Estate Planning in Florida: Essential Documents You Need in 2025

Planning for the future means protecting your family and ensuring your wishes are carried out if something happens to you. For Florida residents, having essential estate planning documents in place is crucial to avoid legal complications and protect your family’s future. Whether you are new to estate planning or updating an older plan, these are the key documents every Florida resident should have in place for 2025.

1. Last Will and Testament

A will outlines how your assets will be distributed after your passing. In Florida, without a will, your estate will be subject to Florida’s intestate succession laws, which may not align with your wishes. Learn more from the Florida Bar.

2. Revocable Living Trust

A living trust allows you to manage your assets during your lifetime and pass them to your beneficiaries without going through probate court. This is an excellent option for those with significant assets or property in Florida.

Learn more about how a revocable living trust helps you avoid probate in our blog, Top Strategies to Avoid Probate.

3. Durable Power of Attorney

This legal document designates someone to act as your agent to handle your financial and legal matters, in the event you cannot do so. Florida estate planning attorneys recommend having this in place to avoid court-appointed guardianship.

4. Healthcare Directive & Living Will

A healthcare directive, including a living will, lets you specify medical decisions and end-of-life care preferences. This ensures doctors and hospitals follow your wishes if you cannot communicate them. It also lets you designates individuals to make medical decisions for you in the even you are incapacitated.

5. Beneficiary Designations

Florida residents should ensure their life insurance policies, retirement accounts, and payable-on-death accounts have updated beneficiaries to avoid probate.

Need Help with Estate Planning in Florida?

An experienced Florida estate planning attorney can help you draft and review these essential documents to ensure your estate is protected. Contact Fred E. Glickman P.A. today for a FREE consultation.