Chart of executor duties
Florida law spells out exactly what a personal representative is responsible for. This is the full list, in the order most estates work through it, so nothing gets missed.
Identify, gather, and safeguard the assets
Locate everything the decedent owned, including the real property, and take steps to protect it, from securing the house to valuing its contents.
Obtain Letters of Administration
This court-issued document is the personal representative's proof of legal authority to act on the estate's behalf, including signing for the sale of real property.
Publish a Notice to Creditors
Published in a local newspaper for two consecutive weeks, starting the three-month window creditors have to file claims against the estate.
Serve a Notice of Administration
Sent directly to the surviving spouse, beneficiaries, and known creditors, giving formal notice that the estate is open and explaining their rights.
Conduct a diligent search for creditors
Beyond the published notice, reasonably identifiable creditors must be searched for and notified directly of the claims deadline.
Review claims, and object to improper ones
Not every claim filed against the estate is valid. The personal representative can object to claims that are not owed, and defend the estate if a creditor sues.
Pay valid claims
Once the creditor period closes, legitimate debts are paid in the priority order Florida law sets.
File tax returns and pay taxes due
Final personal income tax returns and any estate tax returns are filed, and amounts properly owed are paid from estate funds.
Employ professionals as needed
An attorney, CPA, or appraiser can be retained to help administer the estate, paid from estate funds as an administration expense.
Pay statutory family allowances
Florida law sets aside certain amounts for a surviving spouse or family members, paid before general distribution.
Distribute the remaining assets
Once debts, taxes, and expenses are settled, remaining assets, including proceeds from any property sale, go to the beneficiaries.
Close the estate
A final accounting is filed and approved, and the court discharges the personal representative from further duties.
When the estate includes a house
Two of the duties above carry extra weight when real property is involved: safeguarding the asset means keeping it insured, secure, and maintained the entire time it sits vacant, and distributing assets often means deciding whether to sell, transfer, or hold the property first.
See the Florida probate timeline for when that property decision typically comes up, and real property risks during probate for what is at stake while it waits.
This is a general overview for informational purposes and is not legal advice. Actual requirements vary by county, court, and the complexity of the estate. Consult a licensed Florida probate attorney for guidance specific to your situation.
