The Short Answer

In Florida probate, many costs you pay to properly administer the estate can qualify as expenses of administration (often called “estate expenses”) and are generally paid back from estate assets—so long as they were reasonable, necessary, and for the estate’s benefit. Executor (personal representative) compensation is also allowed, but it can be challenged and reviewed by the court if an interested person objects.

What Florida Law Says

Florida law treats legitimate administration costs—along with the personal representative’s compensation and the estate’s attorney’s fees—as top-priority obligations of the estate. That matters because if there is not enough money to pay everything, these items are generally paid before most other debts and claims.

The Statute

The primary law governing this issue is Fla. Stat. § 733.707.

This statute establishes that “costs, expenses of administration, and compensation of personal representatives and their attorneys’ fees” are paid in Class 1 priority—ahead of funeral expenses, many taxes, and most creditor claims. See Fla. Stat. § 733.707(1)(a).

Separate from reimbursement of expenses, Florida also provides for compensation to the personal representative (executor). The key statute is Fla. Stat. § 733.617, which sets a commission schedule that is presumed reasonable for ordinary services and allows additional reasonable compensation for extraordinary services.

For deeper background on related issues, you may also want to read: executor responsibilities during Florida probate and how probate attorney fees and retainers are handled.

Why You Should Speak with an Attorney

While the statutes provide the general rule, applying them to your specific situation is rarely simple. Legal outcomes often depend on:

• Strict Priority Rules (and Cash-Flow Problems): Even valid expenses and fees must be paid in the correct order. Florida’s priority statute puts administration expenses and compensation in Class 1, but disputes often arise when the estate is illiquid or insolvent. See Fla. Stat. § 733.707(1)(a).
• Burden of Proof and Record Scrutiny: If beneficiaries object, you may have to justify that a payment was reasonable, necessary, and for the estate (not personal benefit). The court can review the reasonableness of compensation and order refunds if it finds excessive payments. See Fla. Stat. § 733.6175.
• Compensation Disputes (Ordinary vs. Extraordinary Services): What counts as “extraordinary” work—and how much is reasonable—can be contested, especially where there is litigation, real estate sales, tax issues, or family conflict. See Fla. Stat. § 733.617(3).

Because personal representatives are fiduciaries, reimbursement and compensation mistakes can trigger objections, surcharge claims, or court hearings that cost far more than getting proper legal guidance up front. An attorney can help you classify expenses correctly, document them appropriately, and reduce the risk of a beneficiary challenge.

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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.