Overview
Citrus County is located in Florida with a population of approximately 170,174. The Citrus County Clerk of the Circuit Court handles all probate and estate matters for decedents who were domiciled in the county at the time of death.
Florida probate is governed by Chapters 733 and 735 of the 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 (excluding exempt property) is $75,000 or less, or if the decedent has been dead for more than two years.
- Disposition of Personal Property without Administration: A procedure to reimburse the person who paid for funeral or final medical expenses, applicable only for very small estates consisting of personal property.
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 based on a percentage of the estate's compensable value.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Citrus 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
Citrus County Clerk of the Circuit Court
Probate matters in Citrus County are handled at the Citrus County Courthouse.
Address: 110 North Apopka Avenue, Inverness, FL 34450
Phone: (352) 341-6424 (Probate Division)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
The Probate Division is responsible for maintaining the files and records of all estate proceedings. The Clerk's office is located on the first floor.
Parking and Access
Public parking is available at the main courthouse parking lot located on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. There is also a smaller parking lot located directly in front of the courthouse. Visitors pass through security screening upon entry.
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 (excluding exempt property) or the decedent has been dead for more than 2 years.
- Disposition of Personal Property without Administration: For reimbursement of funeral and medical expenses from a small amount of personal property.
- 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 Citrus 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)
Florida courts require e-filing for attorneys. Self-represented litigants may file in person or by mail, though e-filing is encouraged via the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal.
Step 3: Provide Notice
After filing, you must:
- Serve Notice of Administration on interested parties (surviving spouse, beneficiaries, etc.).
- Publish Notice to Creditors in a newspaper of general circulation in Citrus County (such as the Citrus County Chronicle) once a week for two consecutive weeks.
- Serve Notice to Creditors on known creditors.
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
The court may schedule a hearing to appoint the Personal Representative. In many uncontested cases, if all documents are in order, the judge may sign the orders without a formal hearing. Once appointed, the court issues Letters of Administration.
Step 5: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:
- Publish and serve notice to creditors (3-month creditor claim period).
- Inventory and appraise all estate assets within 60 days of issuance of Letters.
- Pay valid creditor claims and taxes.
- Distribute assets to beneficiaries.
- File a Petition for Discharge and Final Accounting to close the estate.
Local Requirements
Citrus County-Specific Procedures
- E-Filing: Attorneys are required to e-file documents. Self-represented parties may file paper documents at the Clerk's office.
- Checklists: The Clerk's office may use checklists to ensure all required documents are filed before forwarding the file to the Judge.
- Ex Parte: Check with the judge's judicial assistant for specific ex parte hours or procedures for signing uncontested orders.
- Publication: Notice to Creditors must be published in a newspaper of general circulation in Citrus County, such as the Citrus County Chronicle.
Always check the current administrative orders for the Fifth Judicial Circuit for any specific local rules.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Citrus County)
- Formal Administration: approximately $400.00
- Summary Administration: approximately $235.00 - $345.00 (depending on estate value)
- Disposition of Personal Property: approximately $231.00
- Caveat: approximately $41.00
- Notice of Trust: approximately $41.00
- Publication costs: approximately $150-$300 depending on the newspaper
Fees are subject to change. Check the Clerk's current fee schedule.
Payment Methods
The court accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Amex, Discover). A service fee applies to credit card transactions.
Estimated Timelines
- Summary Administration: 1-3 months
- Simple Formal Administration: 6-9 months
- Average Estates: 9-15 months
- Complex or Contested Estates: 12 months to 2 years or more
The timeline is heavily influenced by the mandatory 3-month creditor claim period and the speed at which the Personal Representative can marshal assets and resolve claims.
Local Resources
Citrus County Court Resources
- Court Website: www.citrusclerk.org
- Probate Information: Contact the Probate Division at (352) 341-6424 for current forms and procedures
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Citrus County Bar Association: Local attorney directory and resources.
- Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida: (352) 629-0105 — Legal aid for eligible low-income residents.
- The Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service: www.floridabar.org
Publication
- Citrus County Chronicle: (352) 563-6363 — www.chronicleonline.com
- Tampa Bay Times: (727) 893-8111 — www.tampabay.com