Florida Statute 735.201 and Florida Probate Rule 5.530 allow for Summary Administration when the value of the entire estate, less the value of exempt property does not exceed $75,000 or that the decedent has been dead for more than two years.
Florida Probate Rule 5.490 requires that the Claim be filed in duplicate with one copy containing an original signature. The clerk will send a copy of the claim to the Attorney for the Personal Representative.
If you're bringing a lawsuit against the dead person in Florida, if you're seeking damages from a dead person, don't sue the “estate.” You have to sue the named personal representative of the deceased Florida resident's estate. They are appointed by the court after the petition for administration is filed.
Rule 9.300(a) states that “unless otherwise prescribed by these rules, an application for an order or other relief available under these rules shall be made by filing a motion therefor.” This broad statement authorizes the use of motions in a variety of situations.
You, the plaintiff, must file a “Statement of Claim” form, available at your Clerk's office. This must be fully completed and signed to receive a pre-trial conference date. If your claim is based upon written documentation, attach a copy of the contract to the Statement of Claim form. You may file by mail or in person.
An objection to a claim, other than a personal representative's proof of claim, shall be in writing and filed on or before the expiration of 4 months from the first publication of notice to creditors or within 30 days from the timely filing or amendment of the claim, whichever occurs later.
Creditor claims have to be filed with the probate court 30 days after receiving a Notice to Creditors or three months from the publication date (whichever is later). Even without official notification, most creditor claims are barred if not filed within two years of the decedent's death.
Submit your claim directly to the probate court and serve a copy on the personal representative. If you file a formal claim and the personal representative rejects it, you can file suit against the estate within three months of the rejection.