Florida Summary Administration: Small Estate Rules and Selling an Inherited Home

Last updated November 14, 2026. Citations come from the Florida statutes and official agency pages linked in Sources. Where we could not confirm something on an official page, we say so.

Florida summary administration is available when the estate subject to administration is within the statutory limit or the decedent has been dead more than 2 years. The statute currently shows a $150,000 limit after a 2026 amendment, not the older $75,000 figure.

The rules we confirmed

• Summary administration may be had for a resident or nonresident decedent when the value of the entire estate subject to administration in Florida, less property exempt from creditors' claims, does not exceed $150,000, or when the decedent has been dead more than 2 years. (Statute history shows amendment by ch. 2026-57; verify this reflects current law.) (Fla. Stat. Sec. 735.201).
• Summary administration is also available in a testate estate only if the will does not direct administration as required by chapter 733. (Fla. Stat. Sec. 735.201(1))
• No administration is required for an estate leaving only exempt personal property, personal property exempt from creditors under the Constitution, and nonexempt personal property not exceeding preferred funeral expenses and reasonable necessary medical and hospital expenses of the last 60 days of the last illness; the court may authorize transfer on informal application by affidavit or letter. (Fla. Stat. Sec. 735.301(1)-(2))
• Two years after a person's death, neither the estate, the personal representative nor the beneficiaries are liable for any claim against the decedent, whether or not letters were issued, except as provided in the section (a recorded mortgage or lien is not affected). (Fla. Stat. Sec. 733.710(1), (3))

What we could not confirm

• Which specific amendment changed the dollar limit and when it takes effect.
• Clerk filing fees not confirmed.
• Summary administration is a probate court procedure; the real-property transfer mechanics (order of summary administration recording) not confirmed from an opened page.

How to sell a house in Florida when this applies to you

1. Find out what the title company needs. For an inherited or transferred house, that usually means the recorded document that shows who owns it today.
2. Get a payoff for any mortgage and the amount of any unpaid property tax. Both are paid from the sale proceeds at closing.
3. Compare offers on what you net after repairs, commissions and closing costs, not on the headline price.
4. If you want a fast, simple closing, ask for a written cash offer. We buy houses as-is, with no repairs and no agent commission. See how we buy houses in Florida.

Florida Summary Administration FAQ

Is there a small estate shortcut in Florida?

Yes. Summary administration under Ch. 735 is available for smaller estates or when the decedent has been dead more than 2 years.

What is the current limit?

The statute we reviewed shows $150,000 less exempt property. Confirm the current figure with the clerk before filing.

Can I sell my Florida house as-is?

Yes. A cash buyer purchases as-is, and the title company pays any mortgage and unpaid property tax from the proceeds at closing.

Sources

• Fla. Stat. Sec. 735.201
• Fla. Stat. Sec. 735.301(1)-(2)
• Fla. Stat. Sec. 733.710(1), (3)

This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice. Laws, forms and fees change, so confirm details with the official office or a Florida Florida attorney or tax professional.