Florida Could Double the Threshold for Summary Administration
Florida is on the verge of making a significant change to its probate laws. This development could make it much easier for families to access something called “summary administration,” an easier and cheaper form of probate. What are the chances that this change will happen? How will it affect estate planning or probate in Aventura? You can ask questions like these during your first consultation with a probate lawyer.
Why It Could Become Easier to Access Summary Administration in Florida
In late February of 2026, the Florida Bar reported that CS/HB 1337 was close to becoming law. The bill would double the maximum threshold for summary administration, from $75,000 to $150,000. In other words, countless families across Florida would suddenly have access to a faster, cheaper, and more streamlined probate process.
Florida’s existing laws reserve summary administration only for “small estates,” with the current definition of “small” being worth less than $75,000 in non-exempt assets. However, many have raised concerns over whether this definition requires updating. After all, inflation has taken a serious toll on Florida and the rest of the nation over the last few years, particularly after COVID-19.
While the Florida House and the Senate have both given their approval of the bill, its passage into law is not guaranteed. It still requires the signature of the Governor, who could veto the bill for various reasons. That being said, the widespread support of this change makes a veto incredibly unlikely, and everyone recognizes the benefits this could have for Florida families.
What Is Summary Administration?
Summary administration is a specific type of probate reserved for estates with relatively few non-exempt assets. In this context, “non-exempt assets” include anything that does not pass through probate before being inherited by beneficiaries. An obvious example is a homestead property left to a surviving spouse (the right of survivorship). Regardless of the value of the property, the home typically passes to the surviving spouse without going through probate.
Because many families put the majority of their wealth into their primary residence, the focus of probate shifts to stocks, cash, vehicles, and other non-exempt assets. Families can attempt to shift as much of their property away from probate by using additional estate planning strategies, such as beneficiary designations.
If the non-exempt assets are worth $75,000 or less, the estate qualifies for summary administration. Because this process is faster, cheaper, and less complicated than normal probate, beneficiaries can inherit wealth without long wait times. The family also spends less on legal fees and probate costs, allowing them to keep more of the estate’s wealth.
Can a Probate Lawyer in Aventura Help Me?
If you are interested in learning more about the benefits of summary administration, consider speaking with a probate lawyer in Aventura. A legal professional can also examine your unique situation and determine whether you are eligible to pursue summary administration. Contact 411 Probate to learn more about the potential doubling of the summary administration threshold.
Source:
floridabar.org/the-florida-bar-news/lawmakers-sign-off-on-measure-to-streamline-uncontested-probate/