Florida Probate Reform 2026: Summary Administration Threshold Increased to $150,000
Introduction
Florida probate law changed significantly in 2026. Under Florida Probate Reform 2026, also known as HB 1337 or Chapter 2026-57, more estates may now qualify for simplified probate through summary administration. The most important change is the increase in the summary administration threshold from $75,000 to $150,000, effective July 1, 2026. The law was approved by the Governor on April 29, 2026, filed the same day, and became effective July 1, 2026.
For many Florida families, this change could make probate faster, less expensive, and less stressful. Summary administration is already designed to simplify smaller estate matters. By doubling the qualifying estate value threshold, Florida has opened this process to more estates that previously may have required formal administration.
What Is Summary Administration in Florida?
Summary administration is a simplified probate process available for qualifying estates. It is generally faster and less involved than formal administration because it does not require the appointment of a personal representative in the same way formal probate does.
Before the 2026 law change, summary administration was commonly available when the value of the entire estate subject to administration in Florida, less exempt property, did not exceed $75,000, or when the decedent had been dead for more than two years. Under Chapter 2026-57, that threshold is now increased to $150,000, while the “dead for more than two years” alternative remains in place.
This means more families handling modest estates may be able to avoid the longer process of formal probate administration.
What Changed Under HB 1337?
The headline change under Florida Probate Reform 2026 is the increase in the small estate threshold for summary administration. The law amends section 735.201, Florida Statutes, allowing summary administration when the value of the entire estate subject to administration in Florida, minus property exempt from creditor claims, does not exceed $150,000.
This is a major practical change because estates valued between $75,000 and $150,000 may now have access to a faster probate option. For example, if a decedent leaves behind bank accounts, vehicles, personal property, or other probate assets under the new limit, the family may be able to use summary administration rather than formal administration.
Why This Matters for Florida Families
The probate process can be stressful for families already dealing with the loss of a loved one. Formal administration often involves more filings, longer timelines, additional court oversight, and the appointment of a personal representative. Summary administration can reduce some of that burden.
The increased $150,000 threshold may help families by:
- Reducing probate time
- Lowering administrative costs
- Avoiding unnecessary formal administration
- Simplifying transfer of modest estate assets
- Making probate more accessible for smaller estates
This does not mean every estate under $150,000 automatically qualifies. The specific assets, creditor issues, beneficiary disputes, and estate documents still matter. However, the reform gives more families an opportunity to explore a simplified path.
Other Probate Changes in Chapter 2026-57
While the summary administration increase is the most talked-about update, HB 1337 made several other probate-related changes as well. The bill summary from the Florida Senate notes that the legislation also addresses topics such as personal representative authority, attorney fees, safe-deposit box access, income tax refunds, payments to successors, and administration of intestate small estates.
For example, Chapter 2026-57 also increases the amount of a federal income tax refund that may be paid directly to a surviving spouse or child from $2,500 to $5,000, and increases certain financial institution payments to family members without court proceedings from $1,000 to $2,000.
These changes show a broader effort to reduce unnecessary court involvement in certain estate matters.
Summary Administration vs. Formal Administration
Understanding the difference between summary administration and formal administration is important.
Summary Administration is typically used for smaller or older estates. It is usually faster and does not involve the same level of ongoing estate administration.
Formal Administration is used for larger, more complex estates or cases involving disputes, creditor problems, litigation, or unclear asset ownership. Formal administration usually requires the appointment of a personal representative to manage the estate.
Even with the new $150,000 threshold, formal administration may still be necessary if the estate has complicated assets, disputes between beneficiaries, unresolved creditor claims, or other legal concerns.
Who Should Review Their Probate Options?
Families should review the new law if:
- A loved one passed away after July 1, 2026
- The probate estate appears to be under $150,000
- The estate has limited assets and no major disputes
- The decedent died more than two years ago
- The family wants to avoid formal administration if possible
This update may be especially helpful for families handling modest bank accounts, vehicles, personal property, or smaller investment accounts that would have exceeded the old $75,000 limit but fall under the new $150,000 threshold.
Final Thoughts
Florida Probate Reform 2026 is an important update for families, beneficiaries, and probate attorneys. By increasing the summary administration threshold from $75,000 to $150,000, Florida has made simplified probate available to more estates. The change may help families save time, reduce costs, and settle smaller estates more efficiently.
Still, probate qualification depends on more than just estate value. Asset type, exempt property, debts, heirs, and disputes can all affect the best path forward.
📞 Need help determining whether an estate qualifies for summary administration under Florida’s new probate law? Contact our Florida probate attorneys today for guidance.