Coral Springs City Probate Court Records are filed and kept at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale, even though Coral Springs sits about 12 miles inland. Every probate case for a person who lived in Coral Springs is opened in Broward County.
This page explains how the records work, where they are kept, and how families can look up case files, wills, and death certificates tied to estates in this city.
Where Coral Springs Probate Cases Are Filed
Coral Springs does not have its own probate court. Florida law requires probate cases to be filed in the county where the deceased person lived at the time of death. Since Coral Springs is part of Broward County, all probate filings for city residents go to the Broward County Clerk of Courts. The clerk’s main office sits in downtown Fort Lauderdale at the county courthouse.
Broward County Courthouse Location
The Broward County Courthouse stands at 201 Southeast 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301. The clerk’s probate department operates on the first floor of the east wing. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The office closes on weekends and state holidays. Visitors can park in the public garage attached to the courthouse for a fee.
| Office Detail | Data |
|---|---|
| Clerk Name | Brenda Forman |
| Address | 201 SE 6th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 |
| Phone | (954) 831-6565 |
| Website | browardclerk.org |
| Hours | Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
The 17th Judicial Circuit Explained
Broward County belongs to the 17th Judicial Circuit of Florida. This circuit covers only Broward County and handles every probate, civil, criminal, and family case filed in the county. The chief judge and circuit court administrator manage the court system from Fort Lauderdale. Probate cases in the 17th Circuit follow Florida probate law set out in Chapters 731 through 735 of the Florida Statutes. Judges assigned to the probate division rotate every few years.
Why Broward County Handles All Coral Springs Estates
Florida Statute 732.101 sets the rule that probate must be filed where the person lived at death. A person who owned property in multiple counties can have separate ancillary cases, but the primary case always goes to the home county. Coral Springs residents who own vacation homes in other states may need to open separate proceedings there. The Broward County Clerk assigns a unique case number to every probate filing. This number stays with the case until the court closes the estate.
How to Search Probate Court Records Online
The Broward County Clerk runs a free online search tool that covers probate cases, civil cases, criminal cases, and traffic records. Anyone can use the tool without registering or paying a fee. The portal works on desktop computers, tablets, and phones. Users can search by party name, case number, attorney bar number, or filing date range. Search results show the case style, case number, filing date, judge name, and current status.
Using the Broward County Clerk Portal
Visit browardclerk.org and click on the court records search link. Type the decedent’s last name in the party name field. Add a first name if you have it. Pick a date range if you know the year of death. The portal returns matching cases in order of filing date. Click on a case number to see the full docket, party list, and document index. Users can view scanned images of most filed documents for free.
The portal shows a list of every document filed in a probate case. This list includes the petition, will, letters of administration, inventory, and final accounting. Some documents carry a confidential flag. These records are sealed under Florida law and do not appear in the public search. Confidential records include the inventory of estate assets and creditor claims.
Case Number Format in Florida
Florida probate cases use a standard case number format. The first two digits show the year the case was filed. The next two letters show the county code. The last set of digits shows the sequence number. Broward County uses the code “MM” for probate cases. A case filed in 2025 would start with “2025-MM” followed by a sequence number like “001234.” This format helps users narrow searches when they know the filing year and county.
What Records Are Public vs Confidential
Florida law makes most probate records public. The petition, will, order appointing the personal representative, and final judgment are all open to the public. The clerk posts these documents on the online portal the same day they are filed. Three categories of records stay confidential under Florida Statute 731.107. These include the inventory of estate assets, accountings, and creditor claims. Anyone who wants to see confidential records must ask the court for permission.
Types of Probate Cases Filed in Broward County
Florida law sets out three main ways to handle an estate. The right option depends on the size of the estate, the type of assets, and how long ago the person died. Coral Springs residents use all three types through the Broward County Clerk. Each type has its own filing fee, timeline, and document set.
Formal Administration
Formal administration handles estates with more than $75,000 in non-exempt assets. The court appoints a personal representative to manage the estate. The personal representative files an inventory, notifies creditors, pays valid claims, and distributes assets to heirs. Formal administration takes six months to two years to complete. This option costs more in fees and attorney time. Most large Coral Springs estates go through formal administration.
Summary Administration
Summary administration works for smaller estates. The estate must have $75,000 or less in non-exempt assets, or the person must have been dead for more than two years. The court does not appoint a personal representative. The petitioner files a petition and a proposed order. The court signs the order and the assets get distributed. Summary administration often wraps up in two to three months.
Disposition Without Administration
Disposition without administration is the simplest probate path. It applies when the only assets are personal property worth less than $6,000 and the only debts are funeral and medical bills. The surviving spouse or heir files a simple affidavit with the clerk. The clerk does not need a court order. This option works for very small estates with no real property.
Will Filing Requirements
Florida law requires the custodian of a will to file it with the clerk within 10 days of the testator’s death. This rule applies even if no probate case will be opened. The clerk files the will as a public record. The original will stays in the court file. The clerk charges a small fee for filing the will without opening a probate case. Family members who do not want to open probate can still file the will to make it part of the public record.
Filing Fees and Costs in Broward County
Filing fees in Florida probate cases follow a set state fee schedule. Broward County charges the same fees as every other county. The clerk accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit cards. Online filings cost an extra convenience fee. Fees go up over time, so check the clerk’s website for the latest numbers before filing.
Court Filing Fees
A formal administration petition costs around $400 to file in Broward County. Summary administration petitions cost between $235 and $300. Disposition without administration costs a flat fee under $250. Will-only filings cost less than $30. The clerk also charges a fee to record the death certificate and any real property documents. Recording fees depend on the number of pages in the document.
Attorney and Personal Representative Fees
Florida law sets attorney fees and personal representative fees on a sliding scale based on the estate value. The fee starts at 3% of the first $1 million. The percentage drops as the estate value grows. For a $500,000 estate, the statutory fee works out to about $15,000 split between the attorney and personal representative. The court can approve a different fee if the work was unusual or the parties agreed to a lower amount.
Certified Copy Charges
The clerk charges $1 per page for regular copies and $2 per page for certified copies. Each certification adds a flat fee on top of the per-page charge. Most probate documents run a few pages. A full set of certified letters of administration and a certified death certificate costs around $25 total. The clerk can mail certified copies to the requester for an extra postage fee.
The Probate Process for Coral Springs Estates
Formal administration follows a set path in Florida. The court sets deadlines for each step. Personal representatives who miss deadlines can face removal or sanctions. The process protects creditors, heirs, and beneficiaries. Most steps can be done online through the clerk’s e-filing portal. The court holds hearings for major issues like will contests and final discharge.
Filing the Will and Petition
The first step is filing the original will with the clerk if the family has it. The will must be filed within 10 days of death. The petitioner then files a petition for administration. The petition names the proposed personal representative, lists the heirs, and gives a rough estimate of the estate value. The clerk stamps the petition and assigns a case number. The court schedules a hearing to appoint the personal representative.
Appointing the Personal Representative
The court holds a short hearing to appoint the personal representative. Most hearings happen by zoom or phone. The judge signs letters of administration that give the personal representative power to act for the estate. Florida law requires the personal representative to be a Florida resident or a close relative of the deceased. The personal representative must be qualified and willing to serve. A bonding company may need to issue a surety bond.
Notifying Creditors
The personal representative must publish a notice to creditors in a local newspaper once a week for two weeks. The personal representative also mails a notice directly to known creditors. Creditors have three months from the first publication date to file claims. Late claims get paid only if the estate has extra funds. The personal representative reviews each claim and either pays it or objects. The court settles disputes about valid claims.
Final Accounting and Closing
The personal representative files an inventory within 90 days of appointment. The inventory lists every asset and its value. The personal representative files a final accounting before closing the estate. The accounting shows every dollar that came in and went out. The court reviews the accounting and holds a discharge hearing. The judge signs an order closing the estate and releasing the personal representative from further duty.
Florida Death Records and Probate Cases
Death records play a key role in probate cases. The clerk will not open a probate case without an original or certified copy of the death certificate. The death certificate proves the person died and names the date and place of death. The personal representative attaches the death certificate to the petition for administration. Most families get several certified copies so banks, insurers, and the IRS can each have one.
Why Death Records Matter for Probate
The death certificate triggers many legal rights. Life insurance companies pay out when they get a death certificate. Banks freeze accounts when they learn of a death. Real property records need the death certificate to transfer title. The Social Security Administration stops payments based on the death certificate. Probate courts require a certified copy before they will appoint a personal representative or admit a will to probate.
How to Get a Florida Death Certificate
The Florida Department of Health Office of Vital Statistics issues death certificates for deaths that happened in Florida. The office keeps records going back to 1917 for some counties. You can order a death certificate online, by mail, or in person. The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics charges a fee for each copy. Expedited service is available for an extra charge. Most orders ship within five to ten business days.
Vital Statistics Office Contact
The Florida Office of Vital Statistics sits at 1217 Pearl Street in Jacksonville, Florida 32202. The main phone number is (904) 359-6900. The state vital records office handles statewide death indexes and statewide verification. Local county health departments also issue death certificates for deaths that happened in their county. The Broward County Health Department handles deaths that happened in Broward County.
| Record Type | Office | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Florida Death Certificate | FL Office of Vital Statistics | (904) 359-6900 |
| Broward County Death Records | Broward County Health Dept. | (954) 467-4700 |
| Miami-Dade Death Records | Miami-Dade County Records | (305) 375-5905 |
| Hillsborough Death Records | Hillsborough County | (813) 307-8000 |
| Orange County Death Records | Orange County Health Dept. | (407) 836-9400 |
| Palm Beach Death Records | Palm Beach County | (561) 837-5000 |
Death Record Fees and Processing Times
The standard fee for a Florida death certificate is $15 per copy in 2026. Expedited service costs extra. Rush orders ship in two to three business days. Standard mail orders take seven to ten business days. The vital statistics office accepts checks, money orders, and credit cards for online orders. Mail orders must include a signed application form and a copy of the requester’s ID. Each death certificate has a security paper with raised seals to prevent fraud.
Other Florida County Death Records
Families who need death certificates from other Florida counties can contact those county health departments. Each county keeps its own records for deaths that happened there. Miami-Dade County, Hillsborough County, Orange County, Palm Beach County, Duval County, Pinellas County, and Lee County all run vital records offices. The state vital statistics office also keeps a statewide death index that can help you find the county where a death was recorded.
Legal Help and Local Probate Resources
Most families benefit from working with a probate attorney. Even simple summary administrations have legal steps that can trip up people who try to handle them alone. Coral Springs residents have access to several local resources that can help with probate cases. Some resources charge a fee. Others offer free help to people who qualify based on income.
Broward County Bar Association
The Broward County Bar Association runs a lawyer referral service that connects residents with probate attorneys. Call (954) 764-8040 during business hours. The service charges a small fee for the first 30-minute consultation. After the consultation, the client decides whether to hire the attorney at full rates. The bar association can also help people find attorneys who handle will contests, trust disputes, and estate litigation.
Legal Aid Services
Legal Aid Service of Broward County offers free civil legal help to income-eligible residents. The main office sits in Fort Lauderdale. The phone number is (954) 765-8950. Legal aid attorneys can help with simple summary administrations, will filings, and small estate affidavits. They do not handle contested probate cases or complex estate litigation. The office screens clients based on income and asset levels.
Self-Help Resources at the Courthouse
The 17th Circuit Court runs a self-help center at the Broward County Courthouse. The center provides free forms, instructions, and brief advice for people who want to handle probate without an attorney. The staff can help people fill out forms and understand court rules. The self-help center cannot represent clients in court. It is open Monday through Friday during regular business hours. The Florida Bar’s website also has free do-it-yourself probate forms.
Coral Springs City Services and Probate
The City of Coral Springs provides general city services that do not include probate court functions. The city clerk’s office handles city records, business licenses, and local ordinances. The city does not have a probate division. Residents with probate questions should contact the Broward County Clerk of Courts or the 17th Judicial Circuit Court. The city website provides links to county and state agencies that handle probate matters.
Florida probate statutes are public laws that anyone can read. Chapters 731 through 735 of the Florida Statutes cover probate code, intestate succession, wills, and trusts. The full text is available at leg.state.fl.us. Reading the statutes helps families understand their rights and duties. Many probate attorneys recommend that clients read the basic probate code sections before their first meeting.
Official Contact Details and Map
The Broward County Clerk of Courts serves as the main office for Coral Springs probate records. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The main phone line is (954) 831-6565. The official website is browardclerk.org. The mailing address is Broward County Courthouse, 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. The clerk accepts filings in person, by mail, and through the online e-filing portal. Most probate documents can be e-filed 24 hours a day.
Frequently Asked Questions
The following questions cover common issues Coral Springs families face when dealing with probate records. Each answer gives clear steps based on current Florida law and Broward County rules. The answers reflect the 2026 fee schedule and filing rules.
How long does probate take in Broward County?
Formal administration in Broward County takes six months to two years for most estates. The timeline depends on whether creditors file claims, whether the will is contested, and how quickly the personal representative files required documents. Simple formal administrations with no disputes often close in nine to twelve months. Summary administration cases close in two to three months. Disposition without administration wraps up in a few weeks. Cases with will contests or creditor disputes can take several years to resolve.
Can I view a will before probate opens?
Yes. Florida law requires the custodian of a will to file it with the clerk within 10 days of the testator’s death. Once filed, the will becomes a public record. Anyone can view the filed will through the Broward County Clerk’s online portal or in person at the courthouse. The clerk charges a small fee for certified copies. Wills filed without opening a probate case stay in the court file indefinitely as public records.
What if the person who died lived in another county?
Florida probate must be opened in the county where the person lived at death, not where they owned property. If a person who lived in Miami-Dade County owned property in Coral Springs, the primary probate case goes to Miami-Dade County. The Broward County Clerk may need to open an ancillary case to handle the Coral Springs property. Ancillary cases add time and cost. People with property in multiple counties should talk to a probate attorney about the best strategy.
How much does a death certificate cost in Florida?
The Florida Office of Vital Statistics charges $15 for each certified copy of a death certificate in 2026. Rush orders cost extra. Standard mail orders take seven to ten business days. Online rush orders ship in two to three business days. The vital statistics office also charges a fee for statewide searches when the date of death is not known. Local county health departments charge the same fee for certificates of deaths that happened in their county.
Can I get probate records from another Florida county?
Yes. Each Florida county clerk keeps probate records for estates filed in that county. You can search any county’s online portal or visit the courthouse in person. The Florida Office of Vital Statistics keeps a statewide death index that can help you find the right county. Major counties like Miami-Dade, Hillsborough, Orange, Palm Beach, Duval, Pinellas, and Lee all run their own e-filing portals. The state supreme court also runs a statewide court records search tool for some case types.
Do I need a lawyer to file probate in Coral Springs?
Florida does not require a lawyer to file probate. People can file petitions and other documents on their own. The 17th Circuit self-help center provides free forms and advice. Small summary administration cases often work fine without an attorney. Formal administration cases with real property, business interests, or disputes usually need a lawyer. The court will hold people who file without a lawyer to the same standards as attorneys, so mistakes can be costly.
What happens if no one opens probate for an estate?
Florida law does not require anyone to open probate. Assets held in a living trust, with named beneficiaries, or in joint tenancy pass without probate. Assets in the deceased person’s name alone stay frozen until someone opens probate or the assets escheat to the state. Banks and brokerage firms often require probate before they will release funds. Real property in the deceased person’s name alone cannot be sold or transferred without probate or a quiet title action.