Overview
Bradford County is located in Florida with a population of approximately 28,303. The Bradford County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller handles all probate and estate matters for decedents who were domiciled in the county at the time of death.
Florida probate is governed by the Florida Probate Code (Chapters 731-735, Florida Statutes). The process begins with filing a Petition for Administration to admit the will and appoint a personal representative. The court then issues Letters Testamentary for testate estates or Letters of Administration for intestate estates.
Florida offers simplified procedures for smaller estates:
* Summary Administration: Available if the estate value is $75,000 or less, or if the decedent has been dead for more than two years.
* Disposition Without Administration: A process to reimburse the person who paid for the decedent's final expenses (funeral and medical bills) from the estate's liquid assets, provided no other administration is required.
Florida law requires a personal representative to be represented by an attorney in most formal administration cases. Statutory fees for attorneys and personal representatives are outlined in Florida Statutes 733.617 and 733.6171, generally starting at roughly 3% of the estate value for each, though this can vary based on complexity.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Bradford County probate process. It is not legal advice and is not a substitute for consulting a qualified attorney. Laws and local procedures may change — verify current requirements with the court.
Courthouse Information
Bradford County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller
Probate matters in Bradford County are handled at the Bradford County Courthouse.
Address: 945 North Temple Avenue, Starke, FL 32091
Phone: (904) 966-6280 (Probate Division)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
The Clerk's office is located within the county courthouse. The Probate Division is responsible for maintaining the files and records of the probate court.
Parking and Access
Free parking is generally available in the lot adjacent to the courthouse on North Temple Avenue. Visitors pass through security screening upon entering the building.
Filing Process
Step 1: Determine If Probate Is Necessary
Before filing, assess whether formal probate is required:
- Summary Administration: If the estate is valued at $75,000 or less, or the decedent has been dead for more than 2 years.
- Disposition Without Administration: For reimbursement of funeral and last illness expenses from small liquid assets.
- Trust administration: Assets held in a living trust generally do not require probate.
Step 2: File the Petition
If formal probate is needed, file a Petition for Administration with the Bradford County Clerk of the Circuit Court. Include:
- Original Last Will and Testament (if applicable)
- Certified copy of the Death Certificate
- Petition for Administration
- Oath of Personal Representative
- Designation of Resident Agent
- Filing fee (approximately $400.00)
E-filing is mandatory for attorneys in Florida via the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal.
Step 3: Provide Notice
After filing, you must:
- Mail notice of the administration to all heirs, beneficiaries, and known creditors.
- Publish notice in a newspaper of general circulation in Bradford County (such as the Bradford County Telegraph) once a week for two consecutive weeks.
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
The court may schedule a hearing to appoint the Personal Representative. In many uncontested cases, this can be done via ex parte submission if all documents are in order. Once approved, the judge issues Letters of Administration.
Step 5: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:
- Serve a Notice to Creditors (3-month claim period)
- Inventory and appraise all estate assets within 60 days of appointment
- Pay valid creditor claims and taxes
- Distribute remaining assets to beneficiaries
- File a Petition for Discharge and Final Accounting to close the estate
Local Requirements
Bradford County-Specific Procedures
- E-filing: Attorneys are required to file documents electronically via the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal.
- Venue: Probate must be filed in the county where the decedent was domiciled.
- Local Rules: Bradford County is part of the Eighth Judicial Circuit; check Circuit 8 administrative orders for specific probate protocols.
- Publication: Notice to Creditors must be published in a local newspaper like the Bradford County Telegraph.
Consult the Clerk's office or a local attorney for the most up-to-date checklist of required forms.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Bradford County)
- Formal Administration: approximately $400.00
- Summary Administration: approximately $235.00 - $345.00 (varies by asset value)
- Disposition without Administration: approximately $231.00
- Caveat: approximately $41.00
- Certified copies: $1.00 per page + $2.00 for certification
Note: Fees are subject to change. Check the current fee schedule on the Clerk's website.
Payment Methods
The court accepts cash, cashier's checks, money orders, and credit cards (with a service fee). Personal checks may not be accepted for opening new cases.
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates (Summary Administration): 2-4 months
- Average estates (Formal Administration): 6-9 months
- Complex or contested estates: 12 months to 2+ years
The timeline is heavily influenced by the mandatory 3-month creditor claim period which begins after the first publication of the Notice to Creditors.
Local Resources
Bradford County Court Resources
- Court Website: bradfordclerk.com
- Probate Division: bradfordclerk.com/probate
- Eighth Judicial Circuit: circuit8.org
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- The Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service: (800) 342-8011 — floridabar.org
- Three Rivers Legal Services: (352) 372-0519 — trls.org (Serving Bradford County)
Publication
- Bradford County Telegraph: (904) 964-6305 — bctelegraph.com