The Short Answer

Yes—an inherited Florida property can be sold even when there are multiple heirs (including first cousins and more distant relatives), but the sale usually cannot be handled by just one heir acting alone. In practice, you typically need either (1) all heirs to participate in transferring title, or (2) a court-supervised probate process where a personal representative has authority to sell.

What Florida Law Says

When someone dies without a will, Florida’s intestacy laws determine who the heirs are and how the estate is divided. If there is no surviving spouse and no closer relatives (like children, parents, or siblings), the law generally splits the estate between the decedent’s paternal and maternal family lines—often resulting in multiple cousins and extended relatives sharing ownership interests.

The Statute

The primary law governing this issue is Fla. Stat. § 732.103.

This statute establishes the order of inheritance when there is no spouse and no closer family members, including how the estate can be divided between paternal and maternal kindred—often creating multiple co-heirs who must be addressed before a clean sale can occur.

Why You Should Speak with an Attorney

While the statute provides the general rule, applying it to your specific situation is rarely simple. Legal outcomes often depend on:

• Strict Deadlines: If the estate qualifies for summary administration, eligibility can depend on estate value and/or how long ago the death occurred. For example, Florida allows summary administration when the estate (subject to administration) is under a threshold amount or the decedent has been dead for more than 2 years. See Fla. Stat. § 735.201.
• Burden of Proof: With cousins and distant relatives, you may need reliable proof of family relationships (and to confirm there aren’t closer heirs). Title companies and closing attorneys often require strong documentation before they will insure title.
• Exceptions and Authority to Sell: If a probate is needed, a personal representative may be able to sell real property, but court authorization/confirmation can be required in intestate estates. See Fla. Stat. § 733.613.

When multiple heirs are involved, one missing signature, one disputed heir, or one overlooked family branch can delay closing—or create a title problem after the sale. A Florida probate attorney can coordinate heirship verification and the correct probate pathway, and can work with a real estate closing attorney to ensure the deed and distributions are handled correctly.

If you want more background on common multi-heir sale issues, see: Do All Heirs Have to Agree to Sell Estate Property in Florida (and What If Someone Objects)? and How Title Transfers When There’s No Will and Multiple Heirs.

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Disclaimer: This article provides general information under Florida law and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws change frequently. For legal advice specific to your situation, please consult with a licensed attorney.