How to Prove the Value of a Decedent’s Vehicles in Florida Probate

This FAQ-style guide explains, under Florida law, how a personal representative or heir can prove the value of a decedent’s motor vehicles during probate. It assumes no prior legal knowledge and outlines practical steps, typical documents, and where to look for official rules. This is educational information only and not legal advice.

Detailed answer

Why you must prove vehicle value

When someone dies, the personal representative (executor) must identify estate property and report its value to the probate court. The court uses those values to: allocate assets to beneficiaries, determine estate tax or creditor notice issues, and decide whether a full administration is required. Accurate, supportable valuations reduce disputes with beneficiaries or creditors.

Who is responsible

The personal representative appointed by the court has the duty to gather estate assets and to file inventories or accountings as required by Florida probate rules and the statutes governing estate administration. For general guidance on probate procedures, see the Florida probate information page: Florida Courts — Probate. Also review Florida Statutes, Chapter 733 (Administration of Estates): Fla. Stat. Ch. 733.

What counts as acceptable proof of a vehicle’s value

Common, court-accepted forms of proof include:

Current valuation guide printouts or screenshots (Kelley Blue Book, NADA, Edmunds).
Comparable market listings for similar vehicles in your area (local listings, AutoTrader, CarGurus).
Written appraisals from a licensed vehicle appraiser or a reputable dealer.
Repair estimates or salvage evaluations if the vehicle is damaged.
Recent sales documentation: bill of sale, dealer purchase offers, or auction receipts.
Title showing mileage and ownership history and any lien information (helps explain value reductions).
Photographs documenting condition and odometer reading.

Step-by-step: how to prove vehicle value in practice

Gather documents: vehicle title, registration, keys, maintenance records, photos, and any sale offers or repair estimates.
Establish baseline fair market value: pull values from at least one or two reputable pricing guides (KBB, NADA, Edmunds). Save or print the pages showing year/make/model/options and condition assumptions.
Collect local comparables: find recent local listings or completed sales for similar mileage, trim and condition. Take screenshots with dates and URLs.
Get a written appraisal for higher-value or unusual vehicles: for classic cars, specialty vehicles, or any vehicle worth several thousand dollars, use a credentialed appraiser. A dealer written appraisal can also work for mid-range vehicles.
Document condition and damage: if the car is damaged, include repair estimates, salvage titles, or photos showing the defects. That helps explain a reduced value.
Prepare an affidavit or schedule for the court file: attach your valuation materials to the estate inventory, and include a short affidavit from the personal representative describing how you determined the value and listing the sources used.
File required probate paperwork: follow court deadlines for inventories and accountings under Florida probate procedure (see Fla. Stat. Ch. 733 and your local probate court rules). Keep originals and file copies in the estate file.

Special situations and tips

Jointly owned vehicles: if a vehicle was jointly owned with right of survivorship, it may pass outside probate. Still gather proof of title vesting and ownership documents.
Vehicles with liens or loans: identify lienholders on the title. The estate must pay or arrange payoff; the lien affects the net value available to beneficiaries.
Salvage or inoperable cars: provide salvage estimates, tow receipts, or auction offers. Market guides typically overstate value for non-running vehicles, so include supporting evidence.
Small estates or transfers without formal administration: Florida has processes for limited or no-administration transfers for small estates or certain personal property—check the Florida Courts self-help resources and local clerk’s office for forms and thresholds. The Florida DHSMV also has information on title transfers on death: FLHSMV — Transferring a Title.

How the court evaluates evidence

Courts prefer objective, contemporaneous documentation. A printout from a respected valuation source plus local comparables and photos usually suffices for typical consumer vehicles. For high-value or contested valuations, the court may give greater weight to a written professional appraisal or may order an independent appraisal.

When to hire an appraiser or attorney

Consider a professional appraiser or probate attorney if:

One or more vehicles are high-value, collectible, or unusual.
Beneficiaries disagree about values or there is a creditor claim.
You face title or lien disputes, or complex tax questions.

Helpful hints

Save dated screenshots and URLs when you use online pricing guides or classifieds; the court needs proof of when you checked values.
Use at least two independent valuation sources (a pricing guide and local sales) for stronger support.
Keep a simple valuation worksheet in the estate file showing: source, date, valuation amount, and why you chose that figure.
When in doubt about deadlines or required forms, call the clerk of the probate court where the decedent’s estate is filed and ask which inventory/accounting forms they expect.
If a vehicle is about to be sold, document offers and sale terms in writing; a confirmed sale price is persuasive evidence of value.
For transfers of title after probate, follow Florida DHSMV instructions and bring the court order or letters of administration: FLHSMV — Transferring a Title.

Where to find official rules and more help

Florida Statutes, Chapter 733 (Administration of Estates): https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2024/Chapter733
Florida Courts — Probate self-help and forms: https://www.flcourts.org/Resources-Services/Self-Help/Probate
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles — titles and transfers: https://www.flhsmv.gov/motor-vehicles-tags-titles/titles/transferring-a-title/

Disclaimer: This article is educational and explanatory only. It does not provide legal advice and is not a substitute for consulting a licensed Florida attorney about your specific situation.