Supreme Court of Florida ____________

No. SC19-164

____________

IN RE: AMENDMENTS TO THE FLORIDA PROBATE RULES—2019 

REGULAR-CYCLE REPORT.

December 19, 2019

REVISED OPINION

PER CURIAM.

The opinion dated November 14, 2019, is withdrawn, and the following 

revised opinion is substituted in its place.1

We have for consideration the regular-cycle report of proposed amendments 

to the Florida Probate Rules (Probate Rules), filed by the Florida Probate Rules 

Committee (Committee). See Fla. R. Jud. Admin. 2.140(b). We have jurisdiction. 

See art. V, § 2(a), Fla. Const.

 

1. We issue this revised opinion in response to the motion for rehearing 

filed by the Florida Probate Rules Committee, requesting that the Court revise the 

amendment to rule 5.040(a)(3)(D) (Notice), which the Court grants.
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BACKGROUND

The Committee proposes amendments to rules 5.020 (Pleadings; 

Verification; Motions), 5.040 (Notice), 5.200 (Petition for Administration), 5.240 

(Notice of Administration), 5.241 (Notice to Creditors), 5.275 (Burden of Proof in 

Will Contests), 5.320 (Oath of Personal Representative), 5.360 (Elective Share),

5.407 (Proceedings to Determine Family Allowance), 5.470 (Ancillary 

Administration), 5.490 (Form and Manner of Presenting Claim), 5.499 (Form and 

Manner of Objecting to Personal Representative’s Proof of Claim), 5.636 

(Settlement of Minors’ Claims), 5.649 (Guardian Advocate), 5.681 (Restoration of 

Rights of Person with Developmental Disability), 5.695 (Annual Guardianship 

Report), and 5.900 (Expedited Judicial Intervention Concerning Medical 

Treatment Procedures). The Board of Governors of The Florida Bar unanimously 

approved the proposals.

The Committee published the proposals in The Florida Bar News before 

filing them with the Court. No comments were received by the Committee. 

Following publication, for efficiency, the Committee decided to include 

amendments to two additional rules, which were published in a later edition of The 

Florida Bar News. After the Committee’s report was filed, the Court published the 

amendments for comment. The Court received no comments.
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We have fully considered the Committee’s proposed amendments. As 

discussed in this opinion, we adopt the amendments as proposed, with three

exceptions: (1) we have revised the Committee’s proposal to amend rule 5.040 

(Notice); (2) we have revised the Committee’s proposal to amend rule 5.636 

(Settlement of Minors’ Claims); and (3) we have not adopted the proposed 

amendment to rule 5.499 (Form and Manner of Objecting to Personal 

Representative’s Proof of Claim) that would have removed the timeframe within 

which an objection is to be served on a claimant. The Committee explained that it 

was removing the service deadline because that deadline is not contained within 

section 733.705, Florida Statutes. That statute sets forth the deadline for filing an 

objection to a claim and then provides that “the person filing it shall serve a copy 

of the objection as provided by the Florida Probate Rules.” § 733.705(2), Fla. Stat. 

(2019). We see no reason why an appropriate timeframe for service should not be 

set forth in the governing procedural rule. Providing an appropriate time for 

service of legal documents is consistent with notions of procedural due process and 

the efficient administration of justice.

We discuss the more significant amendments to the Probate Rules below.
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AMENDMENTS

The amendment to rule 5.020 (Pleadings; Verification; Motions) changes the 

deadline for service of a motion for rehearing from ten days to fifteen days after 

the date of filing of the order or judgment.

New subdivision (a)(3)(D) is added to rule 5.040 (Notice). This new 

subdivision provides for service by first-class mail when only in rem or quasi in 

rem relief is sought under certain circumstances. However, we have also revised 

subdivision (a)(4)(F) by deleting the phrase “at its registered office in Florida or its 

principal business office in Florida or, if neither is known after reasonable inquiry, 

at its last known address” and in its place, adding the phrase “as provided in 

chapter 48, Florida Statutes.” Also, we revised subdivision (a)(5) to include

completion of service under subdivisions (a)(3)(B) and (C).

Rule 5.200 (Petition for Administration) is amended as proposed, to require 

the person seeking appointment as the personal representative to indicate whether 

any other person has equal or higher preference under section 733.301, Florida 

Statutes, and if so, the person’s name and whether the person will be served with 

formal notice. Additionally, the rule is amended to add a new subdivision (k) to 

require a statement that the personal representative is qualified to serve under the 

laws of Florida as a business entity under section 733.305, Florida Statutes, or as 

an individual under sections 733.303 and 733.304, Florida Statutes.
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Rule 5.275 (Burden of Proof in Will Contests) is amended to correspond to 

legislative changes in section 733.107, Florida Statutes. Specifically, we add a 

new subdivision (b), which states that where the presumption of undue influence 

applies, the presumption shifts the burden of proof under sections 90.301-90.304, 

Florida Statutes.

Finally, rule 5.636 (Settlement of Minors’ Claims) is amended as the 

Committee proposes by adding the phrase “equals or” before the phrase “exceeds 

$50,000” in subdivisions (d) and (e). Additionally, we have added the phrase 

“equal or” before the phrase “exceed $50,000” in subdivision (e).

CONCLUSION

Accordingly, we amend the Florida Probate Rules as reflected in the 

appendix to this opinion. New language is indicated by underlining, and deletions 

are indicated by struck-through type. The committee notes are offered for 

explanation only and are not adopted as an official part of the rules. The 

amendments shall become effective January 1, 2020, at 12:01 a.m.

It is so ordered.

CANADY, C.J., and POLSTON, LABARGA, LAWSON, and MUÑIZ, JJ., 

concur.

THE FILING OF A MOTION FOR REHEARING SHALL NOT ALTER THE 

EFFECTIVE DATE OF THESE AMENDMENTS.

Original Proceeding – The Florida Probate Rules Committee
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Jeffrey Scott Goethe, Chair, Florida Probate Rules Committee, Bradenton, Florida, 

and Theodore Stanley Kypreos, Past Co-Chair, Florida Probate Rules Committee, 

West Palm Beach, Florida, and Cristina Papanikos, Past Co-Chair, Florida Probate 

Rules Committee, Miami, Florida; and Joshua E. Doyle, Executive Director, and 

Krys Godwin, Staff Liaison, The Florida Bar, Tallahassee, Florida,

for Petitioner
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APPENDIX

RULE 5.020. PLEADINGS; VERIFICATION; MOTIONS

(a) – (c) [No Change]

(d) Rehearing. A motion for rehearing of any order or judgment shall be 

served not later than 1015 days after the date of filing the order or judgment with 

the clerk as shown on the face of the order or judgment.

(e) [No Change]

Committee Notes

The time for determining when a motion for rehearing must be served has 

been clarified in view of Casto v. CastoCasto v. Casto, 404 So. 2d 1046 (Fla. 

1981).

Rule History

1977 Revision – 2010 Revision [No Change]

2019 Revision: Subdivision (d) amended to change the deadline for service 

of a motion for rehearing from 10 to 15 days after the specified event to conform to 

2013 amendments to the Florida Rule of Civil Procedure 1.530. Committee notes 

revised.

Statutory References

[No Change]

Rule References

Fla. Prob. R. 5.025 Adversary proceedings.

Fla. Prob. R. 5.200 Petition for administration.

Fla. Prob. R. 5.205(b) Filing evidence of death.

Fla. Prob. R. 5.320 Oath of personal representative.

Fla. Prob. R. 5.330 Execution by personal representative.
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Fla. Prob. R. 5.350 Continuance of unincorporated business or venture.

Fla. Prob. R. 5.370(a) Sales of real property where no power conferred.

Fla. Prob. R. 5.405(b) Proceedings to determine homestead real property.

Fla. Prob. R. 5.530 Summary administration.

Fla. Prob. R. 5.550 Petition to determine incapacity.

Fla. Prob. R. 5.560 Petition for appointment of guardian of an incapacitated 

person.

Fla. Prob. R. 5.600 Oath.

Fla. Prob. R. 5.649 Guardian advocate.

Fla. R. Civ. P. 1.530 Motions for new trial and rehearing; amendments of 

judgment.

RULE 5.040. NOTICE

(a) Formal Notice.

(1) Procedure for Formal Notice. When formal notice is given, a 

copy of the pleading or motion shall be served on interested persons, together with 

a notice requiring the person served to serve written defenses on the person giving 

notice within 20 days after service of the notice, exclusive of the day of service, 

and to file the original of the written defenses with the clerk of the court either 

before service or immediately thereafter, and notifying the person served that 

failure to serve written defenses as required may result in a judgment or order for 

the relief demanded in the pleading or motion, without further notice.

(2) Effect of Service of Formal Notice. After service of formal 

notice, informal notice of any hearing on the pleading or motion shall be served on 

interested persons, provided that if no written defense is served within 20 days 

after service of formal notice on an interested person, the pleading or motion may 

be considered ex parte as to that person, unless the court orders otherwise.
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(3) Manner of Service of Formal Notice. Formal notice shall be 

served in the following manner:

(A) by sending a copy by any commercial delivery service 

requiring a signed receipt or by any form of mail requiring a signed receipt as 

follows:;

(i) to the attorney representing an interested person; 

or

(ii) to an interested person who has filed a request for 

notice at the address given in the request for notice; or

(iii) to an incapacitated person or a person with a 

developmental disability to the person’s usual place of abode and to the person’s 

legal guardian, if any, at the guardian’s usual place of abode or regular place of 

business; or, if there is no legal guardian, to the incapacitated person or person 

with a developmental disability at the person’s usual place of abode and on the 

person, if any, having care or custody of the incapacitated person or person with a 

developmental disability at the usual place of abode or regular place of business of 

such custodian; or

(iv) to a minor whose disabilities of nonage are not 

removed, by serving the persons designated to accept service of process on a minor 

under chapter 48, Florida Statutes; or

(v) on any other individual to the individual’s usual 

place of abode or to the place where the individual regularly conducts business; or

(vi) on a corporation or other business entity to its 

registered office in Florida or its principal business office in Florida or, if neither is 

known after reasonable inquiry, to its last known address; or

(B) as provided in the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure for 

service of process; or 

(C) as otherwise provided by Florida law for service of 

process.; or

(4) Service of formal notice pursuant to subdivision (a)(3)(A) shall 

be complete on receipt of the notice. Proof of service shall be by verified statement 
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of the person giving the notice; and there shall be attached to the verified statement 

the signed receipt or other evidence satisfactory to the court that delivery was made 

to the addressee or the addressee’s agent.

(5) If service of process is made pursuant to Florida law, proof of 

service shall be made as provided therein.

(D) by first-class mail when only in rem or quasi in rem relief 

is sought against a person if:

(i) registered or certified mail service to the addressee 

requiring a signed receipt is unavailable and if delivery by commercial delivery 

service requiring a signed receipt is also unavailable;

(ii) delivery pursuant to subdivision (a)(3)(A) is 

attempted and is refused by the addressee; or

(iii) delivery pursuant to subdivision (a)(3)(A) is 

attempted and is unclaimed after notice to the addressee by the delivering entity.

(4) Persons to be Served. Service of formal notice under (a)(3)(A) 

and (a)(3)(D) shall be made on the following:

(A) service on an interested person represented by an 

attorney shall be made by delivery to the attorney at his or her regular place of 

business;

(B) service on an interested person who has filed a request 

for notice shall be made by delivery to such interested person at the address given 

in the request for notice;

(C) service on an incapacitated person or a person with a 

developmental disability shall be made by delivery:

(i) to such person at his or her usual place of abode; 

and

(ii) to such person’s legal guardian at the legal 

guardian’s usual place of abode or regular place of business or, if such person does 

not have a legal guardian, to the person having care or custody of such person at 

his or her usual place of abode or regular place of business;
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(D) service on a minor whose disabilities of nonage are not 

removed shall be made by delivery to the persons designated to accept service of 

process on a minor under chapter 48, Florida Statutes, at their usual place of abode 

or regular place of business;

(E) service on any other individual shall be made by delivery 

to such individual at his or her usual place of abode or to any person authorized to 

receive service of a summons on behalf of the individual as provided in chapter 48, 

Florida Statutes; or

(F) service on a corporation or other business entity shall be 

made by delivery to such corporation or other business entity as provided in 

chapter 48, Florida Statutes.

(5) Completion of Service. Service of formal notice pursuant to 

subdivision (a)(3)(A) shall be complete upon receipt by the person to whom 

delivery is made. Service of formal notice pursuant to subdivision (a)(3)(B) shall 

be complete as provided in the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure for service of 

process. Service of formal notice pursuant to subdivision (a)(3)(C) shall be 

complete as provided by Florida law for service of process. Service of formal 

notice pursuant to subdivision (a)(3)(D) shall be complete upon mailing.

(6) Proof of Service. Proof of service shall be by verified 

statement of the person serving formal notice and there shall be attached to the 

verified statement the receipt signed by the person to whom delivery was made or 

other evidence satisfactory to the court that delivery was made. Alternatively, if 

service is obtained pursuant to subdivision (a)(3)(D), the verified statement must 

state the basis for service by first-class mail, the date of mailing, and the address to 

which the first-class mail was sent. Proof of service pursuant to subdivisions 

(a)(3)(B) or (a)(3)(C) shall be made as provided by Florida law for service of 

process.

(b) – (d) [No Change]

(e) In the Manner Provided for Service of Formal Notice. If a 

document is served in the manner provided for service of formal notice, service is 

completed on receipt of the document, and proof of service shall be in the manner 

set forth in subdivision (a)(46).

Committee Notes
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Formal notice is the method of service used in probate proceedings and the 

method of service of process for obtaining jurisdiction over the person receiving 

the notice. “The manner provided for service of formal notice” is as provided in 

rule 5.040(a)(3).

Informal notice is the method of service of notice given to interested persons 

entitled to notice when formal notice is not given or required.

Reference in this rule to the terms “mail” or “mailing” refers to use of the 

United States Postal Service.

Rule History

1975 Revision – 2006 Revision [No Change]

2007 Revision: New subdivision (a)(3)(A)(iv) inserted in response to Cason 

ex rel. Saferight v. Hammock, 908 So. 2d 512 (Fla. 5th DCA 2005), and 

subsequent subdivisions renumbered accordingly. Committee notes revised.

2008 Revision – 2016 Revision [No Change]

2019 Revision: Subdivision (a) reformatted for easier reading and corrected 

syntax. Subdivision (a)(3)(D) amended to provide for service by first-class mail 

when only in rem or quasi in rem relief is sought under certain circumstances. 

Committee notes revised.

Statutory References

[No Change]

Rule References

[No Change]

RULE 5.200. PETITION FOR ADMINISTRATION

The petition for administration shall be verified by the petitioner and shall 

contain:
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(a) – (d) [No Change]

(e) the priority, under the Florida Probate Codesection 733.301, Florida 

Statutes, of the person whose appointment as the personal representative is sought, 

whether or not any other person has equal or higher preference, and if so, their 

name and whether they will be served with formal notice, and a statement that the 

person is qualified to serve under the laws of Florida;

(f) – (h) [No Change]

(i) in a testate estate, a statement identifying all unrevoked wills and 

codicils being presented for probate, and a statement that the petitioner is unaware 

of any other unrevoked wills or codicils or, if the petitioner is aware of any other 

unrevoked wills or codicils, a statement why the other wills or codicils are not 

being probated; and

(j) in a testate estate, a statement that the original of the decedent’s last 

will is in the possession of the court or accompanies the petition, or that an 

authenticated copy of a will deposited with or probated in another jurisdiction or 

that an authenticated copy of a notarial will, the original of which is in the 

possession of a foreign notary, accompanies the petition.; and

(k) a statement that the personal representative seeking appointment is 

qualified to serve under the laws of Florida as a business entity under section 

733.305, Florida Statutes, or, if an individual, that the person is qualified to serve 

under the laws of Florida, including:

(1) whether the person has been convicted of a felony;

(2) that the person is mentally and physically able to perform the 

duties of a personal representative;

(3) that the person is 18 years of age or older; and

(4) whether the person is a resident of Florida and, if not a resident, 

a statement of the person’s relationship to the decedent in accordance with section 

733.304, Florida Statutes.

Committee Notes

Rule History
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1977 Revision – 2014 Revision [No Change]

2019 Revision: Subdivision (e) amended to require a statement identifying 

any other person who has equal or higher preference than the petitioner for the 

appointment of a personal representative under section 733.301, Florida Statutes.

Subdivision (k) adopted to require a statement of the specific facts that show the 

petitioner’s qualifications to serve as personal representative under sections 

733.303 and 733.304, Florida Statutes.

Statutory References

[No Change]

Rule References

[No Change]

RULE 5.240. NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATION

(a) [No Change]

(b) Contents. The notice shall state:

(1) the name of the decedent, the file number of the estate, the 

designation and address of the court in which the proceedings are pending, whether 

the estate is testate or intestate, and, if testate, the date of the will and any codicils;

(2) the name and address of the personal representative and the 

name and address of the personal representative’s attorney, and that the fiduciary 

lawyer-client privilege in section 90.5021, Florida Statutes, applies with respect to 

the personal representative and any attorney employed by the personal 

representative;

(3) that any interested person on whom a copy of the notice of 

administration is served must file, on or before the date whichthat is 3 months after 

the date of service of a copy of the notice of administration on that interested 

person, any objection that challenges the validity of the will, the venue, or the 

jurisdiction of the court or those objections are forever barred. The 3-month time 

period may only be extended for estoppel based upon a misstatement by the 

personal representative regarding the time period within which an objection must 
- 15 -

be filed. The time period may not be extended for any other reason, including 

affirmative representation, failure to disclose information, or misconduct by the 

personal representative or any other person. Unless sooner barred by section 

733.212(3), Florida Statutes, all objections to the validity of a will, venue, or the 

jurisdiction of the court must be filed no later than the earlier of the entry of an 

order of final discharge of the personal representative, or 1 year after service of the 

notice of administration;

(4) that any person entitled to exempt property must file a petition 

for determination of exempt property within the time provided by law or the right 

to exempt property is deemed waived;the persons who may be entitled to exempt 

property under section 732.402, Florida Statutes, will be deemed to have waived 

their rights to claim that property as exempt property unless a petition for 

determination of exempt property is filed by such persons or on their behalf on or 

before the later of the date that is 4 months after the date of service of a copy of the 

notice of administration on such persons or the date that is 40 days after the date of 

termination of any proceedings involving the construction, admission to probate, or 

validity of the will or involving any other matter affecting any part of the exempt 

property; and

(5) that an election to take an elective share must be filed within the 

time provided by lawon or before the earlier of the date that is 6 months after the 

date of service of a copy of the notice of administration on the surviving spouse, an 

agent under chapter 709, Florida Statutes, or a guardian of the property of the 

surviving spouse; or the date that is 2 years after the date of the decedent’s death.

(c) – (e) [No Change]

Committee Notes

Rule History

1977 Revision – 2015 Revision [No Change]

2019 Revision: For clarity purposes, subdivisions (b)(2), (b)(3), (b)(4), and 

(b)(5) amended for consistency with section 733.212, Florida Statutes, relating to 

the contents of a notice of administration. Subdivision (b)(5) amended to replace 

the term “attorney-in-fact” with “agent” to reflect 2011 enactment of section 

709.2102(1), Florida Statutes. 

Statutory References
- 16 -

§ 709.2102(1), Fla. Stat. Definitions.

§ 731.201(23), Fla. Stat. General definitions.

§ 731.301, Fla. Stat. Notice.

§ 731.302, Fla. Stat. Waiver and consent by interested person.

§ 732.2135, Fla. Stat. Time of election; extensions; withdrawal.

§ 732.402, Fla. Stat. Exempt property.

§ 732.5165, Fla. Stat. Effect of fraud, duress, mistake, and undue influence.

§ 733.101, Fla. Stat. Venue of probate proceedings.

§ 733.109, Fla. Stat. Revocation of probate.

§ 733.212, Fla. Stat. Notice of administration; filing of objections.

§ 733.2123, Fla. Stat. Adjudication before issuance of letters.

§ 733.302, Fla. Stat. Who may be appointed personal representative.

§ 733.303, Fla. Stat. Persons not qualified.

§ 733.305, Fla. Stat. Trust companies and other corporations and 

associations.

§ 733.504, Fla. Stat. Removal of personal representative; causes for removal.

§ 733.506, Fla. Stat. Proceedings for removal.

Rule References

[No Change]

RULE 5.241. NOTICE TO CREDITORS

(a)– (d) [No Change]
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(e) Service of Death Certificate. If service of the notice on the Agency 

for Health Care Administration is required, it shall be accompanied by a copy of 

the death certificate.

Committee Notes

[No Change]

Rule History

2002 Revision – 2007 Revision [No Change]

2019 Revision: Subdivision (e) amended to clarify that a copy of a death 

certificate suffices.

Statutory References

[No Change]

Rule Reference

[No Change]

RULE 5.275. BURDEN OF PROOF IN WILL CONTESTS

(a) In all proceedings contesting the validity of a will, the burden shall be 

upon the proponent of the will to establish prima facie its formal execution and 

attestation. Thereafter, the contestant shall have the burden of establishing the 

grounds on which the probate of the will is opposed or revocation sought.

(b) In any transaction or event to which the presumption of undue 

influence applies, the presumption shifts the burden of proof under sections 

90.301–90.304, Florida Statutes.

Committee Notes

This rule represents a rule implementation ofimplements the procedure 

found in section 733.107, Florida Statutes. The presumption of undue influence 

implements, and the public policy against abuse of fiduciary or confidential 

relationships and is therefore a presumption shifting the burden of proof under 

sections 90.301–90.304, Florida Statutes.
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[No Change]

Rule History

1988 Revision – 2003 Revision [No Change]

2019 Revision: Adopts subdivision (b) and revises the committee note to 

reflect that change.

Statutory References

[No Change]

RULE 5.320. OATH OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE

Before the granting of letters of administration, the personal representative 

shall file an oath to faithfully administer the estate of the decedent. The oath shall 

also contain a statement that the personal representative has reviewed the statutes 

relating to the requirements for appointment as personal representative, that the 

personal representative is qualified to serve, and that the personal representative 

has a continuing duty to file and serve a notice upon the occurrence of an event 

that would disqualify the personal representative. If the petition is verified by the 

prospective personal representative individually, the oath may be incorporated in 

the petition or in the designation of resident agent. The oath shall substantially 

comply with the following form:

[CAPTION]

OATH OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE

STATE OF 

COUNTY OF 

I, , (Affiant), state under oath that:

1. I am qualified within the provisions of sections 733.302, 733.303, and 733.304, 

Florida Statutes, to serve as personal representative of the estate of , 

deceased. I have reviewed the statutes and understand the qualifications. Under penalties of 

perjury, I certify that the following statements are true:

a. I am 18 years of age or older.

b. I have never been convicted of a felony.
- 19 -

c. I am mentally and physically able to perform the duties of personal 

representative.

d. I am a resident of the State of Florida, or, if I am not a resident of the State 

of Florida, I am: 

 a legally adopted child or adoptive parent of the decedent;

 related by lineal consanguinity to the decedent; a spouse or a 

brother, sister, uncle, aunt, nephew, or niece of the decedent, or someone related by lineal 

consanguinity to any such person; or

 the spouse of a person otherwise qualified under one of the 

provisions above.

2. I will faithfully administer the estate of the decedent according to law.

3. My place of residence is , and my post office address 

is .

4. I will promptly file and serve a notice on all interested persons at any time I know 

that I would not be qualified for appointment and will include the reason I would not then be 

qualified and the date on which the disqualifying event occurred.

5. I will file and serve a notice within 20 days on all interested persons, in the event 

there is a change in my residence address, street address, or mailing address.

Affiant

Sworn to and subscribed to before me on , ______, by Affiant, 

who is personally known to me or who has produced as 

identification.

Notary Public State of 

My Commission Expires: 

My Commission Number is: 

(Affix Notarial Seal)

Committee Notes

[No Change]

Rule History

1977 Revision – 2003 Revision [No Changes]
- 20 -

2019 Revision: Amended the rule to conform the oath to statutory changes 

and to provide a proposed form for the oath of personal representative. The oath is 

expanded to address the qualifications and continuing duties of the personal 

representative.

Statutory References

733.302, Fla. Stat. Who may be appointed personal representative

733.303, Fla. Stat. Persons not qualified

733.304, Fla. Stat. Nonresidents

733.3101, Fla. Stat. Personal representative not qualified

Rule References

[No Changes]

RULE 5.360. ELECTIVE SHARE

(a) Election. An election to take the elective share may be filed by the 

surviving spouse, or on behalf of the surviving spouse by an attorney-in-factagent

or guardian of the property of the surviving spouse.

(1) [No Change]

(2) Election by Attorney-in-FactAgent or Guardian of the 

Property of Surviving Spouse.

(A) Petition for Approval. Before filing the election, the 

attorney-in-factagent or guardian of the property of the surviving spouse must 

petition the court having jurisdiction of the probate proceeding for approval to 

make the election. The petition for approval must allege the authority to act on 

behalf of the surviving spouse and facts supporting the election.

(B) – (C) [No Change]

(D) Filing the Election. Upon entry of an order authorizing 

the filing of an election, the attorney-in-factagent or guardian of the property must 
- 21 -

file the election within the later of the time provided by law or 30 days from 

service of the order and promptly serve a copy of the election on the personal 

representative in the manner provided for service of formal notice.

(b) Procedure for Election.

(1) Extension. Within the period provided by law to make the 

election, the surviving spouse or an attorney-in-factagent or guardian of the 

property of the surviving spouse may petition the court for an extension of time for 

making an election or for approval to make the election. After notice and hearing 

the court for good cause shown may extend the time for election. If the court grants 

the petition for an extension, the election must be filed within the time allowed by 

the extension.

(2) Withdrawal of Election. The surviving spouse, an attorney-infactagent, a guardian of the property of the surviving spouse, or the personal 

representative of the surviving spouse’s estate may withdraw the election within 

the time provided by law.

(3) – (4) [No Change]

(c) [No Change]

(d) Procedure to Determine Amount of Elective Share and 

Contribution.

(1) Petition by Personal Representative. After entry of the order 

determining the surviving spouse’s entitlement to the elective share, the personal 

representative must file and serve a petition to determine the amount of the elective 

share. The petition must:

(A) – (C) [No Change]

(2) [No Change]

(3) Petition by Spouse. If the personal representative does not file 

the petition to determine the amount of the elective share within 90 days from 

rendition of the order of entitlement, the electing spouse or the attorney-infactagent or the guardian of the property or personal representative of the electing 

spouse may file the petition specifying as particularly as is known the value of the 

elective share.
- 22 -

(4) – (6) [No Change]

(e) [No Change]

Committee Notes

The extensive rewrite of this rule in 2001 is intended to conform it with and 

provide procedures to accommodate amendments to Florida’s elective share 

statutes,. §§Sections 732.201 et seq., Florida. Statutes. Proceedings to determine 

entitlement to elective share are not specific adversary proceedings under rule 

5.025(a), but may be declared adversary at the option of the party. Proceedings to 

determine the amount of elective share and contribution are specific adversary 

proceedings under rule 5.025(a). Requirements for service are intended to be 

consistent with the requirements for formal notice. Rule 5.040. Service of process 

may be required to obtain personal jurisdiction over direct recipients who are not 

otherwise interested persons and who have not voluntarily submitted themselves to 

the jurisdiction of the court. Rule 5.040(a)(3)(C); ch.apter 48, Florida. Statutes.,

Process and Service of Process; ch.apter 49, Florida. Statutes., Constructive 

Service of Process. An inventory of the elective estate should be afforded the same 

confidentiality as other estate inventories. §Section 733.604(1) and (2), Florida.

Statutes. In fulfilling his or her obligations under this rule, a personal 

representative is not required to make impractical or extended searches for 

property entering into the elective estate and the identities of direct recipients. 

Preexisting rights to dower and curtesy formerly addressed in subdivision (e) of 

this rule are now governed by new rule 5.365.

Counsel’s attention is directed to Florida. Ethics Opinion 76-16, dated April 

4, 1977, for guidance regarding the duties of an attorney with respect to spousal 

rights.

Rule History

1984 Revision – 2010 Revision [No Change]

2010 Out-of-Cycle Report Revision: Subdivision (a)(2) amended to conform 

to an amendment to §section 732.2125, Florida Statutes.

2012 Revision: Committee notes revised.

2019 Revision: Subdivisions (a), (a)(2), (a)(2)(A), (a)(2)(D), (b)(1), (b)(2), 

and (d)(3) amended to change “attorney-in-fact” to “agent” to be consistent with 

chapter 709, Florida Statutes. Committee note revised.
- 23 -

Statutory References

[No Change]

Rule References

[No Change]

RULE 5.407 PROCEEDINGS TO DETERMINE FAMILY

ALLOWANCE

(a) – (b) [No Change]

(c) Order. The order shall identify the personseach adult person’s name 

and each minor child’s initials entitled to the allowance, the amount to which each 

is entitled, the method of payment, and to whom payment should be made. 

Committee Notes

Rule History

2003 Revision – 2014 Revision [No Change]

2019 Revision: Subdivision (c) is revised to conform to Fla. R. Jud. Admin. 

2.425. Committee notes revised.

Statutory References

[No Change]

Rule References

[No Change]

RULE 5.470. ANCILLARY ADMINISTRATION

(a) Petition. The petition for ancillary letters shall include an 

authenticated copy of so much of the domiciliary proceedings as will show:The 

contents of the petition for ancillary letters shall be as provided in rule 5.200. The 

petition shall be verified and shall include:
- 24 -

(1) for a testate estate, an authenticated copy of so much of the 

domiciliary proceedings as will show the will, petition for probate, order admitting 

the will to probate, and authority of the personal representative; or

(2) for an intestate estate, an authenticated copy of so much of the 

domiciliary proceedings as will show the petition for administration, and authority 

of the personal representative to act.; or

(3) if appointment of someone other than the domiciliary personal 

representative is requested, a statement of the facts constituting grounds on which 

appointment is sought.

(b) – (c) [No Change]

Committee Notes

Rule History

1975 Revision – 2012 Revision [No Change]

2019 Revision: Subdivision (a) amended to clarify the contents of a petition 

for ancillary letters. Committee notes revised.

Statutory References

[No Change]

Rule References

Fla. Prob. R. 5.020 Pleadings; verification; motions.

Fla. Prob. R. 5.040 Notice.

Fla. Prob. R. 5.041 Service of pleadings and documents.

Fla. Prob. R. 5.042 Time.

Fla. Prob. R. 5.065(b) Notice of civil action or ancillary administration.

Fla. Prob. R. 5.200 Petition for Administration.

Fla. Prob. R. 5.205(a)(2) Filing evidence of death.
- 25 -

Fla. Prob. R. 5.215 Authenticated copy of will.

Fla. Prob. R. 5.240 Notice of administration.

Fla. Prob. R. 5.241 Notice to creditors.

Fla. Prob. R. 5.475 Ancillary administration, short form.

Fed. R. Civ. P. 44(a) Proving an official record.

Fla. R. Jud. Admin. 2.516 Service of pleadings and documents. 

RULE 5.490. FORM AND MANNER OF PRESENTING CLAIM

(a) [No Change]

(b) Copy. At the time of filing the claim, the creditor shall also furnish 

the clerk with a copy thereof.

(cb) MailingService. The clerk shall mailserve a copy of the claims as set 

forth in rule 5.041, noting the fact and date of mailing on the original, to the 

attorney for the personal representative, unless all personal representatives file a 

notice directing that copies of claims be mailedserved toon a designated personal 

representative or designated attorney of record. Absent designation, a copy of 

claims shall be mailedserved toon the attorney for the personal representative 

named first in the letters of administration. The clerk shall note the fact and date of 

service on the statement of claim pursuant to this rule.

(dc) Validity of Claim. Failure to deliver or receive a copy of the claim 

shall not affect the validity of the claim.

(ed) Amending Claims. If a claim as filed is sufficient to notify interested 

persons of its substance but is otherwise defective as to form, the court may permit 

the claim to be amended at any time.

(fe) Service by Personal Representative. If the personal representative 

files a claim individually, or in any other capacity creating a conflict of interest 

between the personal representative and any interested person, then at the time the 

claim is filed, the personal representative shall serve all interested persons with a 
- 26 -

copy of the claim and notice of the right to object to the claim. The notice shall 

state that an interested person may object to a claim as provided by law and rule 

5.496. Service shall be either by informal notice or in the manner provided for 

service of formal notice. Service on one interested person by a chosen method shall 

not preclude service on another interested person by another method.

Committee Notes

Subdivision (ed) of this rule represents a rule implementation of the 

procedure found in section 733.704, Florida Statutes. It is not intended to change 

the effect of the statute from which it was derived but has been reformatted to 

conform with the structure of these rules. It is not intended to create a new 

procedure or modify an existing procedure.

Rule History

1975 Revision – 2007 Revision [No Change]

2019 Revisions. Deletes subdivision (b) to conform to the electronic filing 

rule. Subdivision (c) is renumbered to (b) and is amended to address the electronic 

service rules. Subdivisions (c)–(e) are renumbered accordingly. Committee notes 

revised.

Statutory References

[No Change]

Rule References

Fla. Prob. R. 5.020 Pleadings; verification; motions.

Fla. Prob. R. 5.241 Notice to creditors.

Fla. Prob. R. 5.470 Ancillary administration.

Fla. Prob. R. 5.475 Ancillary administration, short form.

Fla. Prob. R. 5.530 Summary administration.

Fla. R. Jud. Admin. 2.516 Service of Pleadings and Documents

Fla. R. Jud. Admin. 2.520 Documents

Fla. R. Jud. Admin. 2.525 Electronic Filing
- 27 -

RULE 5.636. SETTLEMENT OF MINORS’ CLAIMS

(a)– (c) [No Change]

(d) Guardian Ad Litem. The court shall appoint a guardian ad litem on 

behalf of a minor, without bond or notice, with respect to any proposed settlement 

that equals or exceeds $50,000 and affects the interests of the minor, if:

(1) – (3) [No Change]

(e) Valuation of Proposed Settlement. A proposed settlement is deemed 

to equal or exceed $50,000 if the gross amount payable equals or exceeds $50,000, 

without reduction to reflect present value or fees and costs.

(f) [No Change]

Committee Notes

[No Change]

Rule History

1992 Revision – 2014 Revision [No Change]

2019 Revision: Amends subdivisions (d) and (e) to eliminate inconsistency 

with section 744.3025, Florida Statutes. Committee notes revised.

Statutory References

[No Change]

Rule References

[No Change]

RULE 5.649. GUARDIAN ADVOCATE

(a) [No Change]
- 28 -

(b) Notice.

(1) Notice of the filing of the petition must be given to the person 

with a developmental disability, both verbally and in writing, in the language of the 

person and in English. Notice must also be given to the person with a 

developmental disability’s next of kin, any designated health care surrogate, an 

attorney-in-factagent designated in a durable power of attorney, and such other 

persons as the court may direct. A copy of the petition to appoint a guardian 

advocate must be served with the notice.

(2) [No Change]

(c) [No Change]

(d) Order. If the court finds the person with a developmental disability 

requires the appointment of a guardian advocate, the order appointing the guardian 

advocate must contain findings of facts and conclusions of law, including:

(1) – (4) [No Change]

(5) if a durable power of attorney exists, the powers of the attorneyin-factagent, if any, that are suspended and granted to the guardian advocate;

(6) – (9) [No Change]

(e) [No Change]

Committee Notes

Rule History

2008 Revision – 2013 Revision [No Change]

2019 Revision: Subdivisions (b)(1) and (d)(5) amended to change “attorneyin-fact” to “agent” to be consistent with chapter 709, Florida Statutes. Committee 

notes updated to reflect the legislative amendments to chapter 709, Florida 

Statutes.

Statutory References

§ 393.063(9), Fla. Stat. Definitions.

§ 393.12, Fla. Stat. Capacity; appointment of guardian advocate.
- 29 -

§§ 709.08709.2101–709.2402, Fla. Stat. Durable power of attorneyFlorida

Power of Attorney Act.

§ 765.101, Fla. Stat. Definitions.

§ 765.104, Fla. Stat. Amendment or revocation.

§ 765.202, Fla. Stat. Designation of a health care surrogate.

§ 765.204, Fla. Stat. Capacity of principal; procedure.

§ 765.205(3), Fla. Stat. Responsibility of the surrogate.

§ 765.302, Fla. Stat. Procedure for making a living will; notice to physician.

§ 765.401, Fla. Stat. The proxy.

Rule References

[No Change]

RULE 5.681. RESTORATION OF RIGHTS OF PERSON WITH 

DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITY

(a) – (d) [No Change]

(e) Order.

 The court must enter an order denying the suggestion or restoring all or some 

of the rights that were granted to the guardian advocate. If only some rights are 

restored to the person with a developmental disability, the order must state which 

rights are restored and amend the letters of guardian advocacy accordingly. The 

court need not hold a hearing prior to entering an order restoring rights if no 

objections are filed and the court is satisfied with the evidentiary support for 

restoration supplied by the petitioner.

(f) [No Change]

Committee Notes

Rule History
- 30 -

2008 Revision – 2013 Revision [No Change]

2019 Revision: Committee notes updated to reflect the legislative 

amendments to chapter 709, Florida Statutes.

Statutory References

§ 393.063(9), Fla. Stat. Definitions.

§ 393.12, Fla. Stat. Capacity; appointment of guardian advocate.

§§ 709.08709.2101–709.2402, Fla. Stat. Durable power of attorneyFlorida 

Power of Attorney Act.

§ 765.101, Fla. Stat. Definitions.

§ 765.104, Fla. Stat. Amendment or revocation.

§ 765.202, Fla. Stat. Designation of a health care surrogate.

§ 765.204, Fla. Stat. Capacity of principal; procedure.

§ 765.205(3), Fla. Stat. Responsibility of the surrogate.

§ 765.302, Fla. Stat. Procedure for making a living will; notice to physician.

§ 765.401, Fla. Stat. The proxy.

Rule References

[No Change]

RULE 5.695. ANNUAL GUARDIANSHIP REPORT

(a) Contents and Filing.

(1) Guardian of the Person. Unless the court requires reporting on 

a calendar-year basis, the guardian of the person shall file an annual guardianship 

plan within 90 days after the last day of the anniversary month in which the letters 

of guardianship were signed. The plan shall include the mailing address, phone 

number, and e-mail address of the guardian, and:

(A) the residence address of an individual guardian; or 
- 31 -

(B) the office address of a corporate or public guardian. 

The plan must cover the coming fiscal year ending on the last day of such 

anniversary month. If the court requires calendar-year reporting, the guardianship 

plan for the forthcoming year must be filed on or before April 1 of each year.

(2) Guardian of the Property. Unless the court requires or 

authorizes reporting on a fiscal year basis, the guardian of the property shall file an 

annual accounting on or before April 1 of each year. The plan shall include the 

mailing address, phone number, and e-mail address of the guardian, and:

(A) the residence address of an individual guardian; or

(B) the office address of a corporate or public guardian. 

The annual accounting shall cover the preceding annual accounting period. If the 

court requires or authorizes reporting on a fiscal year basis, the annual accounting 

shall be filed on or before the first day of the fourth month after the end of the 

fiscal year.

(b) Service. Copies of the annual plan and accounting shall be served on 

the ward, unless the ward is a minor or is totally incapacitated, and the attorney for 

the ward, if any. With the approval of the court, service on the ward may be 

accomplished by serving the attorney for the ward. The guardian shall serve copies 

on such other persons as the court may direct.

Committee Notes

[No Changes]

Rule History

1975 Revision – 2017 Revision [No Change]

2019 Revision: Subdivisions (a)(1) and (a)(2) amended to require guardian’s 

contact information.

Statutory References

[No Change]

Rule References
- 32 -

[No Change] 

RULE 5.900. EXPEDITED JUDICIAL INTERVENTION 

CONCERNING MEDICAL TREATMENT 

PROCEDURES

(a)– (d) [No Change]

Committee Notes

This rule was submitted by the committee in response to the request 

contained in footnote 17 of In re Guardianship of Browning, 568 So. 2d 4 (Fla. 

1990). See also Cruzan by Cruzan v. Director, Missouri Department of Health, 

497 U.S. 261, 110 S.Ct. 2841, 111 L. Ed.2d 224 (1990).

The promulgation of this rule is not intended to imply that judicial 

intervention is required to terminate life-prolonging procedures.

Practitioners should note that the criteria and standards of proof contained in 

BrowningBrowning differ from the criteria and standards of proof presently 

existing in chapter 765, Florida Statutes.

Rule History

1991 Revision – 2008 Revision [No Change]

2019 Revision: Committee notes updated to reflect the legislative 

amendments to chapter 709, Florida Statutes.

Constitutional Reference

[No Change]

Statutory References

§ 393.12, Fla. Stat. Capacity; appointment of guardian advocate.

§§ 709.08709.2101–709.2402, Fla. Stat. Durable power of attorneyFlorida 

Power of Attorney Act.

§ 731.302, Fla. Stat. Waiver and consent by interested person.

§ 744.102, Fla. Stat. Definitions.
- 33 -

§ 744.104, Fla. Stat. Verification of documents.

§ 744.3115, Fla. Stat. Advance directives for health care.

ch. 765, Fla. Stat. Health care advance directives.

Rule References

[No Change]