Overview
Taylor County is located in Florida with a population of approximately 21,800. The Taylor 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 the Florida Probate Code (Chapters 731-735, Florida Statutes). 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.
Summary Administration is a simplified procedure available if the estate value is $75,000 or less, or if the decedent has been dead for more than two years. Disposition of Personal Property without Administration is available to reimburse the person who paid for the decedent's final expenses (funeral and medical bills) from estate assets, provided the assets consist only of exempt property and non-exempt personal property not exceeding the amount of those expenses.
Florida law generally requires a personal representative to be represented by an attorney for Formal Administration. Statutory attorney fees are set by Florida Statute 733.6171, generally starting at roughly 3% for estates up to $1 million, though this can vary based on services provided.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Taylor 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
Taylor County Clerk of the Circuit Court
Probate matters in Taylor County are handled at the Taylor County Courthouse.
Address: 108 North Jefferson St., Perry, FL 32347
Phone: (850) 838-3506 (Probate Department)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
The Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller serves as the county recorder and custodian of all court records. The Probate Department is located within the Clerk's office at the courthouse.
Parking and Access
Public parking is available around the courthouse square and in designated lots nearby. Security screening is required for entry into the courthouse building.
Filing Process
Step 1: Determine If Probate Is Necessary
Before filing, assess whether formal probate is required:
- Summary Administration: Available if the estate is valued at $75,000 or less (excluding exempt property) or the decedent has been dead for more than 2 years.
- Disposition of Personal Property without Administration: For very small estates to reimburse funeral/medical expenses.
- 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 Taylor County Circuit Court. Include:
- Petition for Administration
- Original will and codicils (if any)
- Certified death certificate
- Filing fee (approximately $400 for formal administration)
- Oath of Personal Representative
- Designation of Resident Agent
E-filing is mandatory for attorneys via the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal. Pro se litigants may file in person or by mail, though e-filing is encouraged.
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 Taylor County (e.g., Perry News-Herald) once a week for two consecutive weeks.
- Serve Notice to Creditors on known creditors.
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
The court may schedule a hearing on the petition, or if all documents are in order and waivers are filed, the judge may sign orders without a hearing. Once approved, the court issues Letters of Administration (or Letters Testamentary).
Step 5: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:
- Publish notice to creditors (if not already done) and wait for the 3-month creditor claim period to expire.
- Inventory and appraise all estate assets within 60 days of appointment.
- Pay valid creditor claims and taxes.
- Distribute assets to beneficiaries.
- File a Petition for Discharge and Final Accounting to close the estate.
Local Requirements
Taylor County-Specific Procedures
- E-Filing: Attorneys must file documents electronically via the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal.
- Proposed Orders: Should be submitted in Microsoft Word format through the e-filing portal if required by the presiding judge's procedures.
- Publication: Notice to Creditors must be published in a newspaper of general circulation in Taylor County, such as the Perry News-Herald.
- Local Forms: While many forms are standard statewide, check the Taylor County Clerk's website for any specific local checklists or requirements.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Taylor County)
- Formal Administration: approximately $400
- Summary Administration: approximately $235 - $345 (depending on asset value)
- Disposition of Personal Property: approximately $231
- Caveat: approximately $41
- Notice of Trust: approximately $41
Fees are subject to change. Check the Clerk's Fee Schedule for the most current amounts.
Payment Methods
The Clerk accepts cash, cashier's checks, money orders, and credit cards (with a service fee). Personal checks may not be accepted for new case filings—verify with the clerk.
Estimated Timelines
- Summary Administration: 1-2 months
- Simple Formal Administration: 6-9 months
- Complex or Contested Estates: 12 months or longer
Factors affecting timeline include the 3-month creditor claim period, sale of real estate, and tax return processing.
Local Resources
Taylor County Court Resources
- Clerk of Court Website: taylorclerk.com
- Probate Fees: taylorclerk.com/fees/
- Florida Courts E-Filing Portal: myflcourtaccess.com
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- The Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service: (800) 342-8011 — floridabar.org
- Three Rivers Legal Services: (Legal aid for North Florida) — trls.org
Publication
- Perry News-Herald: (850) 584-5513 — perrynewspapers.com