Overview
Palm Beach County is the third-most-populous county in Florida, with approximately 1.5 million residents. The Fifteenth Judicial Circuit Court, Probate Division handles all estate matters for individuals domiciled in the county at the time of death. The court is located at the Palm Beach County Courthouse in downtown West Palm Beach.
Florida probate law offers two primary pathways: Formal Administration (for estates over $75,000 or when the decedent passed away less than two years ago) and Summary Administration (for estates of $75,000 or less, or when the decedent has been dead for more than two years). Palm Beach County's significant retiree and high-net-worth population means the Probate Division regularly handles complex estates involving trusts, real property, and multi-state assets.
Florida has no state estate or inheritance tax. The surviving spouse has the right to a 30% elective share of the augmented estate. Homestead property carries special constitutional protections. The personal representative must be a Florida resident or a close relative of the decedent. E-filing is mandatory in Palm Beach 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
Palm Beach County Courthouse — Probate Division
The Probate Division of the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit Court is located in the Palm Beach County Courthouse in downtown West Palm Beach.
Address: 205 N. Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Phone: (561) 355-2996
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
The Probate Division handles estates, guardianships, and trust litigation. Palm Beach County assigns probate cases to specific divisions based on a rotation system.
Parking and Access
Paid parking is available at the courthouse garage and nearby lots. Palm Tran bus routes serve the downtown West Palm Beach area. Visitors should allow time 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 with only exempt property or assets insufficient to cover final expenses.
Step 2: E-File the Petition
Palm Beach County requires e-filing through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal (myflcourtaccess.com).
Required documents include:
- 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 Palm Beach County approved newspaper for two consecutive weeks
- Serve known or reasonably ascertainable creditors directly
- The creditor claims period is 3 months from the date of first publication
Step 4: Letters of Administration
The court reviews the petition and, if approved, issues Letters of Administration or Letters Testamentary. The personal representative then has authority to manage estate assets.
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 to beneficiaries
Local Requirements
Palm Beach County-Specific Procedures
- E-filing is mandatory through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal.
- Original wills must be deposited with the Palm Beach County Clerk of Courts.
- The Fifteenth Judicial Circuit has local administrative orders and local rules that supplement the Florida Probate Rules. Review these before filing.
- Notice to Creditors must appear in a Palm Beach 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.
Homestead Property
Florida homestead protections are significant in Palm Beach County:
- 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. The election deadline is the earlier of six months after receiving the Notice of Administration or two years after death.
Personal Representative Requirements
The personal representative must be a Florida resident or a close relative of the decedent as defined by Florida statute.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Palm Beach 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 $150-$300
- 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 with a convenience fee. The clerk's office accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit/debit cards for in-person transactions.
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. Palm Beach County's significant estate filing volume may affect processing times.
Local Resources
Palm Beach County Probate Court Resources
- Clerk of Courts — Probate: mypalmbeachclerk.com
- E-Filing Portal: myflcourtaccess.com
- Fifteenth Judicial Circuit: 15thcircuit.com
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County: (561) 655-8944
- Palm Beach County Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service: (561) 687-2800
- Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service: 1-800-342-8011
Publication
- Palm Beach Daily Business Review: Approved for legal notices in Palm Beach County
- The Palm Beach Post: Check with the clerk for current approved publications