The Short Answer

In Florida, the key document that proves someone has legal authority to act for a deceased person’s estate is typically the court-issued Letters of Administration (often called “letters”). An attorney’s letter alone usually does not create authority—most property holders will want to see letters showing a personal representative has been appointed, plus proof the attorney is acting for that personal representative.

What Florida Law Says

Florida estates are generally handled through a court-supervised probate process where a personal representative is appointed to act on behalf of the estate. Once appointed, that personal representative has the legal power to collect, manage, and deal with estate assets—and can hire an attorney to communicate and make requests on the estate’s behalf.

The Statute

The primary law governing this issue is Fla. Stat. § 733.612.

This statute explains that, generally and without a separate court order, a properly appointed personal representative may take many actions to administer the estate, including employing attorneys and executing instruments necessary to exercise estate powers.

If the estate is being handled from another state and you are dealing with Florida property or Florida-based institutions, Florida law also addresses when a foreign personal representative can act in Florida using authenticated letters or other evidence of authority. See Fla. Stat. § 734.101.

In practice, when requesting property information (for example, from a bank, HOA, landlord, storage facility, or county records contact), the documentation commonly requested includes:

• Certified Letters of Administration showing the personal representative’s appointment (or authenticated out-of-state letters in the right circumstances).
• Photo ID for the personal representative and/or the attorney making the request.
• Written authorization from the personal representative to the attorney (often a representation letter or engagement letter), especially if the request is being made directly by counsel.
• Case information (probate case number, court, and decedent details) so the recipient can verify the appointment.

For more background on letters and probate opening documents, you may find these helpful: Letters of Administration in Florida (forms and overview) and Documents needed to open a Florida probate estate.

Why You Should Speak with an Attorney

While the general rule is that “letters” prove authority, getting a third party to release property information can be more complicated than it sounds. Legal outcomes often depend on:

• Strict Deadlines: Estates can involve creditor and administration time limits, and delays can create avoidable disputes or losses.
• Burden of Proof: The institution may require certified copies, current letters (not stale-dated), or additional proof that the request is within the personal representative’s authority.
• Exceptions: Out-of-state estates, trust-held assets, homestead issues, and privacy policies can change what must be produced and who is legally entitled to information.

If the wrong person requests information—or the request is framed incorrectly—you can get stonewalled, trigger privacy objections, or create conflicts among heirs/beneficiaries. A probate attorney can quickly identify the correct authority document for the situation and communicate in a way that reduces the risk of refusal or later challenges.

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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.