Probate Division Overview
Personal representatives administering estates in Broward County fall under the jurisdiction of the 17th Judicial Circuit. All formal probate proceedings, inventory audits, and fiduciary accountings are filed through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal.
Courthouse Information
- Court: Broward County Judicial Complex
- Address: 201 SE 6th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
- County Seat: Fort Lauderdale, FL
- Governing Rules: Florida Probate Rules Part III & 17th Judicial Circuit Local Administrative Orders
Local Accounting Procedures in Broward County
Broward 17th Circuit uses specialized probate divisions. Fiduciary accountings must conform to the 17th Circuit Probate Division local procedures and electronic order processing systems.
Under Florida Probate Rule 5.346, the Personal Representative must prepare a balanced Summary of Account with Schedules A through E. In Broward County, if beneficiaries do not sign formal waivers under Rule 5.400, a formal hearing on the Petition for Discharge may be scheduled before the presiding probate judge.
Key Filing Milestones for Broward County Estates
- Initial Inventory (§ 733.604): Due within 60 days of Letters of Administration issuance.
- Notice to Creditors (§ 733.2121): Must be published once a week for 2 consecutive weeks in a local Broward County legal newspaper.
- Creditor Claims Bar Date (§ 733.702): 3 months from the date of first publication.
- Final Accounting & Petition for Discharge: Target completion within 12 months for non-taxable estates or 18 months if IRS Form 706 is required.