Pinellas probate matters are filed and administered through the local circuit court, which oversees everything from summary administration to complex contested estates. Personal representatives working in this county often encounter both the statewide Florida Probate Code and local practices unique to the court handling the estate. Our firm represents clients across Pinellas and the surrounding region in every stage of Florida probate.
If you need guidance on opening, administering, or closing a Pinellas County estate, contact Bucelo Diaz Law or call (954) 399-1910 to schedule a free consultation.
Pinellas County Probate Court
- Court
- Pinellas County Courthouse
- Address
- 315 Court Street, Room 400, Clearwater, FL 33756
- Clerk website
- Pinellas County Clerk of Court
- Phone
- (727) 464-3341
- Directions
- View on Google Maps
Key Takeaways, Probate in Pinellas County
- Probate is filed in the county where the decedent was domiciled. For Pinellas County residents, that means filing in the local probate division of the circuit court listed above.
- Florida offers two administration tracks. Summary administration for smaller or older estates, and formal administration for everything else, including most estates involving real property.
- Counsel is typically required in formal administration. Personal representatives owe fiduciary duties that can create personal liability, so most estates benefit from a Pinellas County probate attorney.
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Opening a Pinellas County estate or unsure whether probate is required? Bucelo Diaz Law helps families and personal representatives across Florida navigate each stage of probate.
Contact NowFirst Steps After a Death in Pinellas, Florida
The hours and days after a loved one passes are stressful. While probate can wait, a few practical first steps will make the process easier when you are ready:
- Obtain certified copies of the death certificate. The funeral home typically orders these. Get at least 6 to 10; banks, insurance companies, and the court each need their own.
- Locate the original will. Florida law (F.S. §732.901) requires the original to be deposited with the clerk of court within 10 days of learning of the death.
- Secure property and important papers. Lock the home, redirect mail, locate insurance policies and account statements. Do not distribute or remove assets before consulting an attorney.
- Notify Social Security, the IRS, and pension or retirement plan administrators. SSA notification stops further benefit payments and may trigger survivor benefits.
- List assets and debts. Bank accounts, retirement accounts, real estate, vehicles, life insurance, and any known creditor balances. This list will speed your first consultation.
- Schedule a probate consultation. Most Pinellas estates do not require an immediate filing, but early legal review prevents missed deadlines and protects the estate.
How Probate Works in Pinellas County
The probate process in Pinellas tracks the procedural framework set out in the Florida Probate Code and the Florida Probate Rules. It starts with the filing of a death certificate, original will (if one exists), and a petition describing the estate and proposed personal representative.
Most estates fall into one of two categories under Florida law. Summary administration is a streamlined process available to smaller estates meeting statutory thresholds, while formal administration is used for estates that require a personal representative, the appointment of counsel, and ongoing supervision by the court. Each approach has distinct filings, timelines, and strategic considerations.
Local filing rules, judicial assignments, and clerk preferences can materially affect how quickly a Pinellas probate case progresses. A lawyer who regularly practices in this county will know how motions are calendared, how long letters of administration typically take to issue, and what local forms the clerk expects. Because Florida law requires counsel for personal representatives in formal administration, most estates are not pursued entirely pro se.
A Pinellas County probate attorney can help you file correctly the first time, avoid delays, and meet every statutory deadline. Let’s talk about your situation.
Schedule ConsultationLocal Pinellas County Probate Notes
Pinellas County combines a large retiree population with significant condominium and beach property holdings. Bucelo Diaz Law represents Pinellas families across the St. Petersburg and Clearwater area.
The Court
Pinellas probate matters are heard in the 6th Judicial Circuit, which also covers Pasco County. Pinellas has both a Clearwater branch and St. Petersburg facilities for probate filings.
Communities We Serve
- St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Largo
- Dunedin, Tarpon Springs, Safety Harbor
- Pinellas Park, Seminole, Indian Rocks Beach
- St. Pete Beach, Treasure Island, Madeira Beach
Common Pinellas County Estate Scenarios
- Condominium-heavy estates along the Gulf coast and Intracoastal
- Retirement community estates, including those in 55+ developments common to the area
- Snowbird estates with primary residence in the Midwest, particularly Ohio, Michigan, and Illinois
Three Ways to Probate a Pinellas Estate
Florida law offers three procedural paths for handling a Pinellas estate. The right choice depends on the size of the estate, where the decedent lived, and whether anyone is contesting the case.
| Type | When it applies | Typical timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Summary administration | Estate is $75,000 or less in non-exempt assets (rising to $150,000 effective July 1, 2026), OR decedent has been deceased more than 2 years | 4 to 8 weeks |
| Formal administration | Estate exceeds the summary threshold, within 2 years of death, or includes complex assets | 6 to 12 months |
| Ancillary administration | Decedent lived in another state but owned Pinellas property (real estate, titled vehicles) | 4 weeks (short-form) to 6–12 months (formal) |
Not sure which applies? Schedule a free consultation and we will review the death certificate, the will, and the asset list before any filing.
Do You Need a Probate Lawyer in Pinellas County?
Engaging probate counsel in Pinellas is often the difference between a short, orderly administration and one that stretches out for a year or more. Florida law imposes deadlines and duties on personal representatives, and an experienced attorney will make sure those are met while protecting the interests of the estate and its beneficiaries. For many families, the cost of a probate lawyer is a small fraction of the value at stake, and the peace of mind of having counsel guide the process is difficult to overstate.
We represent both personal representatives and beneficiaries in Pinellas probate matters. That includes straightforward administrations, complex estates with multiple asset classes, and contested cases involving will challenges, elective share claims, or creditor disputes. If you are unsure whether you need a lawyer, or whether probate is even required, we can review the situation with you in an initial consultation.
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What to Bring to Your Pinellas Probate Consultation
To make our initial conversation as productive as possible, gather what you can before our consultation:
- Death certificate (a certified copy if you have it)
- Original will, if one exists, plus any prior wills you can locate
- List of the decedent’s assets: real property, bank and brokerage accounts, vehicles, life insurance, retirement accounts
- Names and contact information for the surviving spouse and all beneficiaries
- Recent creditor letters or known debts
- Information about property the decedent owned outside Pinellas (other Florida counties or other states)
If you do not have all of this yet, that is fine. We can begin with what you have and gather the rest as we go.
Cost of Probate in Pinellas County
Probate cost in Pinellas County depends on the size of the estate, the type of administration (summary or formal), the Pinellas Clerk of Court filing fees, and any extraordinary services such as contested matters or out-of-state real property. Florida sets a presumed reasonable attorney’s fee schedule under F.S. 733.6171 and personal representative compensation under F.S. 733.617, but every Pinellas estate is different.
Want a complete breakdown?
See the Florida Probate Cost Guide for the full statutory fee schedule, court filing fees, and worked cost examples for estates from $50,000 to $5 million. We also provide a written cost estimate at the end of every initial consultation.
Out-of-State Family Handling Pinellas Probate?
Many Pinellas estates involve families who live outside Florida. The good news: under Florida Statute §733.304, a child, spouse, sibling, or other qualifying relative can serve as personal representative even if they live in another state or country.
You typically do not need to travel to Florida. We handle the entire Pinellas probate by Zoom, email, remote signature, and Florida Remote Online Notarization (RON). For a complete walkthrough of how Florida probate works for out-of-state and international families, see our pillar guide: Florida Probate From Out of State: Personal Representative Guide.
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Frequently Asked Questions, Probate in Pinellas
Where do I file probate in Pinellas, Florida?
Probate for a decedent who was domiciled in Pinellas at the time of death is filed with the clerk of the circuit court’s probate division in Pinellas. The petition, death certificate, and original will (if one exists) are submitted to the clerk, who opens a case file and routes the matter to a probate judge.
What courthouse handles probate in Pinellas?
Probate matters in Pinellas are handled at the local circuit court. Courthouse and clerk information is listed above, we recommend confirming current filing hours and submission procedures directly with the clerk’s office before filing.
Do I need a lawyer for probate in Pinellas?
Florida generally requires an attorney for formal administration. Even in summary administration, most families in Pinellas choose to work with probate counsel to ensure filings are accurate and deadlines are met. A consultation can help you decide.
How long does probate take in Pinellas?
Timelines vary. A simple summary administration in Pinellas may close in a few weeks; a formal administration usually takes at least six months, in part because Florida requires a three-month period for creditors to file claims. Disputes, real-estate issues, or tax complexity can extend the schedule.
Do you handle Pinellas probate in Spanish?
Yes. Our team includes Spanish-speaking attorneys, and we handle Pinellas probate matters in Spanish for our bilingual and Spanish-speaking clients.
What if the decedent owned property in Pinellas and another county?
Florida probate is filed in the county where the decedent was domiciled at death. If the decedent was a Pinellas resident with property elsewhere in Florida, the other counties typically do not need separate proceedings. If property is in another state, that state needs its own ancillary proceeding.
What if the decedent was not a Pinellas resident but owned property in Pinellas?
You will need a Florida ancillary administration filed in Pinellas. The main probate happens in the decedent’s home state; the Pinellas case transfers the local property only.
Nearby Florida Counties We Serve
Bucelo Diaz Law represents clients in probate matters across every Florida county. Explore nearby jurisdictions, or return to the Florida probate county directory for the full list.
Every Florida probate case turns on local procedure, statutory deadlines, and careful execution. If you’re dealing with an estate in Pinellas County, Bucelo Diaz Law is ready to help.
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