Fl. Prob. R. 5.235

As amended through November 4, 2024

Rule 5.235 - ISSUANCE OF LETTERS, BOND

(a) Appointment of Personal Representative. After the petition for administration is filed and the will, if any, is admitted to probate:

(1) the court shall appoint the person entitled and qualified to be personal representative;

(2) the court shall determine the amount of any bond required. The clerk may approve the bond in the amount determined by the court; and

(3) any required oath or designation of, and acceptance by, a resident agent shall be filed.

(b) Issuance of Letters. Upon compliance with all of the foregoing, letters shall be issued to the personal representative.

(c) Bond. On petition by any interested person or on the court's own motion, the court may waive the requirement of filing a bond, require a personal representative or curator to give bond, increase or decrease the bond, or require additional surety.

Fl. Prob. R. 5.235

Amended by 50 So.3d 578, effective 1/1/2011; amended by 683 So.2d 78, effective 1/1/1997; added by 531 So.2d 1261, effective 1/1/1989.

Committee Notes

This rule represents a rule implementation of the procedure formerly found in sections 733.401 and 733.403(2), Florida Statutes, both of which were repealed in 2001. It is not intended to change the effect of the statutes from which it was derived but has been reformatted to conform with the structure of these rules. It is not intended to create a new procedure or modify an existing procedure.

Rule History

1988 Revision: New rule.

1992 Revision: Editorial changes. Committee notes revised. Citation form changes in committee notes.

1996 Revision: Mandate in subdivision (a)(2) prohibiting charge of service fee by clerk deleted. Statutory references added.

2003 Revision: Committee notes revised.

2010 Revision: Committee notes revised.

Statutory References

§ 28.24(19), Fla. Stat. Service charges by clerk of the circuit court.

§ 28.2401, Fla. Stat. Service charges in probate matters.

§ 733.402, Fla. Stat. Bond of fiduciary; when required; form.

§ 733.403, Fla. Stat. Amount of bond.

§ 733.405, Fla. Stat. Release of surety.

§ 733.501, Fla. Stat. Curators.

Rule References

Fla. Prob. R. 5.110 Address designation for personal representative or guardian; designation of resident agent and acceptance.

Fla. Prob. R. 5.122 Curators.

Fla. Prob. R. 5.320 Oath of personal representative.