Business

What You Need to Know About Probate in Florida

Published

3 years ago

March 16, 2023

Dealing with the probate process can be overwhelming, especially when you are grieving the loss of a loved one. The process involves the legal distribution of the deceased’s assets, and each state has its own unique set of rules and regulations. In this article, we will break down everything you need to know about Florida probate.

What is Probate?

Probate is the legal process through which a deceased person’s estate is administered and their assets are distributed according to the individual’s will or state laws. The process generally includes identifying and inventorying the deceased’s property, paying debts and taxes, and distributing the remaining assets to heirs or beneficiaries.

Types of Probate Administration in Florida

Florida recognizes two main types of probate administration: Formal administration and Summary administration.

Formal Administration

This is the most common type of probate and is used when the value of the deceased’s assets is greater than $75,000. A personal representative, usually nominated in the will, is appointed by the court to manage the estate. The representative is responsible for collecting and managing assets, paying debts, and distributing the remaining assets to the beneficiaries.

Summary Administration

This is a faster, simpler process for smaller estates with a total value of $75,000 or less or when the deceased has been dead for more than two years. With summary administration, there is no need to appoint a personal representative, and the court directly orders the distribution of assets to the beneficiaries.

Role of the Personal Representative

The personal representative (also known as the executor or administrator) is responsible for managing the estate during the probate process. Their duties include:

Identifying, collecting, and managing the deceased’s assets
Paying debts and taxes owed by the estate
Distributing the remaining assets to the heirs or beneficiaries
Providing an accounting to the court detailing the estate’s financial transactions

The personal representative must act in the best interests of the estate and its beneficiaries and is held accountable to the court.

When Is Probate Not Required in Florida?

Probate may not be necessary in Florida under certain circumstances, including:

Assets held in joint tenancy with the right of survivorship
Payable-on-death or transfer-on-death accounts
Life insurance policies with designated beneficiaries
Assets held in a revocable living trust

These assets pass directly to the surviving co-owner or designated beneficiary, bypassing the probate process.

Florida Probate Timeline

The length of the probate process in Florida varies depending on the complexity of the estate and any disputes that may arise. However, on average, formal administration can take anywhere from six months to a year, or even longer in complex cases. Summary administration is usually quicker, often taking only a few weeks to a few months.

Costs Associated with Probate in Florida

Probate costs in Florida can include court filing fees, attorney’s fees, personal representative fees, and other expenses related to the administration of the estate. Florida’s law sets the maximum fees for personal representatives and attorneys based on the value of the estate. However, the court may approve additional fees for extraordinary services.

Business

The Key Components of a Successful Digital Marketing Strategy

Published

1 week ago

November 16, 2025

Matthew Wiles

In today’s hyper-connected world, a well-defined digital marketing strategy is essential for any business that wants to grow, build brand trust, and stay competitive. Whether you’re a local retailer, an eCommerce business, or a professional service provider, your online presence plays a major role in shaping how your audience perceives you. For example, industries like legal services are increasingly recognising the benefits of specialised digital marketing for law firms to attract and engage clients in an increasingly digital marketplace.

Below, we explore the key components that make up a successful digital marketing strategy—and how to align them with your business goals.

Clear Objectives and Measurable Goals

Every effective strategy begins with a clear understanding of what success looks like. Your goals might include increasing website traffic, generating leads, improving search engine visibility, or enhancing customer retention. Setting SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) objectives helps ensure that each marketing activity contributes to tangible outcomes.

A Strong Brand Identity

Your digital marketing efforts should reflect a cohesive brand identity that resonates across every channel—your website, social media, email campaigns, and online ads. Consistent visual design, tone of voice, and messaging establish credibility and make your business instantly recognisable.

Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)

SEO remains the backbone of digital visibility. From on-page content optimisation and keyword targeting to technical site health and link-building, SEO ensures your business appears where customers are actively searching. Local SEO, in particular, helps businesses connect with audiences in specific geographic areas—an essential tactic for professionals and service-based businesses.

Engaging Content Marketing

High-quality, relevant content builds authority and nurtures relationships. Blogs, videos, infographics, podcasts, and whitepapers provide opportunities to educate, entertain, and inspire your audience. Great content not only boosts SEO performance but also establishes your brand as a trusted industry leader.

Social Media Engagement

Social platforms allow you to interact directly with your audience, showcase brand personality, and promote your services. The key is to use the right platform for your audience—LinkedIn for B2B engagement, Instagram for visual storytelling, or Facebook for community connection. Regular posting, active engagement, and data analysis are crucial for success.

Paid Advertising (PPC and Social Ads)

Paid campaigns can provide immediate visibility and lead generation, especially when combined with strong targeting and data insights. Tools like Google Ads and Meta Ads Manager allow you to reach specific demographics, remarket to previous visitors, and maximise ROI through ongoing optimisation.

Email Marketing and Automation

Email remains one of the most effective tools for nurturing relationships. Automated workflows can deliver personalised experiences, keeping leads engaged throughout the buyer journey. From newsletters to drip campaigns, consistent and value-driven communication is key.

Data Analytics and Continuous Optimisation

No digital marketing strategy is complete without performance tracking. Tools like Google Analytics, social insights, and CRM data reveal what’s working—and what’s not. Regularly reviewing metrics enables businesses to refine their strategy and continually improve results.

Final Thoughts

A successful digital marketing strategy is more than a checklist—it’s an evolving framework built on research, creativity, and constant learning. When each component works together seamlessly, your business can attract, engage, and convert customers more effectively, while maintaining a powerful and professional online presence.