Overview
Pinellas County is located on the Gulf Coast of Florida, with approximately 985,000 residents. The county includes the cities of St. Petersburg and Clearwater. The Sixth Judicial Circuit Court, Probate Division handles all estate matters for individuals domiciled in Pinellas 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). Pinellas County has a significant retiree population, which contributes to a substantial probate caseload.
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 close relative of the decedent. E-filing is mandatory in Pinellas 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
Pinellas County Justice Center — Probate Division
The Probate Division of the Sixth Judicial Circuit Court operates out of the Pinellas County Justice Center in St. Petersburg.
Address: 545 1st Avenue North, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Phone: (727) 464-7000
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
The Sixth Judicial Circuit covers both Pinellas and Pasco Counties. Probate matters for Pinellas County residents are handled at the St. Petersburg location. The Probate Division handles estates, guardianships, and trust matters.
Parking and Access
Paid parking is available at the courthouse garage and nearby downtown St. Petersburg lots. PSTA 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
Pinellas 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 Pinellas 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
Pinellas County-Specific Procedures
- E-filing is mandatory through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal.
- Original wills must be deposited with the Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court.
- The Sixth Judicial Circuit has local rules and administrative orders that supplement the Florida Probate Rules.
- Notice to Creditors must appear in a Pinellas 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 apply to Pinellas 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. The election deadline is the earlier of six months after 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.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Pinellas 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-$250
- 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 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
Pinellas County Probate Court Resources
- Clerk of the Circuit Court — Probate: pinellasclerk.org
- E-Filing Portal: myflcourtaccess.com
- Sixth Judicial Circuit: jud6.org
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Gulfcoast Legal Services: (727) 821-0726
- St. Petersburg Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service: (727) 821-9494
- Clearwater Bar Association: (727) 461-4869
- Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service: 1-800-342-8011
Publication
- Tampa Bay Times: Approved for legal notices in Pinellas County
- Pinellas County legal newspapers: Check with the clerk for current approved publications