How to Sell a House During Probate in Florida
Losing a parent is never easy — and when you’re suddenly in charge of selling their home, it can feel overwhelming. Between paperwork, attorneys, and family members spread across different states, it’s hard to know where to start.
If you’re trying to sell a house during probate in Florida, you’re not alone. I’ve helped many families across Pasco, Hernando, and Pinellas Counties through this exact process. The good news? It’s completely manageable once you understand a few basics and get the right help early.
What Probate Means for Florida Homeowners
In simple terms, probate is the legal process of transferring a deceased person’s property to their rightful heirs. It ensures debts are paid and ownership of assets (like a home) can legally change hands.
In Florida, this process happens through the local circuit court — for example, in Pasco, Hernando, or Pinellas County. If the home was owned solely by the person who passed away, the property usually can’t be sold until probate begins and the court gives permission.
While that might sound complicated, it’s really just a set of legal steps to make sure everything is handled correctly.
Two Types of Probate in Florida
Florida has two main probate paths, depending on the size and age of the estate:
- Summary Administration
This is the simplified version of probate. It’s available if the estate is worth less than $75,000 or if the person passed away more than two years ago.
There’s no formal executor (or “personal representative”) needed — just a court petition and approval. Summary administration can often wrap up in a few weeks to a couple of months.
- Formal Administration
This is the standard process for larger estates or more complex situations.
Here, the court appoints a personal representative — often one of the adult children — who handles the estate’s business. Formal administration takes longer, generally six to twelve months, depending on the court and how organized everything is.
Can You Sell a House During Probate?
Yes, you can. In fact, many families sell the property while probate is still in progress.
Once the court appoints a personal representative, that person can petition for permission to sell the home. The property is usually appraised, listed, and sold just like any other home — except that the sale proceeds go into the estate’s bank account until the court approves final distribution.
Here’s the basic flow:
1. Petition the probate court to begin the process
2. Court appoints a personal representative
3. The home is valued or appraised
4. The property is listed and sold
5. Sale proceeds are held until the court gives final approval
Every county handles things a bit differently, but the steps are roughly the same whether you’re in New Port Richey, Spring Hill, or Clearwater.
How Long Does a Probate Sale Take in Florida?
Timelines vary, but here’s a realistic range:
Summary administration: 1–3 months
Formal administration: 6–12 months
That’s why I always encourage families to start early. Even if you’re not ready to sell today, getting in touch with an attorney and a local Realtor can save you months of delay later.
In many cases, we can line up everything — cleanouts, photos, listing prep — while the paperwork moves through the court. And if the property is in rough shape or the family needs a fast solution, I can connect you with cash or as-is buyers to speed things up once approval is granted.
How I Help Families Through the Process
You don’t have to figure this out alone. My role isn’t to give legal advice — it’s to make the real-world side of selling smoother.
Here’s how I usually help:
Connect you with trusted probate attorneys right away so you can get clear legal guidance.
Review the property early to understand value and what condition it’s in.
Coordinate cleanouts, estate sales, or repairs if needed — even if you’re out of state.
Offer flexible options (cash sale or traditional listing) based on your timeline and comfort level.
Handle paperwork remotely for families who can’t travel.
The sooner we talk, the sooner we can get our hands around everything and keep the process moving forward.
Next Steps for Selling a Home in Probate
If you’re handling an estate and aren’t sure where to start, that’s completely normal. Probate can feel complicated the first time around, but with the right help, it’s a very doable process.
Let’s connect early — even if all you need right now is a quick review of your situation. I’ll walk you through what to expect, help you find the right legal contacts, and give you a clear picture of your selling options.
Whether you choose a traditional listing, an as-is sale, or a cash offer, my goal is to make sure your family gets the best outcome with the least amount of stress.
About the Author
Keith Mathias is a full-time Realtor serving Pasco, Hernando, and Pinellas Counties. Known for his transparent, no-nonsense approach, Keith has helped hundreds of Florida homeowners sell with confidence — from first-time sellers to families handling estate transitions.
With a background in marketing and negotiation, Keith focuses on clarity, education, and keeping more of your equity in your pocket. Every article he writes is based on real local experience, recent market data, and the same guidance he gives his own clients.
When he’s not meeting with sellers or analyzing the market, you’ll find him exploring local neighborhoods, supporting community events, and sharing weekly insights on the Pasco County real estate market.
