American Estate Planning Series
Florida Estate Planning: Clear Guidance for Families
Learn how wills, trusts, probate, and long-term planning work in Florida — and take the next step with confidence.
A Simple Path to Florida Estate Planning
A simple, Florida-specific path to understanding your options, organizing your information, and building a plan with confidence.
1. Learn the Basics
Short, clear explanations of wills, trusts, probate, powers of attorney, and estate planning fundamentals.
2. Understand Florida Differences
Learn how Pennsylvania inheritance tax, probate procedures, and long-term planning issues may affect your family.
3. Organize Your Information
Use tools like the Estate Planning Starter Workbook to organize assets, beneficiaries, and planning goals.
4. Get Professional Guidance
When you’re ready, work with a Florida estate planning attorney to build a plan tailored to your family and goals.
What Makes Florida Estate Planning Different
Florida estate planning includes its own probate rules, homestead protections, and long-term planning considerations. Before choosing documents or strategies, it helps to understand how Florida law approaches wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and asset transfers.
Key Florida Estate Planning Concepts
Florida Homestead Protections – Florida law provides strong homestead protections that can affect inheritance rights, creditor protection, and how real estate transfers after death.
Probate and Estate Administration – Some estates move through probate relatively efficiently, while others may benefit from planning strategies designed to simplify or avoid court involvement.
Lady Bird Deeds and Transfer Planning – Florida allows certain enhanced life estate deeds (often called Lady Bird deeds) that may help transfer real estate outside probate while retaining lifetime control.
Powers of Attorney and Incapacity Planning – Financial and healthcare decision-making documents must comply with Florida law and should be carefully structured and properly executed.
Long-Term Care and Asset Protection Planning – Many Florida families consider Medicaid eligibility, long-term care costs, and asset protection strategies as part of their overall estate planning.
Flexible Will and Trust Strategies – Depending on family goals, assets, and complexity, Florida residents may benefit from either will-based or trust-based planning approaches.
Florida Estate Planning Videos
These short videos explain important estate planning concepts, including topics that commonly affect Florida families.
What Makes Florida Estate Planning Different?
Do You Need a Will or a Trust in Florida?
How Long Does Probate Take in Florida?
How to Leave Your House to Your Kids in Florida
What Is a Revocable Living Trust in Florida?
Will vs Trust in Florida: What’s Better?
Meet Your Florida Estate Planning Attorney
Elena Ortega-Tauler
Founder of Legacy Trust Counsel. P.A.
Florida Contributing Attorney
📞 (305) 514-0608
🌐 http://www.legacytrustcounsel.com/
The American Estate Planning Series features Elena Ortega-Tauler as the Florida Contributing Attorney.
Elena assists individuals and families throughout South Florida with estate planning, probate, trusts, wills, and incapacity planning.
Serving Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Doral, Coral Gables, and surrounding South Florida communities, including Monroe County
Meet Your Florida Estate Planning Attorney | Elena Ortega-Tauler
Choose Your Next Step
Whether you are just beginning to learn about estate planning or preparing to meet with an attorney, here are the best places to start.
Watch Videos - Start With the Basics
Learn how wills, trusts, powers of attorney, probate, and long-term care planning work in Florida.
Download the Workbook - Get Organized First
Download the Estate Planning Workbook to gather your financial information and think through key planning decisions.
Find an Attorney - Work With an Attorney
When you are ready for legal advice or estate planning documents, connect with a Florida-licensed estate planning attorney.
Florida Estate Planning Resources
Explore more Florida-specific videos, answers to common questions, and additional resources.
This page is part of the American Estate Planning Series, providing clear estate planning guidance across all 50 states.