Broward County Probate Court
When someone dies, certain assets may need to go through probate before they can be distributed to beneficiaries or heirs. Probate administration is used to identify and gather probate assets, address valid creditor claims, and distribute the remaining property according to a valid will or, when there is no controlling will, Florida intestacy law.
If the deceased person was domiciled in Broward County at the time of death, venue for the probate proceeding is generally in Broward County. Probate matters in Broward County are handled by the Probate Division of the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit of Florida. Florida Statute § 733.101 makes the decedent’s county of domicile the normal venue for probate of a will and issuance of letters.
In most Florida probate administrations, the personal representative must be represented by an attorney admitted to practice in Florida. One limited exception applies when the personal representative remains the sole interested person in the estate. Because probate proceedings can involve court filings, creditor issues, asset distribution, fiduciary duties, and strict procedural requirements, working with an experienced Broward County probate attorney can help ensure the estate is administered properly.
Key Takeaways
- Probate matters in Broward County are handled by the Probate and Guardianship Division of the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit of Florida.
- The Probate and Guardianship office is located at the Broward County Central Courthouse, Judicial Complex West Building, 201 S.E. 6th Street, 3rd Floor, Room 03150, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301.
- The Broward County Clerk of Courts performs administrative functions such as accepting filings and maintaining court records, but probate proceedings themselves are handled by the Circuit Court.
- Probate venue is generally based on where the deceased person was domiciled at the time of death. Florida Statute § 733.101 makes the decedent’s county of domicile the normal venue for probate of a will and issuance of letters.
- In most Florida probate administrations, the personal representative must be represented by a Florida attorney, subject to a limited exception when the personal representative remains the sole interested person.
Probate Court Overview
In Broward County, probate matters are handled by the Probate and Guardianship Division of the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit of Florida. The division handles matters involving decedents’ estates, trusts, guardianships, incapacity proceedings, and certain related proceedings.
The court provides local procedures, mandatory probate checklists, smart forms, e-filing information, administrative orders, and other resources for probate and guardianship matters. These materials can help attorneys, fiduciaries, and interested parties understand local filing requirements and court procedures.
Please Note: Court procedures, filing requirements, forms, and judicial assignments may change. If you need assistance with a probate matter in Broward County, an experienced probate attorney can help you understand the applicable requirements and represent you throughout the administration or litigation process.
Broward County Probate Court Location
Probate matters in Broward County are handled by the Probate and Guardianship Division of the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit of Florida. The division is located at:
Seventeenth Judicial Court of Florida
Broward County Central Courthouse
Judicial Complex, West Building
201 S.E. 6th Street
3rd Floor, Room 03150
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
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The Broward County Clerk of Courts also maintains its Probate and Guardianship office at this location. The Clerk performs administrative functions such as accepting filings, maintaining court records, and providing access to certain probate forms and resources, while probate proceedings themselves are handled by the Circuit Court.
For probate purposes, the important question is generally whether Broward County is the proper venue for the estate, not which city within Broward County the decedent lived in. A decedent who was domiciled in Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pembroke Pines, Coral Springs, Pompano Beach, or another Broward municipality would generally have the probate proceeding handled through the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit rather than through a separate city probate court.
Probate Division Judges
Below is information on the judges currently assigned to the Probate Division of the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit of Florida in Broward County. Judicial assignments may change over time.
Please Note: This information is publicly available through the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit’s official website. Readers should confirm the current judicial assignment for a particular case through the court’s official records.
As of September 2026, the Probate Division judges are:
Kenneth L. Gillespie – Administrative Judge, Division 62J
Natasha DePrimo – Circuit Judge, Division 61J
Nicholas Lopane – Circuit Judge, Division 60J
Types of Probate Administration in Broward County
Florida generally recognizes two primary forms of probate administration: formal administration and summary administration. There is also a more limited procedure known as disposition of personal property without administration.
Formal administration is the standard probate process and is commonly used when an estate does not qualify for a simplified procedure or when the circumstances require appointment of a personal representative.
Summary administration is a simplified probate procedure that may be available when the value of the estate subject to administration in Florida, less exempt property, does not exceed $75,000, or when the decedent has been dead for more than two years.
Disposition of personal property without administration is available only in limited circumstances involving certain qualifying personal property and small estates.
Broward County Probate Court FAQ
Q. Where is Probate Done?
Probate proceedings are generally filed in the Florida county where the deceased person was domiciled at the time of death. If the decedent was domiciled in Broward County, the probate proceeding is generally handled by the Probate and Guardianship Division of the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit of Florida.
The Broward County Clerk of Courts performs administrative functions related to probate cases, such as accepting filings and maintaining court records, but the probate proceeding itself is handled by the Circuit Court.
Q. What Issues Are Handled in Broward County Probate Court?
The Probate and Guardianship Division handles matters including:
- Formal probate administration
- Summary administration
- Disposition of personal property without administration
- Trust matters and trust disputes
- Guardianship proceedings
- Incapacity proceedings
- Certain mental health proceedings
Q. What Are the Broward County Probate Court’s Hours?
The Broward County Clerk of Courts currently lists the Probate and Guardianship office as open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM, excluding holidays. Court schedules and office hours can change, so visitors should confirm current hours before going to the courthouse.
Q. Where Is the Probate and Guardianship Office Located?
The Probate and Guardianship office is located at:
Broward County Central Courthouse
Judicial Complex, West Building
201 S.E. 6th Street
3rd Floor, Room 03150
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Speak With a Broward County Probate Attorney
Di Pietro Partners represents clients in probate, trust, and estate matters throughout Florida, including probate administration, contested wills, trust disputes, fiduciary issues, and other estate-related litigation.
Our firm is headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, the same city where the Broward County Central Courthouse is located. We represent beneficiaries, personal representatives, trustees, heirs, and other interested parties in Broward County probate matters, including out-of-state clients who need assistance with a Florida estate or probate proceeding.
Whether you need help administering an estate, contesting a will, resolving a trust dispute, or addressing another probate issue, our attorneys can help you understand your options and protect your interests.
Contact Di Pietro Partners today for a free, confidential consultation with an experienced Broward County probate attorney.
