Probate in Broward County: Where It’s Filed
Broward County sits in Florida’s 17th Judicial Circuit. Probate is filed with the Broward County Clerk of Courts, in the county where the decedent was domiciled at death. Cases are handled at the Central Courthouse, West Building, 201 S.E. 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale (Probate & Guardianship, 3rd Floor, Room 03160). Attorneys e-file every document through the statewide Florida Courts E-Filing Portal, which is why an out-of-state family can have a Broward County estate handled without anyone traveling to the courthouse.
Public parking is available at the garage at 540 S.E. 3rd Avenue. We serve residents of Broward County and nearby communities, including Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pembroke Pines, Coral Springs, Pompano Beach, Plantation, Davie, Sunrise.
Which Kind of Probate You’ll Need
Most Broward County estates pass through one of three doors. The cheapest one may be open:
- Disposition without administration (§735.301) — tiny estates with only exempt property and final-expense reimbursement; days to weeks.
- Summary administration (§735.201) — estates of $75,000 or less after exempt property, or when the decedent died more than two years ago; often weeks.
- Formal administration (ch. 733) — everything else; a personal representative is appointed and the case runs about 6 to 12 months.
We confirm which applies at your consult, and quote a flat fee. Estimate the cost and timeline first →
How Long, and What It Costs
Formal administration is paced by the 3-month creditor-claim window (§733.702); clean distribution waits for it to pass. Florida sets a presumed-reasonable attorney fee scaled to the estate (§733.6171), but it’s a ceiling, not a mandate. Our flat fees start at $1,500 (disposition), $2,500 (summary), and $3,500 (formal). Government costs, the Broward County filing fee (about $400), newspaper publication, and certified copies, are additional and passed through at cost. See the full Florida probate guide →
Out-of-State Personal Representatives
You can serve as personal representative of a Broward County estate from another state if you’re related to the decedent by blood, adoption, or marriage (§733.304); an out-of-state child qualifies. We represent personal representatives across Broward County remotely, by phone, video, and e-signature.
Handling a Broward County estate?
A free 30-minute consult tells you which kind of probate applies and what it will cost.
Book your free consultFrequently Asked Questions
Where is probate filed in Broward County?
Probate is filed with the Broward County Clerk of Courts, in the 17th Judicial Circuit, where the decedent was domiciled. Attorneys e-file through the statewide Florida Courts E-Filing Portal, so you don't have to appear in person. We handle Broward County estates remotely.
How long will it take?
Formal administration in any Florida county usually runs 6 to 12 months because the 3-month creditor-claim window (§733.702) must pass. Summary administration is faster, often a few weeks to about two months.
Do I need a Broward County attorney if I live out of state?
You need a Florida attorney for most formal administrations (Fla. Prob. R. 5.030), but you don't need to be local. We represent personal representatives across Broward County and beyond by phone, video, and e-signature.
Sources
- Fla. Stat. ch. 733–735 (administration); §733.304 (nonresident PR); §733.702 (creditor claims); Fla. Prob. R. 5.030 (attorney required). Filing via the Broward County Clerk of Courts (17th Judicial Circuit) and the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal. (retrieved 2026-06-06)
Updated June 6, 2026. Reviewed by Kevin D. Klagge, Esq., Fla. Bar No. 99502. General information about Florida law, not legal advice. We serve Broward County residents remotely; this is not a Broward County office.