# Florida Estate Planning Checklist for 2026

Source: https://legacylegalai.com/guides/florida-estate-planning-checklist
Reviewed for accuracy by attorneys from the Liu Estate Law Group, PLLC. Last reviewed October 5, 2026.

Estate planning can feel overwhelming, but it does not have to be. At its core, it is about making a few key decisions and putting them in writing. This checklist breaks the process down into clear, manageable steps for Florida residents.

**Self-help and legal-information notice:** Legacy Legal AI is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. This article provides general information about Florida law, not advice for your situation, and is not a substitute for the advice or services of a licensed Florida attorney.

## Step 1: Take Inventory

Before you can plan, you need a clear picture of what you have. Make a simple list of your assets and important accounts.

Include things like:

- Your home and any other real estate.
- Bank, retirement, and investment accounts.
- Vehicles and valuable personal property.
- Life insurance policies and their beneficiaries.

## Step 2: Create the Core Documents

Most Florida estate plans rest on three essential documents. Together they protect both your assets and yourself.

The core documents are:

- A simple will — who inherits and who cares for your children.
- A durable power of attorney — who manages your finances if you can't.
- A healthcare directive — your medical wishes and surrogate.

## Step 3: Name Your People

Documents are only as good as the people you appoint. Take time to choose — and ask — the individuals who will carry out your wishes.

Key roles to fill:

- Personal representative to settle your estate.
- Guardian for any minor children.
- Financial agent for your power of attorney.
- Healthcare surrogate for medical decisions.
- Backups for each of these roles.

## Step 4: Check Your Beneficiaries

Some assets — like retirement accounts and life insurance — pass directly to whoever you named as beneficiary, regardless of your will.

Review these designations to make sure they are current and consistent with your overall plan. An outdated beneficiary form can undo your other planning.

## Step 5: Keep It Current

Life changes — marriage, divorce, new children, a move, or a major purchase. Your estate plan should change with it.

Review your documents every few years and after any major life event. Legacy Legal AI makes it easy to create and update your core documents online, on your own schedule.

## Frequently asked questions

### What documents do I really need?

For most Florida residents, the three essentials are a simple will, a durable power of attorney, and a healthcare directive. Together they cover inheritance, finances, and medical care.

### Do I need an attorney for basic estate planning?

Florida law does not require an attorney to prepare every core estate-planning document, but validity and suitability depend on the facts and proper execution. Legacy Legal AI offers self-help Florida templates; it is not a substitute for legal advice.

### How often should I update my estate plan?

Review it every few years and after major life events such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or a significant change in assets.