Overview
Duval County encompasses most of Jacksonville, Florida's largest city by area. With approximately 1.02 million residents, Duval is one of the most populous counties in the state. The Fourth Judicial Circuit Court, Probate Division handles all estate matters for individuals domiciled in Duval County at the time of death.
Florida probate provides two primary pathways: Formal Administration (for estates over $75,000 or when the decedent passed less than two years ago) and Summary Administration (for estates $75,000 or less, or when the decedent has been dead for more than two years). Duval County's consolidated city-county government means the single courthouse serves the entire Jacksonville metropolitan area.
Florida has no state estate or inheritance tax. The surviving spouse may claim a 30% elective share of the augmented estate. Homestead property has special constitutional protections. The personal representative must be a Florida resident or close relative of the decedent. E-filing is mandatory in Duval County.
This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Verify current requirements with the court or a qualified attorney.
Courthouse Information
Duval County Courthouse — Probate Division
The Probate Division of the Fourth Judicial Circuit Court is located at the Duval County Courthouse in downtown Jacksonville.
Address: 501 W. Adams Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202
Phone: (904) 255-2000
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
The Probate Division handles estates, guardianships, and trust matters. The Fourth Judicial Circuit covers Duval, Clay, and Nassau Counties.
Parking and Access
Paid parking is available near the courthouse in downtown Jacksonville. JTA bus routes serve the courthouse area. Visitors should plan for security screening and bring a valid photo ID.
Filing Process
Step 1: Determine the Type of Administration
- Formal Administration: Required for estates exceeding $75,000 or when the decedent died less than two years ago.
- Summary Administration: Available for estates of $75,000 or less (excluding exempt property), or when the decedent has been dead for more than two years.
- Disposition Without Administration: For very small estates.
Step 2: E-File the Petition
Duval County requires e-filing through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal (myflcourtaccess.com).
Required documents:
- Petition for Administration or Summary Administration
- Original will (deposited with the clerk)
- Certified death certificate
- Oath of Personal Representative (for formal administration)
- Filing fee payment
Step 3: Notice to Creditors
For formal administration:
- Publish a Notice to Creditors in a Duval County approved newspaper for two consecutive weeks
- Serve known or reasonably ascertainable creditors directly
- The creditor claims period is 3 months from the first publication date
Step 4: Letters of Administration
The court reviews the petition and issues Letters of Administration or Letters Testamentary.
Step 5: Administration and Closing
- File an inventory within 60 days
- Pay valid creditor claims and expenses
- File a final accounting
- Petition for discharge after distributing assets
Local Requirements
Duval County-Specific Procedures
- E-filing is mandatory through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal.
- Original wills must be deposited with the Duval County Clerk of Courts.
- The Fourth Judicial Circuit has local administrative orders and local rules governing probate procedures.
- Notice to Creditors must appear in a Duval County approved newspaper for two consecutive weeks.
- Inventory must be filed within 60 days of appointment.
- Accounting is required before the estate can be closed.
- Duval County is a consolidated city-county government (City of Jacksonville), so there is one probate court for the entire metropolitan area.
Homestead Property
Florida homestead protections apply to Duval County real property:
- Homestead generally cannot be devised if survived by a spouse or minor child
- The surviving spouse may elect a life estate or one-half interest as tenants in common
- Homestead is exempt from forced sale and most creditor claims
Elective Share
The surviving spouse may claim 30% of the augmented estate.
Personal Representative Requirements
The personal representative must be a Florida resident or a close relative of the decedent.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Duval County)
- Formal Administration petition: approximately $395
- Summary Administration petition: approximately $340 (estates over $1,000) or $230 (estates $1,000 or less)
- Disposition Without Administration: approximately $230
- Notice to Creditors publication: approximately $100-$200
- Certified copies: approximately $2.00 per page
Fees are set by Florida statute and may be updated. Contact the clerk's office for current amounts.
Payment Methods
E-filing payments are processed electronically. The clerk's office also accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit/debit cards.
Estimated Timelines
- Summary Administration: 1-3 months
- Simple formal estates: 6-9 months
- Average formal estates: 9-12 months
- Complex or contested estates: 12 months to several years
The minimum formal administration timeline includes the 3-month creditor claims period from the first publication of the Notice to Creditors.
Local Resources
Duval County Probate Court Resources
- Clerk of Courts — Probate: duvalclerk.com
- E-Filing Portal: myflcourtaccess.com
- Fourth Judicial Circuit: jud4.org
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Jacksonville Area Legal Aid: (904) 356-8371
- Jacksonville Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service: (904) 399-4486
- Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service: 1-800-342-8011
Publication
- Jacksonville Daily Record: Approved for legal notices in Duval County
- Financial News & Daily Record: Check with the clerk for current approved publications