Probate Division Overview
Personal representatives administering estates in Lee County fall under the jurisdiction of the 20th Judicial Circuit. All formal probate proceedings, inventory audits, and fiduciary accountings are filed through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal.
Courthouse Information
- Court: Lee County Justice Center
- Address: 1700 Monroe St, Fort Myers, FL 33901
- County Seat: Fort Myers, FL
- Governing Rules: Florida Probate Rules Part III & 20th Judicial Circuit Local Administrative Orders
Local Accounting Procedures in Lee County
The 20th Judicial Circuit serves Southwest Florida, handling extensive retiree probate estates with homestead exemption and elective share accounting issues.
Under Florida Probate Rule 5.346, the Personal Representative must prepare a balanced Summary of Account with Schedules A through E. In Lee 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 Lee 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 Lee 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.