The Short Answer

In Florida probate, the personal representative generally must list estate property (including vehicles) on the estate inventory with an estimated fair market value as of the date of death. If a beneficiary questions the number, Florida law can require the personal representative to explain how the value was determined and, if an appraisal was obtained, provide a copy.

What Florida Law Says

Florida probate focuses on documenting estate assets and assigning a reasonable, defensible value as of the decedent’s date of death. Vehicle values matter because they can affect distributions, creditor issues, and even how compensation is calculated in some administrations.

The Statute

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

This statute establishes that the 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 it also gives beneficiaries the right (in many situations) to receive a written explanation of how the inventory value was determined or a copy of any appraisal.

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 an inventory to be filed relatively early in the case, and values may need to be corrected through an amended/supplemental inventory if they were wrong or incomplete.
• Burden of Proof: If a beneficiary challenges the vehicle values, the personal representative may need to justify the number with credible support (and disputes can escalate into litigation over fiduciary duties).
• Exceptions: Some vehicles may be claimed as exempt property by a surviving spouse (often up to two qualifying motor vehicles), which can change whether and how the vehicles are treated in the probate administration.

Because vehicle valuation disputes can trigger objections, surcharge claims, or delays in closing the estate, it is usually worth having a Florida probate attorney help you choose a defensible valuation approach and document it correctly.

If you want more background on the inventory process, you may find this helpful: What assets must be listed in a Florida probate estate inventory?. If your situation involves a car loan or repossession, see: How do I document a repossessed vehicle during probate in Florida?.

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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.