One of the first questions families ask when a loved one passes is: how much will probate cost? In Pinellas County, the answer depends on the size of the estate, the type of probate required, and how long the process takes. But most families are surprised by the total — especially when they factor in the carrying costs of maintaining property during probate.
This guide breaks down every category of probate cost so you can plan accordingly.
Court Filing Fees
Probate cases in Pinellas County are filed with the Clerk of the Circuit Court (Clerk Ken Burke). Here are the current filing fees:
| Filing Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Petition for Formal Administration | $401 |
| Petition for Summary Administration | $235 |
| Disposition Without Administration | $235 |
| Petition to Determine Homestead | Included with petition or ~$50 |
| Creditor notice publication (newspaper) | $150 - $300 |
| Certified copies of Letters of Administration | $2 - $5 per page |
| Recording deed (County Recorder) | $10 first page + $8.50 each additional |
Total filing costs: $400 - $750 for most estates.
Attorney Fees
Florida Statute 733.6171 provides a statutory fee schedule for attorneys in probate cases. While attorneys and Personal Representatives can agree to different terms, the statutory schedule provides a baseline:
Florida Statutory Attorney Fee Schedule
| Estate Value (Compensable) | Attorney Fee |
|---|---|
| First $40,000 | $1,500 |
| $40,001 - $70,000 | $1,500 + 2.25% of excess over $40K |
| $70,001 - $100,000 | $2,175 + 2.0% of excess over $70K |
| $100,001 - $1,000,000 | $2,775 + 3.0% of excess over $100K |
| $1,000,001 - $3,000,000 | $29,775 + 2.5% of excess over $1M |
| $3,000,001 - $5,000,000 | $79,775 + 2.0% of excess over $3M |
| $5,000,001 - $10,000,000 | $119,775 + 1.5% of excess over $5M |
| Over $10,000,000 | $194,775 + 1.0% of excess over $10M |
What This Means in Practice
For a typical Pinellas County estate with a house worth $300,000 and $50,000 in other assets:
- Compensable estate value: $350,000
- Statutory attorney fee: $2,775 + 3.0% of ($350,000 - $100,000) = $2,775 + $7,500 = $10,275
Many Pinellas County probate attorneys charge the statutory fee, though some offer flat fees for simpler estates or hourly rates for complex ones. Summary Administration, being simpler, typically costs $1,500 - $3,500 in attorney fees.
When Attorney Fees Are Higher
Attorneys can petition the court for additional fees when the probate involves extraordinary services, such as:
- Will contests or disputes among beneficiaries
- Complex real estate issues (multiple properties, title problems)
- Creditor claims that require litigation
- Tax complications
- Ancillary probate (out-of-state assets)
Personal Representative Compensation
The Personal Representative is entitled to compensation under Florida law. The statutory schedule (F.S. 733.617) mirrors the attorney fee schedule — so for the same $350,000 estate, PR compensation would also be approximately $10,275.
In practice, when a family member serves as PR, they often waive compensation to preserve the estate for beneficiaries. When a professional PR (such as a bank or trust company) serves, they will charge their full fee.
Carrying Costs During Probate: The Hidden Expense
This is where most families underestimate probate costs. While the court process runs its course — 6 to 12 months or more for Formal Administration — someone needs to maintain the property. These carrying costs add up relentlessly:
Monthly Carrying Costs for a Typical Pinellas County Home
| Expense | Monthly Cost | 6-Month Total | 12-Month Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Property taxes | $400 - $700 | $2,400 - $4,200 | $4,800 - $8,400 |
| Homeowner's insurance | $300 - $500 | $1,800 - $3,000 | $3,600 - $6,000 |
| Flood insurance (if applicable) | $700 - $1,200 | $4,200 - $7,200 | $8,400 - $14,400 |
| Utilities (basic: electric, water) | $150 - $250 | $900 - $1,500 | $1,800 - $3,000 |
| Lawn care / maintenance | $100 - $250 | $600 - $1,500 | $1,200 - $3,000 |
| HOA dues (if applicable) | $100 - $500 | $600 - $3,000 | $1,200 - $6,000 |
| Total (without flood) | $1,050 - $2,200 | $6,300 - $13,200 | $12,600 - $26,400 |
| Total (with flood insurance) | $1,750 - $3,400 | $10,500 - $20,400 | $21,000 - $40,800 |
For properties in flood zones — which includes the majority of Pinellas County — carrying costs during a 12-month probate can easily reach $20,000 to $40,000.
Total Probate Cost Estimates
Here's what a complete probate looks like financially for different estate sizes in Pinellas County:
Example: $250,000 Estate (Summary Administration)
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Filing fees | $400 |
| Attorney fees | $2,500 |
| PR compensation (waived by family) | $0 |
| Carrying costs (2-3 months) | $3,000 - $7,000 |
| Total | $5,900 - $9,900 |
Example: $350,000 Estate (Formal Administration)
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Filing fees | $700 |
| Attorney fees | $10,275 |
| PR compensation (waived by family) | $0 |
| Carrying costs (8-12 months) | $14,000 - $40,000 |
| Total | $24,975 - $50,975 |
How to Minimize Probate Costs
1. Use Summary Administration When Possible
If the estate qualifies for Summary Administration (under $75,000 excluding homestead, or decedent dead more than two years), this path is significantly faster and cheaper. Discuss this option with your attorney.
2. Have a Family Member Serve as PR
When a trusted family member serves as Personal Representative and waives compensation, you save an amount roughly equal to the attorney fee.
3. Sell the Property Quickly
The biggest controllable cost is carrying costs. The sooner you sell, the less you spend on taxes, insurance, and maintenance. A cash sale can close as soon as the court grants authority — saving months of carrying costs compared to a traditional listing.
4. Negotiate Attorney Fees
While statutory fees are the norm, they're not mandatory. For straightforward estates, some attorneys will agree to flat fees or reduced rates. Get quotes from 2-3 Pinellas County probate attorneys before committing.
5. Stay Organized
Disorganized estates take longer to probate. Gather all financial documents, property records, insurance policies, and debts early. The more organized you are, the fewer billable hours your attorney needs.
Ready to Reduce Your Carrying Costs?
If you're going through probate in Pinellas County and the monthly carrying costs are adding up, a cash sale might be the right move. Causeway Home Buyers can make a fair cash offer within 24 hours and close as soon as the court allows — stopping the bleeding on insurance, taxes, and maintenance.
Get a free, no-obligation cash offer or call (727) 947-1271.
For more information, explore our complete inherited property guide or learn about the Pinellas County Probate Court.