In Florida, an estate executor is usually known as a personal representative, and their job is to ensure that a deceased person’s estate is properly settled, meaning that all their assets are accounted for, all of their debts and taxes are paid, and that all of their heirs receive their inheritance. It’s a job that demands quite a lot of patience, time, and organizational skills. As such, estate holders currently choosing potential executors must ensure that their candidates have the time and capacity to complete the job.

Perhaps you’ve been approached by your loved one about acting as their estate executor once they’re gone, or perhaps it’s a role that you’re interested in taking on at some point in time and now you want to learn more.

Either way, it’s a good time to get acquainted with the requirements for being an estate executor in Florida.

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The legal requirements of being an estate executor

The legal requirements to be a personal representative in Florida are actually quite straightforward.

An estate executor must be at least 18 years old and be considered mentally and physically capable of completing the job. While that sounds nebulous, it basically means that this person cannot have been ruled incapacitated by a court.

In Florida, a potential estate executor may also not have a felony conviction.

Florida also has special rules for out-of-state executors. Usually, it’s smarter to choose an executor who lives nearby so they can handle day-to-day business and be available to beneficiaries and the necessary legal authorities.

But if an executor lives outside of Florida, they can only act as a personal representative if they’re related to the estate holder by either blood or marriage/adoption.

Curious to know more about the tasks of an estate executor? Get in touch with us for a free consultation on navigating the estate settlement world. We’re here to help.