The Short Answer

In Florida probate, the personal representative generally must file a verified inventory listing estate assets with reasonable detail and an estimated fair market value as of the date of death. The inventory is time-sensitive and can create liability if assets are missed, mischaracterized (like homestead), or undervalued—so it’s often worth having a probate attorney guide the process.

What Florida Law Says

Florida requires the personal representative to identify what property is part of the probate estate and provide values. Beneficiaries also have specific rights to information about how values were determined, including access to appraisals in certain situations. If new assets are discovered or values/descriptions turn out to be wrong, the personal representative must update the inventory.

The Statute

The primary law governing this issue is Fla. Stat. § 733.604.

This statute establishes that a personal representative must file a verified inventory listing estate property with reasonable detail and including each item’s estimated fair market value at the date of death, and must file amended/supplementary inventories if property is later discovered or prior values/descriptions were erroneous or misleading.

For a deeper discussion of what should (and should not) be included, see: What assets must be listed in a Florida probate estate inventory?

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: Florida probate rules generally require the inventory to be filed within a short window after letters of administration are issued, and missing deadlines can trigger objections and court involvement. (Related: What happens if a personal representative misses probate deadlines?)
• Burden of Proof: If a beneficiary challenges values or claims assets were omitted, the personal representative may need to justify valuations, document the basis for estimates, and address appraisal disputes.
• Exceptions and Classification Issues: Determining what is a probate asset versus a non-probate transfer, and how to treat property that may be protected homestead, can materially change what belongs on the inventory and how it should be described.

Because the inventory can affect creditor issues, distributions, and potential personal representative liability, getting legal guidance early can prevent costly disputes later.

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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.