signs an Order of Referral. jud12.flcourts.org

Proposed orders

• The probate Order Admitting Will and Order of Discharge are e-filed to the clerk as proposed orders, because the clerk audits them before the judge reviews them. jud12.flcourts.org
• In a testate case, the Order Admitting Will must be entered and filed before letters or other proposed orders go to the court. Earlier submissions are treated as premature and draw a form note. jud12.flcourts.org
• Other proposed orders go by email in Word or PDF to [email protected] for Sarasota, North and South County cases. Encrypted email is not accepted. jud12.flcourts.org
• Orders on intestate summary or formal administration petitions and on petitions to determine homestead can go to the court once the petition is filed for record. Testate orders wait until the Order Admitting Will is entered and filed. jud12.flcourts.org
• The court does not accept proposed orders with a 5-day letter, and every communication and proposed order carries the case number. jud12.flcourts.org
• Since January 2, 2026, original commissions go to the court in hard copy with a self-addressed, stamped envelope. jud12.flcourts.org

Bond and homestead

• The original bond is mailed to the Sarasota County Clerk at P.O. Box 3079, Sarasota, FL 34230-3079 for Sarasota, North County and South County cases. jud12.flcourts.org
• Bond guidelines: a Florida-resident personal representative posts no bond, subject to court discretion. An out-of-state personal representative posts a bond equal to the estate value when it is $50,000 or less, and $50,000 when it is higher, subject to court discretion. No bond is required, subject to court discretion, when an in-state bank or trust company is co-personal representative and holds the assets. jud12.flcourts.org
• A petition to determine homestead needs no hearing when two years have passed since the death, or 90 days since first publication of the notice to creditors, and no claim has been filed. If a sale is pending, the proposed order carries conditional escrow language. jud12.flcourts.org
• In a summary administration, the petitioner generally swears there are no creditors. With known creditors holding timely, unsatisfied claims, notice of a hearing on homestead is required. jud12.flcourts.org

Checklists and adversary cases

• The court and probate coordinator review petitions for administration and petitions to determine homestead against checklists. The checklists are not filed, and departing from them delays the case. jud12.flcourts.org
• The summary probate checklist was amended for the probate rule changes effective July 16, 2026. jud12.flcourts.org
• An adversary probate proceeding expected to take more than three hours is transferred to the Civil Division when ready for a trial calendar; the Probate Division hears the pretrial motions. jud12.flcourts.org

Forms and checklists

• Judge Williams requirements and information, Twelfth Judicial Circuit
• Formal Probate Checklist, Twelfth Judicial Circuit
• Summary Probate Checklist, Twelfth Judicial Circuit
• Petition to Determine Homestead checklist, Twelfth Judicial Circuit
• Judge Williams memorandum on processing probate and guardianship submissions, August 25, 2023, Twelfth Judicial Circuit
• Probate and guardianship forms library, Twelfth Judicial Circuit
• Probate forms page, Sarasota County Clerk
• Disposition of Personal Property without Administration packet, Sarasota County Clerk
• Probate Creditor Statement of Claim, Sarasota County Clerk

Property and homestead

• To receive the homestead exemption for a year, the owner must own and occupy the property as a permanent residence on January 1 and apply by March 1. The appraiser also considers applications filed after March 1. sarasotapropertyappraiser.gov
• A Florida permanent resident who is a widow or widower may claim a $5,000 exemption. The application may require a copy of the death certificate, the claimant must have been legally married to the deceased at the time of death, and the exemption ends on remarriage. sarasotapropertyappraiser.gov
• The Sarasota County Property Appraiser's offices are open Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. sarasotapropertyappraiser.gov

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 Sarasota and Venice offices. A copy of valid identification (driver's license, passport, state-issued ID or military ID) goes with every request. sarasota.floridahealth.gov
• In-person and mail orders 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. sarasota.floridahealth.gov

Records and help

• The clerk's probate page prints $75,000 as the summary administration limit, the figure that chapter 2026-57 replaced with $150,000 in § 735.201(2). sarasotaclerk.com
• Section 735.201(2) in the 2026 Florida Statutes reads $150,000, as amended by chapter 2026-57. flsenate.gov
• Chapter 2026-57, Laws of Florida, took effect July 1, 2026. laws.flrules.org
• The Self Help Center and Law Library is at 2002 Ringling Blvd., 1st Floor, Sarasota. Appointments are encouraged. jud12.flcourts.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. Sarasota County Clerk, Probate page, checked October 16, 2026
   Supporting text

   • Probate proceedings are initiated when a petition seeking to administer an estate or to admit a will to probate is filed with the Sarasota County Clerk of the Circuit Court.
   • The venue is the county or state where the decedent resided; if there is no probate proceeding in that county or state, the venue is where the property is located.
   • Summary administration may be filed when the entire estate's value does not exceed $75,000 or when the decedent has been deceased for more than 2 years.

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

2. Sarasota County Clerk, Office Locations and Hours, checked October 16, 2026
   Supporting text

   • Sarasota County Historic Courthouse 2000 Main St. Sarasota, FL 34237
   • Phone (941) 861-7400
   • Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
   • Probate, Wills, Guardianship, & Mental Health
   • P.O. Box 3079 Sarasota, FL 34230-3079
   • South County Courthouse 4004 S. Tamiami Trail Venice, FL 34293
   • Probate, Wills, & Guardianship
3. Sarasota County Clerk, Wills page, checked October 16, 2026
   Supporting text

   • The custodian of the will must file the original will within 10 days of receiving information that the person is deceased.
   • There is no fee to file\deposit a will.
   • the decedent's date of death OR the decedent's social security number
   • An attorney is not necessary to file a will with the Sarasota Clerk and Comptroller's Office.
   • Under Court Type, select Probate/Guardianship/Mental Health
   • Then under Case Type, select Wills for Safekeeping
   • Probate Department: (941) 861-7400
4. Sarasota County Clerk, Wills, Probate, and Guardianship, checked October 16, 2026
   Supporting text

   • Pursuant to 5.030 Probate Rules of Court every guardian and every personal representative, unless the personal representative remains the sole interested person, shall be represented by an attorney admitted to practice in Florida.
5. Sarasota County Clerk, Fee Schedule, checked October 16, 2026
   Supporting text

   • Formal administration, guardianship, ancillary, curatorship, or conservatorship proceedings $400.00
   • Summary administration: $1,000 or more $345.00
   • Summary administration less than: $1000 $235.00
   • For opening of any estate of one document or more
   • Note: This procedure is not for issuance of letters or orders of summary or family administration $231.00
   • For disposition of personal property without administration $231.00
   • Petition and order to admit foreign wills, authenticated copies, exemplified copies or transcript of record $231.00
   • Caveat $41.00
   • Notice of Trust $41.00
   • Guardianship proceeding of person only $235.00
   • Petition for determination of incapacity $231.00
   • Exemplified certificate $7.00
   • Petitions/Motions that reopen previously closed cases - F.S. 28.241(1)(b)
   • $50.00
   • For Searching of records, for each year searched $2.00
   • For certifying copies of any instrument in the public records, per instrument $2.00
   • First page $10.00 Each additional page or fraction thereof $8.50
6. Sarasota County Clerk, ClerkNet court records login, checked October 16, 2026
   Supporting text

   • All records except those that are expunged or sealed
   • pursuant to s 28.2221(5)(a), F.S.
   • No remote access to images of records in cases governed by he Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure, Florida Rules of Juvenile Procedure, or Florida Probate Rules
7. Sarasota County Clerk, Probate Forms, checked October 16, 2026
   Supporting text

   • Disposition of Personal Property (PDF, 374KB)
   • Probate Creditor Statement of Claim (PDF, 91KB)
8. Sarasota County Clerk, Disposition of Personal Property packet (PDF), checked October 16, 2026
   Supporting text

   • 4 pages, notarized (required)
   • Certified Death Certificate (required)
   • Copy of paperwork showing the asset
   • Copy of paid funeral bill
   • Copy of the last 60 days of medical expenses with receipts
   • The probate estate must not include any real property.
   • judges have consistently required petitioners to file for a Summary Administration when there are known creditors
9. Sarasota County Clerk, Probate Creditor Statement of Claim (PDF), checked October 16, 2026
   Supporting text

   • IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR SARASOTA COUNTY, FLORIDA
   • STATEMENT OF CLAIM
10. 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.
11. Twelfth Judicial Circuit, home page, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • Serving Desoto, Manatee & Sarasota Counties
12. Twelfth Judicial Circuit, Probate & Guardianship Division, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • The Probate Division of the Circuit Court has jurisdiction of proceedings relating to the settlement of the estates of decedents and minors
    • DeSoto County Manatee County Sarasota County South County (Venice)
    • South County Probate & Guardianship Judge Maria Ruhl
    • Statement of Claim for Probate Cases
13. Twelfth Judicial Circuit, Judge Charles E. Williams requirements and information, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • Effective August 1, 2026, all Manatee, Sarasota North County and Sarasota South County (Venice) cases, are assigned to Judge Williams.
    • Proceedings are held in Courtroom 6A
    • Please note that courtrooms may be subject to change; verify courtroom upon arrival.
    • All hearings 1 hour or less in length must be scheduled through JACS. Available timeslots are 15, 30 & 60 minutes.
    • All hearings estimated to last more than one hour must be scheduled by emailing the judicial assistant.
    • In Sarasota County, Ex Parte hearings are held on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
    • Ex Parte hearings are scheduled on the JACS calendar up to 48 hours in advance by attorneys and shall be conducted virtually/remotely.
    • Ex Parte hearings shall be uncontested, non-evidentiary and 15 min. or less in length.
    • A Notice of Hearing is required for all hearings scheduled before the court regardless of duration or nature.
    • It is the scheduling attorney's responsibility to arrange the necessary conference call or Zoom credentials
    • Failure to provide this information in JACS at the time of scheduling may result in the cancellation of the hearing without notice.
    • Hearings requiring the admission of evidence must be held in-person and are considered contested matters, requiring a hearing duration of at least one hour. Exception: If the parties enter into a fully executed stipulation to the introduction of documents and evidence in advance, the hearing may be held remotely.
    • Known contested matters should be set for a minimum of 30 minutes to ensure that the time allocated is sufficient to hear the matter before the court.
    • These documents must be furnished no later than 3 days prior to the date of the hearing. Failure to comply with this requirement may result in the cancellation of your hearing without notice.
    • [email protected]
    • The court requires that two separate .PDF files be attached to your email.
    • The email subject line should include the case style, date of the hearing and motion title.
    • Order Admitting Will Order of Discharge The Clerk will transmit the hard copy of the proposed order to the court once their review has been completed.
    • Letters or other proposed orders sent to the court for consideration prior to the Order Admitting Will being entered and filed for record in Testate cases will be considered premature and a form note will be issued.
    • [email protected]
    • These orders may be sent via email in Word or .PDF format to:
    • (encrypted email submissions are not accepted)
    • Orders on Intestate petitions for Summary Administration, Intestate Petitions for Formal Administration, Petitions to Determine Homestead and all other ex parte proposed orders may be sent via email, hand delivery, or via U.S. Mail for consideration once the petition has been filed for record.
    • Orders on Testate Summary and Formal Administrations do not require a hearing; however, proposed orders may be sent via email, hand delivery, or via U.S. Mail for consideration only after the Order Admitting Will has been entered and is filed for record
    • The court will not accept proposed Orders with a "5-day letter"
    • Case numbers must be included on all communications and proposed orders submitted to the court.
    • Effective January 2, 2026, the court requires that commissions be sent in hard copy format to the court's physical mailing address for review and entrance by the court. Counsel shall provide a self-addressed, stamped envelope.
    • The original Bond is to be mailed to the Sarasota County Clerk and Comptroller at P.O. Box 3079, Sarasota, FL 34230-3079
    • Florida Resident P.R. No bond, but court discretion to set
    • Out-of-State P.R. with value $50,000 or less Bond equal to value of estate
    • Out-of-State P.R. with value in excess of $50,000 $50,000 bond, but court discretion to set
    • Out-of-State P.R. with co-P.R. in-state bank/trust company holding assets No bond, but court discretion to set
    • If either two years have lapsed since the date of decedent's death or 90 days since the date of first publication of Notice to Creditors, and a claim has not been filed, then homestead can be determined by petition/proposed order without a hearing.
    • If a real estate sale is pending, the proposed order must contain language that provides for the conditional escrow of funds pending the expiration of the creditor's period.
    • The Petitioner generally swears that there are no creditors. If there are known creditors with timely filed unsatisfied claims, notice needs to be provided of a hearing on the homestead issue.
    • Although it is not required to be filed, failure to follow the checklists will result in a delay in the probate proceedings.
    • Checklists are informational and not required to be filed for record.
    • All discovery-related motions and motions directed to the pleadings must be scheduled before the Civil Magistrate.
    • JACS (Court #27) after obtaining the signed Order of Referral
    • File these documents as "Pleadings on an Existing Case" at the Clerk's portal.
    • to ensure your document is sent to the clerk's queue for review.
    • Summary administration may be filed pro se when the entire estate's value does not exceed $150,000
14. Twelfth Judicial Circuit, JACS hearing scheduling, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • Calendars are set up for each judge with hearing times ranging from 5, 10, 15, 30, and 60 minutes.
    • does not use the same login process as other circuits using JACS
    • You must register for attorney access in order to access JACS.
    • Enter your Bar number and email address associated with your Florida Bar account
15. Twelfth Judicial Circuit, Judge Lynn N. Silvertooth Judicial Center, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • Address: 2002 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34237
    • Phone: (941) 861-7800
    • 8:30am to 5pm, Monday - Friday
16. Twelfth Judicial Circuit, South County Courthouse, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • Address: 4004 S. Tamiami Trail Venice, FL 34293
    • Phone: (941) 861-7800
    • 8:30am to 5pm, Monday-Friday
17. Twelfth Judicial Circuit, Court Forms, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • Probate & Guardianship Forms
    • Statement of Claim for Probate Cases
18. Twelfth Judicial Circuit, Self Help Center, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • The Sarasota Self Help Center and Law Library is located at 2002 Ringling Blvd., 1st Floor, Sarasota, FL 34237.
    • appointments are highly encouraged
19. Twelfth Judicial Circuit, Formal Probate Checklist (PDF), checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • FORMAL PROBATE CHECKLIST
    • Check proper Venue: decedent lived in Sarasota County?
    • Resident agent is a member of the Florida Bar or a Sarasota County Resident?
20. Twelfth Judicial Circuit, Summary Probate Checklist (PDF), checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • SUMMARY PROBATE CHECKLIST
    • Petition indicates probate estate is $150,000.00 or less (or deceased died at least two years ago)
    • Amended pursuant to SC2026-0690 Amendment to Florida Probate Rules
    • 2026 Legislation Effective July 16, 2026
21. Twelfth Judicial Circuit, Petition to Determine Homestead checklist (Word), checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • PETITIONS TO DETERMINE HOMESTEAD
    • Per Fla.Prob.R. 5.405, the Petition must include:
22. Twelfth Judicial Circuit, Judge Williams memorandum of August 25, 2023 (PDF), checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • MEMORANDUM RE: PROCESSING OF PROBATE/GUARDIANSHIP SUBMISSIONS
    • The Clerk holds the original Will, therefore the Order Admitting Will must be e-filed with them
23. Twelfth Judicial Circuit, AO 2026-05b.4 Fourth Amended Judicial Assignments 2026 (PDF), checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER 2026-05b.4
    • The following judicial assignments are effective September 3, 2026.
    • PROBATE & GUARDIANSHIP DIVISION -MANATEE & SARASOTA COUNTIES
    • Sarasota County Honorable Charles E. Williams
    • South County Probate & Guardianship Honorable Charles E. Williams
    • DONE AND ORDERED in Bradenton, Manatee County, on August 31, 2026.
24. Twelfth Judicial Circuit, AO 2026-12.2 South County Judicial District (PDF), checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • Administrative Order No. 2026-12.2
    • lying south of a line running east and west along Blackburn Point Road, extending east to the eastern boundary of Sarasota County
    • The physical location of the courthouse is the South County Courthouse, 4004 South Tamiami Trail, Venice, Florida 34293.
    • (1) The Defendant/Respondent resides within the South County Judicial District of Sarasota County or within Charlotte County, Florida
    • (3) The property in litigation is within the South County Judicial District of Sarasota County
    • the Clerk may transfer the filings to the South County Courthouse
    • DONE AND ORDERED in Chambers in Bradenton, Manatee County, Florida this 27 day of August 2026.
25. Twelfth Judicial Circuit, AO 2022-1.2 Proposed Orders E-Filed Through the Portal (PDF), checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO.: 2022-1.2
    • the following proposed orders are required to be E-Filed through the Portal to the clerk's office into the court file
    • Parties and attorneys shall follow the Judges' Requirements for proposed orders
    • This order is effective January 24, 2022.
26. Twelfth Judicial Circuit, AO 2019-4.5 Assignment of Adversary Probate Proceedings (PDF), checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • The Probate Divisions in Desoto County, and South County Division H will preside over all adversary probate proceedings requiring resolution by trial
    • any adversary probate proceeding requiring resolution by a trial expected to last more than a half-day (three hours) will be transferred to the Civil Division when ready to be placed on a trial calendar
    • Pre-trial motions pertaining to the cases transferred pursuant to this paragraph will be heard by the Probate Division.
27. Twelfth Judicial Circuit, AO 2019-11.1 Change in Status Reporting (PDF), checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • All pending Circuit Civil, Family, Probate and County Civil cases are designated
    • Suggestion of Bankruptcy
    • Department of Justice hold
28. Twelfth Judicial Circuit, AO 2014-5.2 Uniform Ex Parte Process (PDF), checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • All documents for new Probate and Guardianship cases shall be electronically filed
    • the Will shall be electronically filed with the Clerk
    • The attorney desiring an ex parte hearing shall notify the judicial assistant for the Division judge, no later than by 3 p.m. the preceding business day of the hearing.
    • This order shall take effect March 3, 2014.
29. Twelfth Judicial Circuit, AO 2005-5.2 Checklist for Closing Estates (PDF), checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • shall resume or continue to complete formal administration checklists prior to presenting the court with any proposed order of discharge in an estate
    • this 3rd day of March 2005
30. Twelfth Judicial Circuit, AO 1997-14.5 Clerk Authorized to Enter Dates on Letters of Administration (PDF), checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • Clerk Authorized to Enter Dates on Letters of Administration
    • the Clerk is directed to date the
    • with the date the bond is approved
31. Twelfth Judicial Circuit, AO 2024-14.5 Rescinding DNR order administrative order (PDF), checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • section 744.4431, Florida Statutes, which requires professional guardians
    • petition the court for authority to consent to withhold or withdraw life-prolonging procedures
    • is hereby RESCINDED, effective immediately
32. Twelfth Judicial Circuit, AO 2018-8.5 Nonprofessional Guardians (PDF), checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER: 2018-8.5
    • Level 2 screening results
    • credit history reports into the court file
33. Twelfth Judicial Circuit, AO 2017-11.5 Guardianship Education Course (PDF), checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • presented by State College of Florida is
    • Section 744.3145
34. Twelfth Judicial Circuit, AO 2016-9.2 Due Process Service Rates (PDF), checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER REGARDING DUE PROCESS SERVICE RATES
    • Updated Effective May 27, 2021
35. Twelfth Judicial Circuit, AO 2015-5a.5 Examining Committee Fees (PDF), checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • Psychiatrist, other physician or psychologist $400.00
    • Other members of committee $250.00
    • These fees shall be paid by the guardian from the assets of the Ward.
    • April 1, 2015
36. Twelfth Judicial Circuit, Administrative Orders index, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • Probate/Guardianship (5)
37. Sarasota County Property Appraiser, home page, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • Sarasota County Property Appraiser
38. Sarasota County Property Appraiser, Contact Us, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • 2001 Adams Lane, Sarasota, FL 34237
    • Telephone: 941.861.8200
    • 4000 S. Tamiami Trail, Room 1100, Venice, FL 34293
    • Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
39. Sarasota County Property Appraiser, Homestead overview, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • In order to meet the qualification deadline for the exemption you must be a Florida resident and own and occupy the property as your permanent residence on January 1st of the year you claim the exemption.
    • In order to meet the application deadline you must apply by March 1st of the year for which you are claiming the exemption.
    • Nevertheless, the property appraiser's office will consider homestead exemption applications filed after the March 1 deadline.
    • Widow/Widower Exemption - $5,000
    • You must have been legally married to the deceased at the time of their death.
    • An application must be filed for this exemption and a copy of the Death Certificate may also be required.
    • If you receive this exemption and remarry, you will no longer be entitled to this benefit.
40. Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County, Death Certificates, checked October 16, 2026
    Supporting text

    • 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.
    • Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
    • close a half hour for lunch from noon - 12:30 p.m.
    • $10 Death Certificate
    • 2200 Ringling Blvd Sarasota FL 34237 941-861-2810
    • 4000 Tamiamii Trl S Venice FL 34293 941-861-3528
41. 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.
42. 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.
43. 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.
44. 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
45. 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
46. 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.