I'm the Executor — Now What?

Being named the executor—or personal representative, as it's called in Florida—is both an honor and a significant responsibility. You're responsible for carrying out your loved one's final wishes, protecting their assets, and ensuring the estate is administered according to Florida law.

While every estate is different, these are some of the first steps many personal representatives take:

1. Obtain Certified Copies of the Death Certificate

You'll likely need multiple certified copies to work with banks, insurance companies, government agencies, and financial institutions.

2. Locate the Estate Planning Documents

Gather important documents, including:

  • The original will

  • Any trust documents

  • Life insurance policies

  • Property deeds

  • Vehicle titles

  • Financial account information

  • Tax records

Having these documents organized early can save time later.

3. Meet with a Florida Probate Attorney

Florida probate laws can be complex, and many estates benefit from professional legal guidance. An attorney can explain your responsibilities, help file the necessary court documents, and guide you through the probate process.

4. Secure the Estate's Property

Protecting estate assets is one of your first responsibilities.

This may include:

  • Securing the home

  • Safeguarding valuables

  • Forwarding mail

  • Maintaining utilities

  • Arranging lawn care or property maintenance

  • Keeping vehicles safely stored

If the home will be vacant for an extended period, notify the homeowners insurance company. Some insurance policies have different coverage terms for vacant homes.

5. Notify Financial Institutions and Insurance Companies

Contact organizations such as:

  • Banks and credit unions

  • Investment firms

  • Life insurance companies

  • Mortgage lenders

  • Social Security Administration

  • Pension providers

Prompt notification can help prevent fraud and begin the process of settling accounts.

6. Create an Inventory of Assets

Develop a list of the estate's assets, which may include:

  • Real estate

  • Vehicles

  • Bank accounts

  • Investment accounts

  • Personal property

  • Business interests

  • Retirement accounts

Keeping organized records will make the probate process much smoother.

7. Pay Valid Debts Before Distributing Assets

One of the executor's responsibilities is ensuring that valid debts and estate expenses are addressed before assets are distributed to beneficiaries.

Avoid distributing property too early, as doing so could create complications if additional obligations arise.

8. Keep Beneficiaries Informed

Clear and consistent communication can help reduce confusion and avoid unnecessary conflict. While you don't need to provide daily updates, keeping beneficiaries informed about major milestones can help everyone understand the process and timeline.

9. Review Insurance Coverage

An estate's insurance needs often change after someone passes away. Take time to review policies covering:

  • The family home

  • Vacation or rental properties

  • Vehicles

  • Valuable personal property

  • Umbrella liability coverage

Keeping the appropriate coverage in place can help protect estate assets while the estate is being settled.

10. Stay Organized

Keep copies of:

  • Court filings

  • Financial statements

  • Receipts

  • Invoices

  • Correspondence

  • Estate expenses

  • Payments made on behalf of the estate

Detailed records can make your responsibilities much easier and provide transparency throughout the administration process.

Two men walking and talking on a wooden boardwalk near the beach with greenery and ocean in the background.

Remember: You Don't Have to Do It Alone

Serving as an executor can feel overwhelming, especially while grieving the loss of a loved one. Probate attorneys, accountants, financial advisors, and insurance professionals can all play an important role in helping you navigate the estate settlement process with confidence.

Official Florida Resources

Need Help Reviewing Insurance After a Loss?

Settling an estate often means more than handling legal paperwork. Homes, vehicles, rental properties, golf carts, boats, and other valuable assets may all need their insurance reviewed while the estate is being administered.

The advisors at Ted Todd Insurance can help you:

  • Review existing homeowners, auto, flood, and umbrella policies

  • Determine whether coverage should be updated for vacant or inherited property

  • Explain insurance considerations when transferring homes and vehicles

  • Help beneficiaries understand their insurance options after an estate is settled

Whether you're serving as a personal representative or helping a loved one navigate the probate process, we're here to help you protect the assets that matter most.

Speak With a Ted Todd Insurance Advisor

Your Questions, Answered

  • The length of probate depends on the size and complexity of the estate. Some estates can be settled in a matter of months, while others may take a year or longer. Factors such as creditor claims, real estate, and disputes between beneficiaries can all affect the timeline.

  • No. Some assets transfer directly to beneficiaries without going through probate, including life insurance policies with named beneficiaries, retirement accounts, jointly owned property with rights of survivorship, and assets held in certain trusts.

  • In many states, the person responsible for administering an estate is called an executor. In Florida, the legal term is personal representative. While the names differ, the responsibilities are generally similar.

  • In many cases, yes. Whether court approval is required depends on the terms of the will, the authority granted to the personal representative, and the specific circumstances of the estate. A probate attorney can advise you on your responsibilities before listing or selling property.

  • The home should remain insured throughout the estate administration process. If the property will be vacant or ownership changes, it's important to notify the insurance company as soon as possible. Some policies have different terms or exclusions for vacant homes.

  • Not immediately. If the vehicle is still part of the estate or will continue to be driven, the policy may need to remain in place until ownership is transferred or the vehicle is sold. Speak with your insurance agent before making changes.

  • Contact the insurance company listed on the policy. Most insurers require a claim form and a certified copy of the death certificate before benefits can be paid to the named beneficiary.

  • If you cannot locate the original will, consult a Florida probate attorney as soon as possible. Florida law provides procedures for situations where a will cannot be found, but the outcome depends on the specific circumstances.

  • Many Florida probate cases benefit from legal guidance, and in many formal probate administrations, a personal representative is required to be represented by a Florida attorney. An attorney can explain your responsibilities and help ensure the estate is administered properly.