Probate Division Overview
Personal representatives administering estates in Pinellas County fall under the jurisdiction of the 6th Judicial Circuit. All formal probate proceedings, inventory audits, and fiduciary accountings are filed through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal.
Courthouse Information
- Court: Pinellas County Justice Center
- Address: 14250 49th St N, Clearwater, FL 33762
- County Seat: Clearwater, FL
- Governing Rules: Florida Probate Rules Part III & 6th Judicial Circuit Local Administrative Orders
Local Accounting Procedures in Pinellas County
The 6th Circuit Probate Division provides strict audit oversight for PR commissions and requires supporting documentation for all Schedule B disbursements.
Under Florida Probate Rule 5.346, the Personal Representative must prepare a balanced Summary of Account with Schedules A through E. In Pinellas 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 Pinellas 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 Pinellas 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.