How Long Does Probate Take in Florida and What Can You Do in the Meantime?

Introduction

If you’ve inherited a home in Florida, chances are you’ve already heard the word “probate.” Probate is the legal process of transferring ownership of property after someone passes away. It’s an important step, but it can also take time. Many heirs ask: How long does probate take in Florida? And what can I do while waiting?

This article explains the probate timeline, what you can (and can’t) do with the property during this time, and how Palm Vista Property Group can help when you’re ready to sell.

Understanding Probate in Florida

Florida is one of the stricter states when it comes to probate. Unlike some states, you typically can’t skip the process, even if there’s a will. Probate ensures debts, taxes, and legal claims are handled before the property is transferred.

There are two main types of probate in Florida:

• Formal Administration – Standard process, usually for estates worth more than $75,000. Timeline: 6–12 months.
• Summary Administration – Faster option for smaller estates (under $75,000) or if the person has been deceased for more than two years. Timeline: 1–4 months.

Factors That Affect Probate Timeline

Probate length varies, depending on:

• Complexity of the estate (multiple heirs, multiple properties, debts).
• Disagreements among heirs (contested wills can drag out the process).
• Backlog in Florida courts (some counties move faster than others).
• Outstanding taxes or liens that need to be resolved.

👉 On average, probate in Florida lasts 6–9 months, but some cases take over a year.

What Can You Do With the Property During Probate?

While the home is in probate, you don’t technically own it yet. That means:

• You can’t sell it immediately.
• You can maintain it (pay utilities, mow the lawn, handle urgent repairs).
• You can market it for sale in some cases, as long as closing doesn’t happen until probate is complete.

What Happens After Probate Ends?

Once the court approves, the property is transferred to the heir(s). At that point, you can:

• Move into the home.
• Rent it out.
• Sell it—either through a realtor or directly to a cash buyer.

Why Many Heirs Choose to Sell

Heirs often discover that inherited homes come with:

• Costly repairs after years of deferred maintenance.
• Insurance and taxes that add up quickly.
• Emotional stress of owning a family property you don’t want or can’t manage.

How Palm Vista Can Help

Palm Vista Property Group works with families throughout Florida who are going through probate. We:

• ✅ Make fair cash offers once probate is complete.
• ✅ Buy as-is, so you don’t have to invest in repairs.
• ✅ Offer fast closings—as soon as 7 days after probate wraps up.
• ✅ Provide compassionate, local service, because we know these transitions can be difficult.

Conclusion

Probate in Florida can take time, but knowing what to expect helps reduce stress. While you wait for the process to finish, you can prepare by deciding whether to keep, rent, or sell the property.

👉 If you’ve inherited a home and want to sell quickly once probate ends, Palm Vista Property Group is here to help. Visit PalmVistaPropertyGroup.com for a no-obligation cash offer.