What Is a Probate Inventory in Florida?

Section 733.604(1)(a) requires the personal representative to file a verified inventory unless one was already filed. Each item must be listed in reasonable detail with its estimated fair market value at the date of death.

Rule 5.340(a) sets the deadline at 60 days after issuance of letters. Real property that appears to be protected homestead must be listed and designated as such, without a value. Under Rule 5.340(b), the court may extend the deadline on petition for cause shown.

The inventory is served on the surviving spouse, each heir at law in an intestate estate, each residuary beneficiary in a testate estate, and any other interested person who asks in writing. Section 733.604(1)(b) makes estate inventories and accountings confidential and exempt from public records law. They may be disclosed to the personal representative, the personal representative's attorney and any interested person, and to others only by court order on a showing of good cause.

If the personal representative finds property left off the inventory, or learns a value or description was wrong, a verified amended or supplementary inventory must be filed and served. A residuary beneficiary or an intestate heir may request in writing an explanation of how an inventory value was determined, or a copy of any appraisal. Other beneficiaries may request the same for assets distributed or proposed to be distributed to them. The overall timeline is in how long Florida probate takes, and more is on the probate practice page.