Florida · Probate administration

Florida Probate Creditor Deadlines and Small-Estate Rules

3 months from first publication of notice to creditors; or 30 days from mailing or delivery of actual notice to the creditor (Fla. Stat. § 733.702)

3 rules checked against governing sourcesSources checked through Jun 14, 2026Inspect the coverage gate

Answer first, sources attached

Three administration rules to check first

Creditor timing, notice procedure, and simplified-estate eligibility are state-specific. These source-linked rules are a starting point for the administration plan.

Procedure threshold

Small-estate procedure

Florida summary administration is available when the value of the entire estate subject to administration in Florida, less exempt property, does not exceed $75,000, or when the decedent has been dead for more than two years.

Fla. Stat. § 735.201.

Verified Jul 3, 2026 · Next review by Jul 3, 2027

Publication and service

Notice to creditors

Florida personal representatives must promptly publish a notice to creditors. Publication is once a week for two consecutive weeks in a qualifying county newspaper, and the personal representative must promptly make a diligent search and serve the notice on reasonably ascertainable creditors.

Fla. Stat. § 733.2121.

Verified Jul 3, 2026 · Next review by Jul 3, 2027

What changes the answer

The statewide rule is the starting point

  • Date and type of appointmentLetters, qualification, and the form of administration can change the trigger.
  • Known versus unknown creditorsPublication and direct notice may create different duties and deadlines.
  • Property included in the thresholdExempt property, real estate, and nonprobate assets may be treated differently.
  • Local court procedureForms, publication practice, hearing calendars, and closing requirements can be county-specific.

For probate attorneys

Turn the rule into a visible administration plan

DocketBuddy connects notice, claim periods, inventory, accounting, distributions, and closing exceptions to the same matter record.

This page reports source-linked state rules and review dates. It does not calculate a deadline, determine eligibility, select a procedure, value a claim, or apply law to an individual situation. Verify the cited authority, local procedure, and current law before relying on a rule.