Florida Estate Planning Checklist: Must-Haves for Every Resident

Estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy — it’s for anyone who wants to protect their loved ones and make sure their wishes are honored. Whether you’re starting fresh or reviewing your plan, here’s a Florida-specific estate planning checklist to help you get organized.

1. Last Will and Testament

A Will lets you decide who inherits your property and who will handle your affairs after you pass away. Without one, Florida’s intestacy laws determine who gets what — which might not reflect your wishes. You can also name a guardian for your minor children in your Will.

2. Revocable Living Trust

A Revocable Trust helps your family avoid probate — the lengthy and public court process of settling an estate. With a trust, assets transfer directly to your beneficiaries, saving time and costs. You can update or revoke it anytime during your lifetime.

3. Durable Power of Attorney

This document allows someone you trust to manage your finances and legal affairs if you become unable to do so yourself. It ensures bills are paid and important decisions are made without court involvement.

4. Health Care Surrogate Designation

This names a trusted person to make medical decisions for you if you’re incapacitated. It’s an essential part of every Florida estate plan — giving peace of mind that your healthcare preferences are respected.

5. Living Will

A Living Will expresses your wishes about life-prolonging treatments if you’re in a terminal or end-stage condition. It helps relieve your loved ones from having to make difficult medical decisions on your behalf.

6. HIPAA Authorization

This allows your chosen representatives to access your medical records. Without it, doctors might not legally be able to share your health information — even with close family members.

7. Beneficiary Designations

Review and update the beneficiaries listed on your life insurance, retirement accounts, and payable-on-death (POD) bank accounts. These designations usually override what’s written in your Will, so make sure everything matches your current wishes.

8. List of Assets and Digital Accounts

Keep a record of your assets — including bank accounts, real estate, insurance policies, and even online accounts. Store this list securely and make sure your executor or trustee knows where to find it.

Takeaway

Estate planning gives you control, protects your loved ones, and prevents unnecessary stress down the road. If you live in Florida, make sure your documents meet state requirements and are properly executed.

Ready to get started? Schedule a consultation with our office today to create or update your estate plan.

For more information, contact our office at Askew & Associates, P.A. by calling 954-546-2699.

Disclaimer: this blog post is not intended to be legal advice. We highly recommend speaking to an attorney if you have any legal concerns.