Title: Amendments to The Fla. Probate Rules
Citation: N/A
Docket Number: SC00-705
State: Florida
Issuer: Florida Supreme Court
Date: September 28, 2000

Supreme 
Court 
of 
Florida
 
____________
No. SC00-705
____________
AMENDMENTS TO THE 
FLORIDA PROBATE RULES.
[September 28, 2000]
PER CURIAM.
The Probate Rules Committee of the Florida Bar has submitted its
quadrennial report of proposed changes to the Florida Probate Rules.  We have
jurisdiction.  See art. V, § 2(a), Fla. Const.  Pursuant to Florida Rule of Judicial
Administration 2.130(c), the proposed changes were submitted to the Board of
Governors of The Florida Bar for its recommendation.  After approval by the
Board, the proposed changes were published, but no comments were filed.
We have reviewed the proposed amendments and approve them as
submitted and set forth in the appendix to this opinion. The new language is
indicated by underscoring; deletions are indicated by strike-through type.  The
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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, 2001.  See Fla.
R. Jud. Admin. 2.130(c)(5).
 
It is so ordered.
WELLS, C.J., and SHAW, HARDING, ANSTEAD, PARIENTE, LEWIS and
QUINCE, JJ., concur.
THE FILING OF A MOTION FOR REHEARING SHALL NOT ALTER THE
EFFECTIVE DATE OF THESE AMENDMENTS.
Original Proceeding - Florida Probate Rules
David R. Carlisle, Chair, Florida Probate Rules Committee, Miami, Florida; and
John F. Harkness, Jr., Executive Director, The Florida Bar, Tallahassee, Florida,
for Petitioner 
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APPENDIX
Rule 5.015.  General Definitions
(a)
General. The definitions and rules of construction stated or referred
to in section 1.01, Florida Statutes, and Chapters 731, 732, 733, 734, 735, 737,
738, and 744, Florida Statutes, as amended from time to time, shall apply to these
rules, unless otherwise defined in these rules.
(b)
Specific Definitions. When used in these rules
(1)
“certified copy” means a copy of a document signed and
verified as a true copy by the officer to whose custody the original is entrusted;
(2)
“formal notice” means notice under rule 5.040(a) except as
provided in rule 5.550(c);
(3)
“informal notice” means notice under rule 5.040(b);
(4)
“judge” means a judge of the circuit court, including any judge
elected, appointed, substituted, or assigned to serve as judge of the court.
Committee Notes
Rule History
1977 Revision:  No change in rule.  Correction of typographical error in
committee note.
This is intended to simplify drafting of these rules and should be liberally
construed.  See Fla. Prob. R. 5.190 and 5.540 and also §§ 731.201 and 744.102,
Fla. Stat.
1988 Revision:  Rule was expanded due to deletion of rule 5.190.
Committee notes expanded. Citation form changes in rule and committee notes.
1992 Revision:  Citation form changes in rule and committee notes.
2000 Revision:  Subdivision (b)(2) amended to delete outdated reference to
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rule 5.550(c).
Statutory References
§ 1.01, Fla. Stat. Definitions.
§ 731.201, Fla. Stat. General definitions.
§ 744.102, Fla. Stat. Definitions.
Rule 5.040.  Notice
(a)
Formal Notice.
(1)
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)
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.
(3)
Formal notice shall be served:
(A)
by sending a copy by any commercial delivery service
requiring a signed receipt approved by the chief judge of the judicial circuit in which
the proceeding is pending or by any form of mail requiring a signed receipt as
follows:
(i)
onto the attorney representing an interested person
represented by an attorney by mailing or delivering a copy to the attorney; or
(ii)
onto an interested person who has filed a
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demandrequest for notice by mailing or delivering a copy toat the address given in
the demandrequest for notice; or
(iv)(iii)
onto an incapacitated person by mailing or
delivering a copy 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, by mailing or delivering a copy to the incapacitated
person at the person's usual place of abode and toon the person, if any, having care
or custody of the incapacitated person at the usual place of abode or regular place
of business of such custodian; or
(iii)(iv)
on anany other individual, other than an
incapacitated person, by mailing or delivering a copy to the individual's usual place
of abode or to the place where the individual regularly conducts business; or
(v)
on a corporation or other business entity by mailing
or delivering a copy 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.
(4)
Service of formal notice pursuant to subdivision (3)(A) shall be
complete on receipt of the notice.  Proof of service shall be by verified statement 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.
(b)
Informal Notice.  When informal notice of a petition or other
proceeding is required or permitted, it shall be served as provided in rule 5.041(b).
(c)
“Notice” Defined.  In these rules, the Florida Probate Code, and the
Florida Guardianship Law “notice” shall mean informal notice unless formal 
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notice is specified.
(d)
Formal Notice Optional.  Formal notice may be given in lieu of
informal notice at the option of the person giving notice unless the court orders
otherwise. When formal notice is given in lieu of informal notice, formal notice shall
be given to all interested persons entitled to notice.
Committee Notes
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. 
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:  Implements section 731.301, Florida Statutes.
1977 Revision:  Reference to elisor.
1980 Revision:  Editorial changes. Clarification of time for filing defenses
after formal notice. Authorizes court to give relief to delinquent respondent from ex
parte status; relief from service on numerous persons; allows optional use of formal
notice.
1984 Revision:  Editorial changes. Eliminates deadline for filing as opposed
to serving defenses after formal notice; defines procedure subsequent to service of
defenses after formal notice; new requirements for service of formal notice on
incompetents and corporations; defines when service of formal notice is deemed
complete; provisions relating to method of service of informal notice transferred to
new rules 5.041 and 5.042; eliminates waiver of notice by will.
1988 Revision:  Editorial changes.  Committee notes revised.  Citation form
changes in committee notes.
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1991 Revision:  Subdivision (b) amended to define informal notice more
clearly.
1992 Revision:  Editorial changes.  Committee notes revised.  Citation form
changes in committee notes.
1996 Revision:  Subdivision (a) amended to permit service of formal notice
by commercial delivery service to conform to 1993 amendment to section
731.301(1), Florida Statutes.  Editorial changes.
2000 Revision:  Editorial changes in subdivision (a)(3)(A) to clarify
requirements for service of formal notice.
Statutory References
§ 1.01(3), Fla. Stat.  Definitions.
Ch. 48, Fla. Stat.  Process and service of process.
Ch. 49, Fla. Stat.  Constructive service of process.
§ 731.105, Fla. Stat.  In rem proceeding.
§ 731.201(16), (20), Fla. Stat.  General definitions.
§ 731.301, Fla. Stat.  Notice; method and time; proof.
§ 733.203, Fla. Stat.  Notice; when required.
§ 733.212, Fla. Stat.  Notice of administration; filing of objections and
claims.
§ 733.2123, Fla. Stat.  Adjudication before issuance of letters.
§ 733.502, Fla. Stat.  Resignation of personal representative.
§ 733.613, Fla. Stat.  Personal representative's right to sell real property.
§ 733.6175, Fla. Stat.  Proceedings for review of employment of agents and
compensation of personal representatives and employees of estate.
§ 733.901, Fla. Stat.  Distribution; final discharge.
§ 744.106, Fla. Stat.  Notice.
§ 744.3201, Fla. Stat.  Petition to determine incapacity.
§ 744.331, Fla. Stat.  Procedures to determine incapacity.
§ 744.3371, Fla. Stat.  Notice of petition for appointment of guardian and
hearing.
§ 744.441, Fla. Stat.  Powers of guardian upon court approval.
§ 744.447, Fla. Stat.  Petition for authorization to act.
§ 744.477, Fla. Stat.  Proceedings for removal of a guardian.
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Rule References
Fla. Prob. R. 5.025  Adversary proceedings.
Fla. Prob. R. 5.030  Attorneys.
Fla. Prob. R. 5.041  Service of pleadings and papers.
Fla. Prob. R. 5.042  Time.
Fla. Prob. R. 5.060  Request for notices and copies of pleadings.
Fla. Prob. R. 5.180  Waiver and consent.
Fla. Prob. R. 5.560  Petition for appointment of guardian of an incapacitated
person.
Fla. R. Jud. Admin.  2.060 Attorneys.
Fla. R. Civ. P. 1.070  Process.
Fla. R. Civ. P. Form 1.902  Summons.
Rule 5.041.  Service of Pleadings and Papers
(a)
Service; When Required. Unless the court orders otherwise, every
petition or motion for an order determining rights of an interested person, and every
other pleading or paper filed in the particular proceeding which is the subject matter
of such petition or motion, except applications for witness subpoenas, shall be served
on interested persons unless these rules, the Florida Probate Code, or the Florida
Guardianship Law provides otherwise.  No service need be made on interested
persons against whom a default has been entered, or against whom the matter may
otherwise proceed ex parte, unless a new or additional right or demand is asserted.
(b)
Service; How Made. When service is required or permitted to be made
in a particular proceeding in the administration of an estate on an interested person
represented  by an attorney, service shall be made on the attorney unless service on
the interested person is ordered by the court. Except when serving formal notice,
service  shall be made  by mail, facsimile, or delivery ofdelivering or mailing  a copy
of the motion, pleading, or other paper to the attorney or interested person at the last
known address or, if no address is known, by sending it toleaving it with the clerk of
the court.  Service by facsimile shall be made by sending a copy of the motion,
pleading, or other paper served with a cover sheet containing the sender's name, firm
name, if any, address, telephone number, facsimile number, and number of pages
transmitted. When service is made by facsimile, a copy shall also be mailed or
delivered. Facsimile service occurs when transmission is complete.mail shall be
complete  upon  mailing  except  where  serving  formal  notice.  Delivery of a copy
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 within this rule shall be complete upon:
(1)
handing it to the attorney or to the interested person; or
(2)
leaving it at the attorney's or interested person's office with thea
clerk or other person in charge thereof; or
(3)
if there is no one in charge, leaving it in a conspicuous place
therein; or
(4)
if the office is closed or the person to be served has no office,
leaving it at the person's usual place of abode with some person of thehis or her family
above 15 years of age and informing that person of the contents.; or
(5)
Service by delivery or facsimile received after 4:00 p.m. shall be
deemed to have been made on the next day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, or legal
holidaytransmitting it by facsimile to the attorney's or interested person's office with
a cover sheet containing the sender's name, firm, address, telephone number, facsimile
number, and the number of pages transmitted. When delivery is made by facsimile, a
copy shall also be served by any other method permitted by this rule. Facsimile
delivery occurs when transmission is complete.
(6)
Service by mail shall be complete on mailing except where serving
formal notice.
Service by delivery after 4:00 p.m. shall be deemed to have been made on the next day
that is not a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday.
(c)
Service; Numerous Interested Persons.  In proceedings when the
interested persons are unusually numerous, the court may regulate the service
contemplated by these rules on motion or on its initiative in a manner as may be found
to be just and reasonable.
(d)
Filing.  All original papers shall be filed either before service or
immediately thereafter. If the original of any bond or other paper is not placed in the
court file, a certified copy shall be so placed by the clerk.
(e)
Filing With the Court Defined.  The filing of papers with the court as
required by these rules shall be made by filing them with the clerk, except that the
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judge may permit the papers to be filed with the judge in which event the judge shall
note thereon the filing date and transmit them to the clerk. The date of filing is that
shown on the face of the paper by the judge's notation or the clerk's time stamp,
whichever is earlier.
(f)
Certificate of Service.  When any attorney shall certify in substance:
“I certify that a copy hereof has been furnished to (here insert name or
names) by (delivery) (mail) (fax) this ___ day of ___, 19___on (date).
____________________________________________
               
Attorney”
the certificate shall be taken as prima facie proof of service in compliance with these
rules except in case of formal notice.  A person not represented by an attorney shall
certify in the same manner, but the certificate must be verified.
(g)
Service of Orders.
(1)
A copy of all orders or judgments determining rights of an
interested person shall be transmitted by the court or under its direction at the time of
entry of the order or judgment to all interested persons in the particular proceeding.
(2)
This subdivision (g) is directory, and a failure to comply with it
does not affect the order or judgment or its finality.
Committee Notes
Derived from Florida Rule of Civil Procedure 1.080.  Regulates the service of
pleadings and papers in proceedings on petitions or motions for determination of
rights. It is not applicable to every pleading and paper served or filed in the
administration of a guardianship or decedent's estate.
Rule History
1984 Revision:  New rule.  Subdivision (c) is same as former rule 5.040(d).
1988 Revision:  Committee notes revised.  Citation form changes in committee
notes.
1992 Revision:  Editorial changes.  Committee notes revised. Citation form
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changes in committee notes.
1996 Revision:  Subdivision (b) amended to allow service to be made by
facsimile.  Committee notes revised.
2000 Revision:  Subdivision (b) amended to clarify requirements for service
of pleadings and papers. Subdivision (e) amended to clarify date of filing. Editorial
changes in subdivision (f).
Statutory References
§ 731.201, Fla. Stat.  General definitions.
§ 731.301, Fla. Stat.  Notice; method and time; proof.
§ 733.203, Fla. Stat.  Notice; when required.
§ 733.212, Fla. Stat.  Notice of administration; filing of objections and claims.
§ 733.2123, Fla. Stat.  Adjudication before issuance of letters.
§ 733.604(2), Fla. Stat.  Inventory.
§ 733.705(2), (3), Fla. Stat.  Payment of and objection to claims.
§ 744.3201, Fla. Stat.  Petition to determine incapacity.
§ 744.331, Fla. Stat.  Procedures to determine incapacity.
§ 744.3371, Fla. Stat.  Notice of petition for appointment of guardian and
hearing.
§ 744.447, Fla. Stat.  Petition for authorization to act.
Rule References
Fla. Prob. R. 5.020  Pleadings; verification; motions.
Fla. Prob. R. 5.025  Adversary proceedings.
Fla. Prob. R. 5.030  Attorneys.
Fla. Prob. R. 5.040  Notice.
Fla. Prob. R. 5.042  Time.
Fla. Prob. R. 5.150(c)  Order requiring accounting.
Fla. Prob. R. 5.180(a)(3)  Waiver and consent.
Fla. Prob. R. 5.240(a)  Notice of 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. R. Civ. P. 1.080  Service of pleadings and papers.
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Fla. R. Jud. Admin. 2.060  Attorneys.
Rule 5.065.
Notice of Civil Action or Ancillary Administration
(a)
Civil Action.   personal representative and a guardian shall file a notice
when a civil action has been instituted by or against the personal representative or the
guardian. The notice shall contain:
(1)
the names of the parties;
(2)
the style of the court and the case number;
(3)
the county and state where the proceeding is pending;
(4)
the date of commencement of the proceeding; and
(5)
a brief statement of the nature of the proceeding.
(b)
Ancillary Administration.  The domiciliary personal representative shall
file a notice when an ancillary administration has commenced, which notice shall
contain:
(1)
the name and residence address of the ancillary personal
representative; and
(2)
the nature and approximate value of the ancillary assets; and
(3)
the information required in subdivisions (a)(2), (3), and (4) above.
(c)
Copies Exhibited.  A copy of the initial pleading may be attached to the
notice. To the extent an attached initial pleading states the required information, the
notice need not restate it.
Committee Notes
This rule reflects a procedural requirement not founded on a statute or rule.
Rule History
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1984 Revision:  New rule.
1988 Revision:  Committee notes expanded.
1992 Revision:  Editorial change. Citation form changes in committee notes.
2000 Revision:  Subdivision (b) amended to eliminate requirement to set forth
nature and value of ancillary assets.
Statutory References
§ 733.612(20), Fla. Stat. Transactions authorized for the personal representative;
exceptions.
§ 744.441(11), Fla. Stat.  Powers of guardian upon court approval.
Rule 5.100.  Right of Appeal
All orders and judgments of the court that finally determine a right or obligation
of an interested person may be appealed as provided by Florida Rule of Appellate
Procedure 9.110(a)(2).Appeal of final orders and discretionary appellate review of non-
final orders are governed by the Florida Rules of Appellate Procedure.
Committee Notes
An order that determines rights of a party may be appealed before the
administration of the estate is completed (e.g., determination of the validity of a will, or
of the rights of a person to participate as an heir in an estate, is a final determination).
The rule defines “final orders and judgments” of the probate court that ultimately
determine rights of a party in the estate. This rule is substantially the same as former
section 732.15, Florida Statutes (repealed 1974) except that by rearrangement of that
statute the word “finally” has been defined.For purposes of appellate review, the
service of a motion for rehearing postpones rendition of final orders only. A motion for
rehearing of a non-final order does not toll the running of the time to seek review of that
order.
Court Commentary
The Court's 1996 amendment of rule 5.100 renders the Committee Note
inapplicable. Appeals of probate and guardianship orders are now governed by Florida
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Rule of Appellate Procedure 9.110(a)(2).
Rule History
1975 Revision:  Same as prior rule 5.100 with editorial changes.
1977 Revision:  Citation form change in committee note.
1988 Revision:  Committee notes expanded. Citation form changes in rule and
committee notes.
1992 Revision:  Editorial changes. Citation form changes in committee notes.
1996 Revision:  Superseded by Florida Rule of Appellate Procedure
9.110(a)(2).
2000 Revision:  Rewritten because former rule was superseded. Revisions to
committee notes to amend text and to include cross-references to other rules.
Rule References
Fla. Prob. R. 5.020(d)  Pleadings; verifications; motions.
Fla. R. App. P. 9.020(h)  Definitions.
Fla. R. App. P. 9.110(a)(2), (b)  Appeal proceedings to review final orders of
lower tribunals and orders granting new trial in jury and non-jury cases.
Fla. R. App. P. 9.130(b)  Proceedings to review non-final orders.
Rule 5.110.   Resident Agent Address Designation for Pesonal Representative
or                       Guardian; Designation of Resident Agent and Acceptance 
(a)
Requirement and Form. Before letters are issued to a personal
representative or a guardian, the personal representative or guardian shall file a
designation of place of residence, post office address, and the name, place of
residence, and post office address of a resident in the county where proceedings are
pending, as the personal representative's or guardian's agent for the service of process
or notice. The written acceptance of the person appointed shall be filed at the time of
filing the designation. The designation by the personal representative or guardian and
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acceptance by resident agent shall constitute the consent of the personal representative
or guardian filing it that service of process or notice on the designated agent shall be
sufficient to bind the personal representative or guardian in any action against the
personal representative or guardian, either in a representative capacity, or personally,
if the personal action accrued in the administration of the estate or guardianship. The
designation and acceptance may be incorporated in the petition for administration or
for appointment of guardian if signed by the prospective personal representative or
guardian, or in the personal representative's or guardian's oath.
(b)
Corporate Fiduciaries. Corporate fiduciaries are not required to
designate a resident agent.
(c)
Attorneys. A member of The Florida Bar residing in Florida, other than
the personal representative, may be designated as the agent for service of process or
notice, whether or not the attorney is a resident of the county where the proceedings
are pending.
(d)
Successor. If the resident agent dies, resigns, or is unable to act for any
other reason, the personal representative or guardian shall appoint a successor agent
within 10 days after receiving notice that such event has occurred.
(a)
Address Designation of Personal Representative or Guardian.
Before letters are issued, the personal representative or guardian shall file a designation
of its residence street address and mailing address.
(b)
Designation of Resident Agent.  Before letters are issued, a personal
representative or guardian shall file a designation of resident agent for service of
process or notice, and the acceptance by the resident agent. A designation of resident
agent is not required if a personal representative or guardian is (1) a corporate fiduciary
having an office in Florida, or (2) a Florida Bar member who is a resident of and has
an office in Florida. The designation shall contain the name, residence street address,
and mailing address of the resident agent. A Florida office street address and mailing
address for the attorney as resident agent may be designated in lieu of a residence
address.
(c)
Residency Requirement.  A resident agent, other than a member of The
Florida Bar who is a resident of Florida, must be a resident of the county where the
proceedings are pending.
(d)
Acceptance by Resident Agent.  The resident agent shall sign a written
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acceptance of its designation.
(e)
Incorporation in Other Pleadings.  The designation of the address of
the personal representative or guardian, the designation of resident agent, or acceptance
may be incorporated in the petition for administration, the petition for appointment of
guardian, or the personal representative's or guardian's oath.
(f)
Effect of Designation and Acceptance.  The designation of and
acceptance by the resident agent shall constitute consent to service of process or notice
on the agent and shall be sufficient to bind the personal representative or guardian:
(1)
in its representative capacity in any action; and
(2)
in its personal capacity only in those actions in which the personal
representative or guardian is sued personally for claims arising from the administration
of the estate or guardianship.
(g) 
Successor Agent.  If the resident agent dies, resigns, or is unable to act
for any other reason, the personal representative or guardian shall appoint a successor
agent within 10 days after receiving notice that such event has occurred.
Committee Notes
Rule History
1977 Revision:  Change in committee note to conform to statutory renumbering.
Substantially the same as prior rule 5.210, except that under prior rule,
designation was required to be filed within 10 days after letters issued.
1984 Revision:  Captions added to subdivisions. New subdivision (b) added.
Requires filing acceptance at the same time as filing designation. Committee notes
revised.
1988 Revision:  Change in (c) to clarify that the personal representative, if a
member of The Florida Bar, may not also serve as resident agent for service of process
or notice. Citation form change in committee notes.
1992 Revision:  Editorial changes. Committee notes revised. Citation form
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changes in committee notes.
2000 Revision:  Extensive editorial changes to rule. Rule reformatted for clarity
and revised to permit an attorney serving as resident agent to designate a business
address in lieu of a residence address.
Statutory Reference
§ 733.401(1)(d), Fla. Stat.  Issuance of letters.
Rule 5.555.  Guardianships of Minors
(a)
Application.  This rule shall apply to any guardianship for a minor.
(b)
Petition to Determine Incapacity.  No petition to determine incapacity
need be filed.
(c)
Petition for Appointment of Guardian.  The petition shall be verified
by the petitioner and shall state:
(1)
the facts to establish venue;
(2)
the petitioner's residence and post office address;
(3)
the name, age, social security number, and residence and post office
address of the minor;
(4)
the names and addresses of the parents of the minor and if none,
the next of kin known to the petitioner;
(5)
the name, social security or tax identification number, and residence
and post office address of the proposed guardian, and that the proposed guardian is
qualified to serve; or, that a willing and qualified guardian has not been located;
(6)
the proposed guardian's relationship to and any previous association
with the minor;
(7)
the reasons why the proposed guardian should be appointed; and
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(8)
the nature and value of the property subject to the guardianship.
(d)
Notice.  Formal notice of the petition for appointment of guardian shall
be served on any parent who is not a petitioner or, if there is no parent, on the persons
with whom the minor resides and on such other persons as the court may direct.
(e)
Initial and Annual Guardianship Reports.
(1)
The initial guardianship report shall consist only of the verified
inventory.  The annual guardianship report shall consist only of the annual accounting.
(2)
Unless otherwise ordered by the court, the guardian need not file
an initial or annual guardianship plan.
(3)
Unless otherwise ordered by the court, the guardian need not serve
a copy of the initial guardianship report and the annual guardianship reports on the ward
if the ward is under the age of 14 years.
(f)
Inspection of Inventory or Accounting.  Unless otherwise ordered by
the court for good cause shown, any inventory, amended or supplementary inventory,
or accounting is subject to inspection only by the clerk, the ward or the ward's
attorney, and the guardian or the guardian's attorney.
Committee Notes
The provisions of chapter 744, Florida Statutes, and the guardianship rules
enacted in 1989 leave some uncertainty with respect to the procedural requirements in
guardianships for minors who are not incapacitated persons. This rule is intended to
address only certain procedures with respect to the establishment and administration
of guardianships over minors. The committee believes that certain provisions of the
guardianship law and rules apply to both guardianships of minors as well as
guardianships of incapacitated persons and no change has been suggested with respect
to such rules. Because no adjudication of a minor is required by statute, it is
contemplated that appointment of a guardian for a minor may be accomplished without
a hearing. Initial and annual guardianship reports for minors have been simplified where
all assets are on deposit with a designated financial institution under applicable Florida
law.
Rule History
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1991 Revision:  New rule adopted to apply to guardianships over minors who
are not incapacitated persons.
1992 Revision:  Committee notes revised. Citation form changes in committee
notes.
1996 Revision:  Committee notes revised.
2000 Revision:  Deletes requirement in subdivision (c) to report social security
number of proposed guardian.
Statutory References
§ 69.031, Fla. Stat.  Designated financial institutions for assets in hands of
guardians, curators, administrators, trustees, receivers, or other officers.
§ 744.3021, Fla. Stat.  Guardians of minors.
§ 744.334, Fla. Stat.  Petition for appointment of guardian; contents.
§ 744.3371(2), Fla. Stat.  Notice of petition for appointment of guardian and
hearing.
§ 744.342, Fla. Stat.  Minors; guardianship.
§ 744.362, Fla. Stat.  Initial guardianship report.
§ 744.363, Fla. Stat.  Initial guardianship plan.
§ 744.365, Fla. Stat.  Verified inventory.
§ 744.367, Fla. Stat.  Duty to file annual guardianship report.
§ 744.3675, Fla. Stat.  Annual guardianship plan.
§ 744.3678, Fla. Stat.  Annual accounting.
§ 744.3679, Fla. Stat.  Simplified accounting procedures in certain cases.
Rule References
Fla. Prob. R. 5.040  Notice.
Fla. Prob. R. 5.541  Recording of hearings.
Fla. Prob. R. 5.560  Petition for appointment of guardian of an incapacitated
person.
Fla. Prob. R. 5.620  Inventory.
Fla. Prob. R. 5.636  Settlement of minors' claims.
Fla. Prob. R. 5.690  Initial guardianship report.
Rule 5.560.  Petition for Appointment of Guardian of an Incapacitated Person
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(a)
Contents.  The petition shall be verified by the petitioner and shall state:
(1)
the facts to establish venue;
(2)
the petitioner's residence and post office address;
(3)
the name, age, and residence and post office address of the alleged
incapacitated person;
(4)
the nature of the incapacity, the extent of guardianship, either limited
or plenary, requested for the alleged incapacitated person, and the nature and value of
property subject to the guardianship;
(5)
the names and addresses of the next of kin of the alleged
incapacitated person known to the petitioner;
(6)
the name, social security or tax identification number, and residence
and post office address of the proposed guardian, and that the proposed guardian is
qualified to serve, or that a willing and qualified guardian has not been located;
(7)
the proposed guardian's relationship to and any previous association
with the alleged incapacitated person; and
(8)
the reasons why the proposed guardian should be appointed.
(b)
Notice.  Notice of filing the petition for appointment of guardian may be
served as a part of the notice of filing the petition to determine incapacity, but shall be
served a reasonable time before the hearing on the petition or other pleading seeking
appointment of a guardian.
(c)
Service on Public Guardian.  If the petitioner requests appointment of
the public guardian, a copy of the petition and the notice shall be served on the public
guardian.
Committee Notes
Rule History
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1975 Revision:  Substantially the same as section 744.334, Florida Statutes,
expanded to include provisions of section 744.302, Florida Statutes, and section
744.312, Florida Statutes, by reference.
1977 Revision:  Change in committee notes to conform to statutory
renumbering.
1980 Revision:  Implements 1979 amendment to section 744.334, Florida
Statutes.
1984 Revision:  Combines rule 5.560 and part of prior rule 5.570. Editorial
changes and committee notes revised.
1988 Revision:  Editorial changes. Committee notes revised. Citation form
changes in committee notes.
1989 Revision by Ad Hoc Committee:  Subdivision (a)(4) of the former rule
has been deleted altogether because the date and court of adjudication will probably not
be known at the time of filing the petition for the appointment since petition for
appointment will henceforth be filed contemporaneously with the petition to determine
incapacity.
1991 Revision:  Implements 1989 amendments to sections 744.334 and
744.331(1), Florida Statutes, and 1990 technical amendments.  Subdivision (c)(1)
deleted because rule 5.555(d) addresses service on parents.
1992 Revision:  Citation form changes in committee notes.
1996 Revision:  Deletes requirement in subdivision (a) to report social security
number of alleged incapacitated person. Adds provision to subdivision (b) for notice
before hearing when petition is not served simultaneously with petition to determine
incapacity.
2000 Revision:  Deletes requirement in subdivision (a) to report social security
number of proposed guardian.
Statutory References
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§ 744.309, Fla. Stat.  Who may be appointed guardian of a resident ward.
§ 744.312, Fla. Stat.  Considerations in appointment of guardian.
§ 744.331, Fla. Stat.  Procedures to determine incapacity.
§ 744.334, Fla. Stat.  Petition for appointment of guardian; contents.
§ 744.3371(1), Fla. Stat.  Notice of petition for appointment of guardian and
hearing.
§ 744.341, Fla. Stat.  Voluntary guardianship.
§ 744.344, Fla. Stat.  Order of appointment.
§ 744.703, Fla. Stat.  Office of public guardian; appointment, notification.
Rule References
Fla. Prob. R. 5.020  Pleadings; verification; motions.
Fla. Prob. R. 5.040  Notice.
Fla. Prob. R. 5.550  Petition to determine incapacity.
Rule 5.705.  Petition for Interim Judicial Review
(a)
Contents.  A petition for interim judicial review shall be verified, state the
petitioner's interest in the proceeding, state with particularity the manner in which the
guardian's action or proposed action does not comply with or exceeds the guardian's
authority under the guardian plan, and state why the action or proposed action of the
guardian is not in the best interest of the ward.
(b)
Service.  The petition shall be served by formal notice.
(c)
Hearing.  The petitioner or any interested person may set the matter for
hearing.
(d)
Expedited Proceedings.  For good cause shown, the court may shorten
the time for response to the formal notice and may set an expedited hearing.
Committee Notes
Rule History
1991 Revision:  New rule.
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2000 Revision:  Subdivision (d) added to permit expedited proceedings.
Statutory Reference
§ 744.3715, Fla. Stat.  Petition for interim judicial review.