Overview
Sumter County is located in Florida with a population of approximately 154,693. The Sumter County 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 Florida Statutes Chapters 731-735. The process begins with filing a Petition for Administration (Form 5.200) 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 Summary Administration for estates valued at $75,000 or less, or if the decedent has been dead for more than 2 years. There is also a procedure for Disposition of Personal Property without Administration for very small estates to reimburse funeral expenses and medical bills (Section 735.301, Fla. Stat.).
Florida law provides a statutory fee schedule for attorneys (approx. 3% of estate value for estates up to $1M) under Fla. Stat. 733.6171.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Sumter 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
Sumter County Circuit Court
Probate matters in Sumter County are handled at the Sumter County Courthouse.
Address: 215 E. McCollum Ave, Bushnell, FL 33513
Phone: (352) 569-6600 (Probate Division)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
The Probate Division is located in the historic Sumter County Courthouse in Bushnell. The Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller oversees all probate filings.
Parking and Access
Public parking is available near the courthouse. Security screening is required upon entry to the courthouse.
Filing Process
Step 1: Determine If Probate Is Necessary
Before filing, assess whether formal probate is required:
- Summary Administration: For estates valued at $75,000 or less, or if the decedent has been dead for more than 2 years.
- Disposition of Personal Property without Administration: For very small estates to reimburse funeral expenses and medical bills (Section 735.301, Fla. Stat.).
- 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 Formal Administration with the Sumter County Circuit Court. Include:
- Original Last Will and Testament (if any)
- Certified copy of Death Certificate
- Oath of Personal Representative, Designation of Resident Agent
- Filing fee ($400.00 for Formal Administration)
- Any additional required documents
Attorneys are required to e-file via the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal. Pro se litigants may file in person or by mail.
Step 3: Provide Notice
After filing, you must:
- Mail notice of the hearing to all heirs, beneficiaries, and interested parties at least 20 days before the hearing
- Publish notice in a newspaper of general circulation in Sumter County for two consecutive weeks
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
The court will schedule a hearing on the petition, typically 2 to 4 weeks after filing. At the hearing, the judge reviews the petition and, if approved, issues Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration.
Step 5: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:
- Publish Notice to Creditors and serve copy to known creditors (3-month claim period)
- Inventory and appraise all estate assets within 60 days of issuance of Letters
- Pay valid creditor claims
- File federal and state tax returns as needed
- Distribute assets to beneficiaries
- File a final accounting and petition for discharge
Local Requirements
Sumter County-Specific Procedures
- E-Filing: Mandatory for attorneys via Florida Courts E-Filing Portal.
- Checklist Compliance: Ensure all documents meet the 5th Judicial Circuit checklist requirements.
- Ex Parte Hours: Check with the judge's judicial assistant for specific ex parte procedures.
- Publication: Notice must be published in a newspaper of general circulation in Sumter County for two consecutive weeks.
Follow 5th Judicial Circuit administrative orders; e-filing mandatory for attorneys.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Sumter County)
- Formal Administration: $400.00
- Summary Administration: $235.00 (estates under $1,000) / $345.00 (estates over $1,000)
- Disposition of Personal Property without Administration: $231.00
- Certified copies of Letters: $1.00 per page plus $2.00 certification fee
- Publication costs: approximately $85-$150 depending on the newspaper
- Caveat: $41.00
Florida law provides a statutory fee schedule for attorneys (approx. 3% of estate value for estates up to $1M).
Payment Methods
The court accepts cash, cashier's checks, money orders, and credit cards (with service fee). Personal checks are generally not accepted for new cases.
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates (no disputes, limited assets): 6-9 months
- Average estates: 9-15 months
- Complex or contested estates: 18 months to 2 years
Timelines are affected by creditor claim periods, court scheduling, and estate complexity.
Local Resources
Sumter County Court Resources
- Court Website: sumterclerk.com
- Probate Self-Help: Sumter Clerk Probate Info
- Florida Probate Forms: Florida Courts
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- The Florida Bar: (850) 561-5600 — Statewide regulatory body
- Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida: (352) 629-0105 — Legal aid for eligible residents
- Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service: floridabar.org/lrs
Publication
- Sumter County Times: (352) 793-2161 — Legal notices
- The Villages Daily Sun: (352) 753-1119 — Widely circulated