Overview
Putnam County is located in Florida with a population of approximately 77,301. The Putnam County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller (Probate Division) handles all probate and estate matters for decedents who were domiciled in the county at the time of death.
Florida probate is governed by Florida Statutes Chapter 733 (Probate Code). 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 small estates, including Summary Administration for estates valued at $75,000 or less (or if the decedent has been dead for more than 2 years), and Disposition of Personal Property without Administration for very small estates to reimburse funeral expenses and medical bills.
Florida law requires a personal representative to be represented by an attorney in most formal administration cases. Statutory fees for personal representatives and attorneys are outlined in Florida Statutes 733.617 and 733.6171.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Putnam 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
Putnam County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller
Probate matters in Putnam County are handled at the Putnam County Courthouse.
Address: 410 St. Johns Avenue, Palatka, FL 32177
Phone: (386) 326-7600
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
The Probate Division is responsible for maintaining the files and records of the probate court. The Clerk's office is located in the main courthouse in Palatka.
Parking and Access
Public parking is available around the courthouse. Visitors should be prepared for security screening upon entry.
Filing Process
Step 1: Determine If Probate Is Necessary
Before filing, assess whether formal probate is required:
- Disposition of Personal Property without Administration: For very small estates consisting chiefly of exempt personal property (like furniture and cars) and non-exempt property not exceeding the sum of funeral expenses and medical bills of the last 60 days.
- Summary Administration: For estates valued at $75,000 or less, or if the decedent has been dead for more than 2 years.
- 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 Putnam County Clerk of the Circuit Court. Include:
- Original Last Will and Testament (if any)
- Certified copy of the Death Certificate
- Petition for Administration
- Filing fee (approximately $231.00 - $400.00 depending on estate type)
- Oath of Personal Representative
Florida courts require e-filing for attorneys. Pro se litigants may file in person or by mail, though hiring an attorney is highly recommended and often required for formal administration.
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 Putnam County (e.g., Palatka Daily News) once a week for two consecutive weeks.
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
The court will review the petition. If everything is in order, the judge will sign the order admitting the will to probate and appointing the personal representative. The Clerk will then issue Letters of Administration.
Step 5: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:
- Serve Notice to Creditors
- 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 Final Accounting and Petition for Discharge
Local Requirements
Putnam County-Specific Procedures
- E-Filing: Attorneys are required to e-file documents via the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal.
- Local Forms: The Clerk provides packets for "Disposition of Personal Property without Administration" and "Summary Administration" for pro se litigants.
- Publication: Notice to Creditors must be published in a local newspaper such as the Palatka Daily News.
- Attorney Requirement: Florida law generally requires a personal representative to be represented by an attorney for Formal Administration.
Always check the latest administrative orders from the Seventh Judicial Circuit for specific local rules.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Putnam County)
- Opening Any Estate (Formal/Summary): approximately $231.00 - $400.00 (Fees vary by estate value and type; verify current schedule with Clerk)
- Disposition of Personal Property: approximately $231.00
- Caveat: approximately $41.00
- Notice of Trust: approximately $41.00
- Publication costs: approximately $100-$200 (paid directly to newspaper)
Payment Methods
The court accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit cards (with a service fee).
Estimated Timelines
- Summary Administration: 1-3 months
- Simple Formal Administration: 6-9 months
- Complex or Contested Estates: 12 months to several years
Timelines depend heavily on the creditor claim period (3 months from publication) and whether any objections are filed.
Local Resources
Putnam County Court Resources
- Court Website: putnamclerk.com
- Probate Information: putnamclerk.com/probate
- Florida Probate Forms: flcourts.org
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- The Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service: (800) 342-8011 — floridabar.org
- Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida: (386) 328-8361 — Provides legal aid to eligible residents.
Publication
- Palatka Daily News: (386) 312-5200 — palatkadailynews.com