Summary administration exists precisely because small estates shouldn't cost big-estate money to settle. Yet pricing across Florida is all over the map — some firms quote $1,500, others $3,500 or $4,500 for the same petition. Here is the full cost picture, itemized, so you can compare quotes intelligently.
The Court's Charges (Anyone Pays These)
| Item | Typical Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Clerk filing fee | $235–$405 | Varies by county and estate value tier; set by statute and local clerk. |
| Certified copies of orders | ~$7–$10 each | You'll want several — one per bank, plus extras for vehicles and real property. |
| Recording (real property) | ~$10 first page + $8.50/page | The order must be recorded in each county where real property sits — this is what clears title. |
| Publication (when needed) | ~$100–$300 | Notice to creditors publication is only required in certain situations; many summary administrations skip it entirely. |
These are government and newspaper charges, identical no matter who your lawyer is. At Truestead they are billed at cost — we don't mark up filing fees.
Attorney Fees: The Real Variable
Statewide, flat fees for an uncontested summary administration commonly run $1,500 to $3,500, with some firms charging $4,500. Truestead's pricing is published and flat:
- $1,495 — summary administration with no real property: qualification review, the verified petition, beneficiary consents, proposed orders, filing in the proper county, and distribution paperwork.
- $2,495 — with real property: everything above plus the petition to determine homestead status and orders drafted to actually clear title — the part title companies scrutinize years later.
What Pushes Cost Up (at Any Firm)
- Real property — homestead determination and title-quality legal descriptions are genuine extra lawyering.
- Creditor complications — if the death was within two years and there are known debts, provisions for payment must be negotiated and drafted. (Estates where the death was more than two years ago skip creditor work entirely — claims are barred.)
- Many or scattered beneficiaries — every beneficiary not receiving a full share must sign a consent or be formally served.
- Disputes, unknown heirs, lost wills — these convert the matter into contested or formal work at any firm; ask how a quote handles that before you sign.
Compare: What Formal Administration Costs
Florida's presumptively reasonable attorney fee for formal administration (Fla. Stat. § 733.6171) is about 3% of the first $1 million — $9,000 on a $300,000 estate — plus the personal representative's own fee, higher filing fees, and 6–12 months of process. If your estate qualifies for summary administration — $150,000 or less in non-exempt assets since July 2026, or death more than two years ago — the savings are usually measured in thousands.
Have this exact situation? Talk it through with a Florida attorney — the 20-minute consultation is free.
Book Free Consult or call (888) 388-8445Frequently Asked Questions
Related Reading
- Florida Summary Administration: The Complete Guide — the full eligibility and process picture.
- How Long Does It Take? — the week-by-week timeline.
- The New $150,000 Limit — the 2026 law change that doubled eligibility.
Eligible? We Handle It for a Flat $1,495.
Truestead Law determines quickly whether summary administration, formal administration, or no probate at all applies — and handles qualifying summary administrations statewide for a flat fee: $1,495, or $2,495 when the estate includes real property (homestead determination included). Court costs at cost. Most firms charge $3,500 for the same petition.
Flat-Fee Summary Administration →This article is for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Eligibility and procedure depend on the specific assets, creditors, and family circumstances. Consult a licensed Florida attorney regarding your situation. Arthur Simpson, Esq. is licensed to practice law in the State of Florida. Attorney advertising.
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