Palm Beach County Probate Court Records are public court files that show every estate matter filed within the 15th Judicial Circuit of Florida. These records cover wills, estates, guardianships, trusts, and related filings for people who died owning property or assets in Palm Beach County.
Anyone can look up a case by name, case number, or filing date through the Clerk and Comptroller’s online portal. The Clerk’s office holds both open and closed files going back many years, making these records a key resource for heirs, attorneys, researchers, and creditors.
What Are Palm Beach County Probate Court Records
Probate court records are the official files a court creates when it handles the estate of a person who has died. In Palm Beach County, these records sit with the Clerk of Court and Comptroller. They include petitions, wills, inventories, accountings, court orders, and final distributions. These files show how a decedent’s property moved from the deceased person to heirs or beneficiaries under Florida law.
Who Files These Records
Personal representatives, also called executors in some cases, file most probate records. Attorneys file the initial petition and other legal papers on behalf of the personal representative. In rare cases, a person who serves as their own representative may file the paperwork directly. Creditors may also file claims against the estate, and those claims become part of the public record.
What Documents Get Filed
The most common probate documents include the petition for administration, the death certificate, the will, the order appointing the personal representative, letters of administration, the inventory of assets, the notice to creditors, creditor claims, accountings, and the final discharge. Each of these papers becomes a public record unless a judge orders it sealed.
Where These Records Are Stored
All Palm Beach County probate records live in the Clerk and Comptroller’s office at 205 N Dixie Hwy, West Palm Beach, FL 33401. Paper files stay in the courthouse vaults, while newer records also exist in the court’s electronic system. The Clerk’s office keeps both physical and digital versions for cases filed over the last several decades.
The 15th Judicial Circuit Probate Court
The 15th Judicial Circuit covers Palm Beach County alone. This single-county circuit handles every probate, guardianship, mental health, and civil case filed in the county. The chief judge assigns judges to the probate division on a rotating basis. Because the circuit covers one county, all court resources focus solely on Palm Beach County matters.
Clerk and Comptroller Office
Joseph Abruzzo serves as the Clerk of Court and Comptroller for Palm Beach County. The Clerk’s office runs the records system, accepts filings, collects fees, and issues certified copies. The probate division operates as part of the Circuit Civil Department within the Clerk’s organization. Staff there can help with case lookups, copy requests, and procedural questions about filings.
Courthouse Location and Hours
The main Palm Beach County Courthouse stands at 205 North Dixie Highway in West Palm Beach. The Clerk’s office opens Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The office closes on federal and state holidays. Parking is available near the courthouse, and the building sits within walking distance of public transit routes.
| Office Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Clerk Name | Joseph Abruzzo |
| Street Address | 205 N Dixie Hwy, West Palm Beach, FL 33401 |
| Main Phone | (561) 355-2994 |
| Official Website | mypalmbeachclerk.com |
| Probate Division Page | mypalmbeachclerk.com/Departments/Circuit-Civil/Probate |
| Office Hours | Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
How to Search Probate Records Online
Anyone can search Palm Beach County probate records online through the Clerk’s public portal. The system allows searches by party name, case number, or filing date. Results show case status, parties involved, hearing dates, and a list of filed documents. Some documents remain restricted from online viewing under Florida law.
Online Case Search Portal
The myeclerk.com portal gives public access to most probate case data. Users enter a name in the search field and the system pulls matching cases. The portal also shows case dockets, party lists, and scheduled events. The portal works on phones, tablets, and desktop computers without any special software.
Search by Name
Searching by name works best when you have the full legal name of the decedent. Partial name searches also work, but they may pull many results. Adding a birth year or death year filters the list faster. The system searches both decedent names and personal representative names, which helps when looking for ongoing cases.
Search by Case Number
Each Palm Beach County probate case carries a unique number that starts with the year, followed by a sequence code, and ends with “PR” for probate. For example, a 2026 case might read 2026-XX-XXXX-PR. Knowing the case number gives the fastest, most exact result through the portal.
Search by Filing Date
The portal allows date range searches for filings between a start and end date. This method helps researchers who study estate trends or need to find all cases filed in a specific month. The date search also helps when the decedent’s name is unknown but the filing window is.
Types of Probate Cases Filed
Florida law recognizes four main types of probate, and Palm Beach County courts see all four each year. The type filed depends on estate value, how long the person has been dead, and what kinds of assets the estate holds. Each type has its own forms, fees, and timelines.
Formal Administration
Formal administration applies to estates worth more than $75,000 in gross value. It also applies to any estate that needs a personal representative to manage assets, pay debts, or distribute property. The court supervises the entire process from start to finish. Formal administration requires court hearings, creditor notices, an inventory, and a final accounting before the case closes.
Summary Administration
Summary administration works for smaller estates worth $75,000 or less. It also works for any estate when the decedent died more than two years before the petition. The court issues an order that distributes assets directly to the beneficiaries. Summary administration skips the personal representative step and closes much faster than formal administration.
Disposition Without Administration
This path covers the smallest estates where funeral bills and last medical costs are the only debts, no real property exists, and personal property totals $6,000 or less. A simple petition asks the court to release funds to pay those final bills. No full estate case opens, and the process wraps up quickly.
Ancillary Administration
Ancillary administration applies when a person who lived in another state dies owning Florida property. The home state handles the main probate, and Florida opens a smaller case just for the in-state assets. Palm Beach County sees many ancillary cases because seasonal residents often own homes, condos, or investment property in the area.
Florida Death Records and Probate
Florida death records play a central role in every probate case. The Clerk’s office requires a certified death certificate before opening a probate file. Heirs, attorneys, and researchers often need death records to prove they have a legal right to information about an estate.
Why Death Records Matter for Probate
A certified death certificate proves the decedent has died, which the court must confirm before naming a personal representative. Banks, investment firms, and title companies also demand a certified death certificate before releasing estate assets. The probate petition itself must include or attach this vital record.
How to Order Florida Death Certificates
The Florida Department of Health issues certified death certificates through the Bureau of Vital Statistics. People can order certificates online, by mail, or in person at the state office in Jacksonville. Each county health department also issues death certificates for deaths that occurred in that county.
FDOH and Bureau of Vital Statistics
The Florida Department of Health (FDOH) runs the vital records system through the Bureau of Vital Statistics. The Bureau holds death records for all Florida deaths going back to 1877 for some counties and 1917 statewide. Records older than 100 years become available to the public without restriction.
Death Certificate Costs and Processing
Certified death certificates in Florida cost $20 each for the first copy and $10 for each extra copy ordered at the same time. Online orders through the FDOH portal process within five business days. Mail orders take two to four weeks depending on volume. Rush service is available for an extra fee.
| Order Method | Fee (First Copy) | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Online via FDOH Portal | $20 | 5 business days |
| Mail Order | $20 | 2-4 weeks |
| In Person at County Office | $20 | Same day |
| Rush Processing | $20 + rush fee | 1-2 business days |
Filing Fees and Court Costs
Probate filing fees in Palm Beach County follow the Florida fee schedule under section 28.241, Florida Statutes. The fee depends on the type of probate and the size of the estate. All fees get paid to the Clerk at the time of filing and are not refundable once the court accepts the case.
Standard Filing Fees
Formal administration filing fees start at $400 for estates up to $1,000 in value. The fee increases on a tiered scale as estate value rises, reaching $1,500 for estates worth $10 million or more. Summary administration carries a flat fee of $235. Disposition without administration also costs $235. Ancillary administration fees match the formal administration tiered scale based on the value of the Florida-only assets.
Certified Copy Costs
Certified copies of probate documents cost about $2.00 per page plus a $1.00 certification fee per document. Letters of administration, will copies, and court orders each count as separate certified documents. People who need multiple certified copies for different agencies should order them all at once to save on processing time.
Attorney Fee Guidelines
Florida Probate Code section 733.6171 sets presumptively reasonable attorney fees in formal administration. The fee schedule is based on a percentage of the estate value plus a percentage of income received by the estate. Courts can review and adjust fees if a beneficiary challenges them as too high.
The Probate Process Timeline
Probate in Palm Beach County moves through several clear steps. Each step has its own forms, hearings, and waiting periods. The total time depends on the type of probate, the size of the estate, and whether anyone contests the case.
Step 1: Filing the Petition
The process starts when the personal representative’s attorney files a petition with the Clerk. The petition asks the court to open the estate, admit the will (if one exists), and appoint the named personal representative. The filing must include a death certificate and the original will if one is available.
Step 2: Will Deposit Requirement
Florida law requires anyone who has the decedent’s original will to file it with the Clerk within 10 days of learning the person died. Section 732.901 of the Florida Statutes sets this rule. A person who holds a will and fails to file it can face legal liability if the will is later lost or destroyed.
Step 3: Personal Representative Appointment
After the petition is filed, the court schedules a hearing to admit the will and appoint the personal representative. In uncontested cases, the court may skip the hearing if all interested parties sign a consent. The Clerk then issues Letters of Administration that give the representative legal authority to act.
Step 4: Notice to Creditors
The personal representative publishes a creditor notice in a local newspaper for two consecutive weeks. Creditors then have 90 days from the first publication date (or 30 days from when they receive direct notice, whichever is later) to file claims. After the 90-day window closes, late claims generally get barred.
Step 5: Inventory and Accounting
The personal representative files an inventory of estate assets within 60 days of appointment. In formal administration, the representative also files an accounting showing income, expenses, and distributions. Beneficiaries receive copies and can object to items they believe are wrong.
Step 6: Estate Closure
Once all debts are paid and assets are distributed, the personal representative files a petition for discharge. The court reviews the final accounting, signs the discharge order, and closes the case. Uncontested formal administration cases usually close in 6 to 12 months. Contested cases can take several years.
Accessing Restricted Documents
Florida law limits online access to certain probate documents. Even when a case appears in the public portal, the actual filed papers may not show up online. Knowing which records are public and which require an in-person visit saves time and frustration.
Public vs Sealed Records
Case dockets, party names, hearing dates, and final orders are public and appear online. Wills, petitions, inventories, and accountings may stay restricted from internet view under Florida law. A judge can also seal a specific document on a showing of good cause, such as when the document contains sensitive financial data.
Florida Statute 28.2221
Section 28.2221 of the Florida Statutes prohibits clerks from posting certain probate documents on public websites. This rule protects heirs and beneficiaries from identity theft and fraud. The statute still allows the public to view the same records in person at the courthouse.
In-Person Record Review
Anyone can visit the Clerk’s office and ask to review any public probate file. Staff pull the paper file or open the electronic file for review at a public terminal. Photocopies cost a small per-page fee, and certified copies cost the rates listed in this article. Visitors should bring photo ID and the decedent’s full name to speed up the request.
Requesting Records by Mail
Mail requests work for people who live outside Palm Beach County or cannot visit the courthouse in person. The Clerk’s office accepts written requests for copies of probate records by mail. Processing times vary based on the office workload and the request type.
Mail Request Process
Send a written request to the Clerk’s office at 205 N Dixie Hwy, West Palm Beach, FL 33401. The letter should identify the case by full name and case number if possible. Include a check or money order for the correct fee and a self-addressed stamped envelope for the return. Allow two to four weeks for processing.
Required Information
Each mail request should include the decedent’s full legal name, the date of death if known, the case number if available, and a list of the specific documents needed. A daytime phone number helps the Clerk’s office reach out if there are questions. The clearer the request, the faster the response.
Payment Methods
The Clerk’s office accepts checks, money orders, and cashier’s checks for mail requests. Cash is not accepted by mail. Online credit card payments are also available through the Clerk’s website for certain services. Call (561) 355-2994 to confirm current accepted payment methods before mailing a request.
Self-Help and Legal Resources
People who handle probate without an attorney can use free and low-cost legal resources. The Florida Supreme Court and the Palm Beach County court system both run self-help programs. These resources help people fill out forms, understand procedures, and avoid common mistakes.
Florida Courts Self-Help
The Florida Courts self-help center offers approved forms and instructions for summary administration, disposition without administration, and ancillary administration. The site includes step-by-step guides written in plain language. Self-help staff cannot give legal advice, but they can answer procedural questions about forms and filing rules.
Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County
The Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County provides free civil legal help to income-eligible residents. Their office can be reached at (561) 655-8944. They handle select probate matters, especially small estate cases and disputes over a decedent’s personal property. Eligibility is based on income and family size.
Florida Bar Lawyer Referral
The Florida Bar’s Lawyer Referral Service connects people with attorneys who handle probate matters. The statewide number is (800) 342-8011. Many Palm Beach County probate attorneys offer a free first meeting. The service can also match callers with attorneys who handle guardianship and trust cases.
Cities in Palm Beach County
Probate cases filed in Palm Beach County cover every city and unincorporated area within county limits. The Clerk’s office handles filings for residents of West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, Jupiter, Palm Beach Gardens, Wellington, and Lake Worth, among many others. Seasonal residents and snowbirds who own property in these cities also fall under the 15th Circuit when they die.
Nearby Counties and Court Records
Neighboring counties operate their own probate courts with their own records systems. Martin County, St. Lucie County, Broward County, Okeechobee County, and Hendry County all border Palm Beach County. Each neighboring county uses the same Florida probate laws but maintains separate filing systems and fee schedules through its own Clerk’s office.
The statewide Find a Clerk directory at the Florida Courts website lists contact details for all 67 county clerks, including Palm Beach County. The directory shows the current clerk, courthouse address, phone number, and website for every Florida county. The page serves as a backup source when other clerk websites are offline or under maintenance.
Contact Information
The Palm Beach County Clerk and Comptroller’s office handles all probate filings, record searches, and certified copy requests. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Phone support runs during the same hours.
Official Website: mypalmbeachclerk.com
Probate Division: mypalmbeachclerk.com/Departments/Circuit-Civil/Probate
Phone: (561) 355-2994
Address: 205 N Dixie Hwy, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Frequently Asked Questions
People searching Palm Beach County probate records often have similar questions about the process, fees, and access rules. The questions below cover the most common concerns raised by heirs, researchers, and attorneys who work with the 15th Judicial Circuit probate court.
How Do I Find a Will in Palm Beach County?
To find a will in Palm Beach County, search the Clerk’s online portal by the decedent’s name. Wills filed after probate opens become part of the case file. If the will was deposited with the Clerk before probate started, you can ask the Clerk’s office to check the will deposit records. Wills deposited before a probate case opens stay private until a probate case opens. Once a case opens, the will becomes part of the public case file.
Are Probate Records Free to View?
Yes, viewing probate records in person at the Clerk’s office is free. The Clerk charges only for copies and certified copies. Online case lookups are also free through the public portal. Some documents remain restricted from online view, but those documents can be reviewed in person without charge.
Can I Search Probate Records by Address?
No, the Palm Beach County Clerk’s online portal does not support searches by property address. The portal searches by decedent name, case number, party name, or filing date. If you know the decedent’s name and approximate date of death, you can usually find the case quickly even without the case number.
What Is a PR Case Number in Palm Beach County?
A PR case number is the unique number the Clerk assigns to a probate case. The number starts with the filing year, followed by a court location code, then a sequence number, and ends with “PR” for probate. For example, case 2026-XX-XXXX-PR was filed in 2026 in Palm Beach County and is a probate case.
How Long Does Probate Take in Palm Beach County?
Uncontested formal administration cases typically close in 6 to 12 months in Palm Beach County. Summary administration cases can close in a few weeks when all documents are in order. Contested cases, estates with unclear title, or cases with creditor disputes often take several years. The court publishes annual reports showing average case processing times by division.
Can I Get Probate Records From Other States?
Probate records from other states sit with that state’s own court system. You would need to contact the probate court in the state where the person lived or where the property sits. For ancillary cases filed in Palm Beach County, the Florida records are available here while the primary out-of-state records stay with the other state’s court.
Who Can Access Sealed Probate Records?
Only parties named in the case, their attorneys, and people with a court order can access sealed probate records. The Clerk’s office checks ID before releasing sealed records. A person who wants access to a sealed record can file a motion with the court asking the judge to unseal the document. The judge will weigh privacy against the need for public access before ruling.