Fl. Prob. R. 5.201

As amended through November 4, 2024

Rule 5.201 - NOTICE OF PETITION FOR ADMINISTRATION

(a) Petitioner Entitled to Preference of Appointment. Except as may otherwise be required by these rules or the Florida Probate Code, no notice need be given of the petition for administration or the issuance of letters when it appears that the petitioner is entitled to a preference of appointment as personal representative.

(b) Petitioner Not Entitled to Preference. Before letters shall be issued to any person who is not entitled to preference, formal notice must be served on all known persons qualified to act as personal representative and entitled to preference equal to or greater than the applicant, unless those entitled to preference waive it in writing.

(c) Service of Petition by Formal Notice. If the petitioner elects or is required to serve formal notice of the petition for administration prior to the issuance of letters, a copy of the will offered for probate must be attached to the notice.

Fl. Prob. R. 5.201

Amended by 51 So.3d 1146, effective 1/1/2011; added by 531 So.2d 1261, effective 1/1/1989.

Committee Notes

This rule represents a rule implementation of the procedure formerly found in section 733.203(2), Florida Statutes, which was repealed as procedural in 2001.

Rule History

1988 Revision: New rule.

1992 Revision: Committee notes revised. Citation form changes in committee notes.

2003 Revision: Committee notes revised.

2010 Revision: Subdivision (c) added to require service of a copy of the will offered for probate. This requirement was included in section 733.2123, Florida Statutes, but was removed in 2010 because it was deemed to be a procedural requirement. Committee notes revised. Editorial changes.

Statutory References

§ 731.301, Fla. Stat. Notice.

§ 733.212, Fla. Stat. Notice of administration; filing of objections.

§ 733.2123 Fla. Stat. Adjudication before issuance of letters.

Rule References

Fla. Prob. R. 5.040 Notice.

Fla. Prob. R. 5.060 Request for notices and copies of pleadings.

Fla. Prob. R. 5.200 Petition for administration.