The Short Answer

In Florida probate matters, many documents are filed and received electronically through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal and the clerk’s systems, but what you can access (and how) depends on the county clerk, the type of document, and whether the record is confidential or restricted. If you are trying to manage a probate case—especially one involving a will, an electronic will, or filings that must be recorded—it is usually worth having a probate attorney handle the filings and ensure the court record is complete and properly maintained.

What Florida Law Says

Florida law recognizes electronic filing and treats certain electronically filed probate documents as legally effective “originals” when submitted through the statewide portal. In addition, probate cases often involve clerk service charges and mandatory recording of key filings (such as petitions opening/closing an estate and certain orders), which can affect what appears in the official record and what you may need to obtain as certified copies.

The Statute

The primary law governing this issue is Fla. Stat. § 732.526.

This statute establishes that an electronic will filed electronically with the clerk through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal is deemed deposited as an original, and that a properly notarized certified paper copy of an electronic will may also be admitted to probate as an original.

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: Probate administration has court-driven timelines (and missed deadlines can delay distributions or trigger objections), and e-filing “submission” is not always the same as an accepted filing on the docket.
• Burden of Proof: If a will (especially an electronic will) is challenged, you may need to prove validity, authenticity, and compliance with Florida requirements—issues that go beyond simply uploading a document.
• Exceptions: Some probate filings and attachments may be confidential or restricted, and many counties have local requirements for recorded documents, certified copies, and fees that can affect whether the court record is complete and usable for banks, title companies, and beneficiaries.

Trying to handle this alone can lead to rejected filings, incomplete recordings, or problems obtaining the certified documents you need to move the estate forward.

Get Connected with a Florida Attorney

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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.