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Monthly Archives

July 2026

Florida Expands Disposition Without Administration for certain Intestate Estates

By Estate Planning

There is a separate procedure in cases where the decedent died without a last will & testament and the probate estate is small. This is occasionally referred to as the disposition of intestate property without administration. As of 2026, the amount of nonexempt personal property has been increased from $10,000 to $20,000.

A disposition without administration may be available if the decedent:

  • Died without a valid will (intestate);
  • Left only qualifying exempt personal property and no more than $20,000 in nonexempt personal property;
  • Has been deceased for more than one year; and
  • Does not have a pending probate administration in Florida.

Eligibility may also be determined by the allowable amount of certain preferred funeral expenses as well as reasonable and necessary medical and hospital fees incurred during the last 60 days of the decedent’s final illness, as permitted by Florida law.

Our law firm advises and represents personal representatives and trustees regarding the settlement of trusts and estates. Call the law office of Bach, Jacobs, & Byrne, P.A. at (941) 906-1231 to schedule a consultation.

New Florida Probate Laws Taking Effect in 2026

By Probate

Beginning July 1, 2026, significant Florida probate law changes took effect, bringing major updates to the Florida Probate Code. The new laws are designed to simplify the probate process, expand eligibility for Florida summary administration, increase small-estate thresholds, strengthen the authority of personal representatives, improve access to safe-deposit boxes, and provide probate courts with greater flexibility when appointing curators.

The 2026 amendments, enacted through CS/HB 1337 (Chapter 2026-57, Laws of Florida) and CS/HB 131 (Chapter 2026-85, Laws of Florida), represent some of the most important updates to Florida probate laws in years. These changes are expected to help many families settle estates more quickly, reduce administrative burdens, and improve the overall efficiency of the Florida probate process.

If you are the named personal representative in someone’s will or wish to be appointed personal representative of an estate, contact Bach, Jacobs, & Byrne, P.A. at (941) 906-1231.