Florida Probate Court Filing Fees Could Go Sky High
Probate filing fees in Florida might increase by double digits to help close a funding gap if the 2009 Florida Legislature enacts House Bill 5117. The bill, which was filed on 4/1/09, would increase the $280 filing fee for a regular probate administration to $1,000 or $2,000 or $3,000 depending on the value of the estate. The $1,000 fee would apply to estates valued from $75,000 to $250,000. The $2,000 fee would apply to estates from $250,000 to $1,000,000. The $5,000 fee would apply to estates over $1,000,000. Estates under $75,000 would keep the $280 filing fee.
If enacted, the bill would certainly raise much-needed revenue for the courts responsible for these probate cases. Another effect could be the use of more probate avoidance devices, such as living trusts, joint accounts, life insurance, annuities, retirement plans, etc.
The new filing fees would also apply to guardianships and certain other proceedings.
Jim Martin 4/7/09
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