Fl. Prob. R. 5.640

As amended through November 4, 2024

Rule 5.640 - CONTINUANCE OF UNINCORPORATED BUSINESS OR VENTURE OF WARD

(a) Continuance of Business. When the ward is adjudicated incapacitated while engaged in any unincorporated business or venture, or the court finds that a person with a developmental disability lacks capacity to manage an unincorporated business or venture, the court may authorize the guardian to continue the business or venture for a reasonable time under the supervision of the court.

(b) Petition. Before an order is made under subdivision (a), the guardian shall file a verified petition, alleging sufficient facts to make it appear that it is in the best interest of the ward's estate to continue the business or venture.

(c) Order. The order authorizing the continuance of the business or venture may empower the guardian to make contracts necessary to conduct the business or venture and to incur debts and pay out money in the proper conduct of the business or venture. The net profits only of the business or venture are to be added to the assets of the ward's estate.

(d) Accounts and Reports. In the conduct of the business or venture, the guardian shall keep full and accurate accounts of all receipts and expenditures and make reports as the court requires.

(e) Discontinuance of Business. Any person interested in the ward's estate may at any time petition the court for an order requiring the guardian to discontinue and to wind up the business or venture, and the court, after notice to the guardian, shall enter such order thereon as is in the best interest of the ward's estate.

Fl. Prob. R. 5.640

Amended by 986 So.2d 576, effective 7/10/2008; amended by 551 So.2d 452, effective 10/1/1989; amended by 344 So.2d 828, effective 7/1/1977; amended by 324 So.2d 38, effective 1/1/1976; adopted by 201 So. 2d 409, effective 1/1/1968.

Committee Notes

Rule History

1975 Revision: Implements section 744.441(16), Florida Statutes. The rule is patterned after rule 5.350 pertaining to the continuation of a business of a decedent by a personal representative.

1977 Revision: No change in rule. Change in committee note to conform to statutory renumbering.

1988 Revision: Change in title of rule; captions added to subdivisions. Committee notes revised. Citation form changes in committee notes.

1989 Revision: Prior rule deleted and replaced by temporary emergency rule.

1991 Revision: Editorial changes in (a), (b), and (e).

1992 Revision: Citation form changes in committee notes.

2008 Revision: Subdivision (a) amended to include persons with a developmental disability. Committee notes revised.

Statutory References

§ 393.12, Fla. Stat. Capacity; appointment of guardian advocate.

§ 744.3085, Fla. Stat. Guardian advocates.

§ 744.441(13), Fla. Stat. Powers of guardian upon court approval.

§ 744.447, Fla. Stat. Petition for authorization to act.

Rule References

Fla. Prob. R. 5.350 Continuance of unincorporated business or venture.