Statewide Probate
Attorneys in Florida
Attorneys in Florida
Hardee County Probate Court Guide (2026)
Navigating the probate process in Wauchula, Zolfo Springs, or Bowling Green requires a clear understanding of the 10th Judicial Circuit’s local rules. In Hardee County, the probate division is known for its focused administrative oversight, ensuring that estates are managed with technical precision and that all legal notices are properly served to heirs and creditors.
At Florida Probate Law Group, we provide families with a transparent and efficient path through the Wauchula court system. For a comprehensive overview of the laws and timelines governing these cases, we recommend reading our Complete Guide to Florida Probate. Our statewide probate attorneys specialize in 10th Circuit cases, offering all-inclusive flat-fee pricing to provide your family with financial certainty.
🏛️ Hardee County Courthouse & Clerk Information
Probate matters are handled by the Clerk of the Circuit Court at the Hardee County Courthouse.
- Courthouse Name: Hardee County Courthouse
- Address: 417 West Main Street, Suite 202, Wauchula, FL 33873
- Clerk of Court: Victoria L. Rogers
- Probate Department Phone: (863) 773-4174
- Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
[!IMPORTANT]
Original Will Deposit: Per Florida law, the original physical Will must be deposited with the Hardee County Clerk within 10 days of learning of the decedent’s death. Our firm manages the secure delivery of these documents to the Wauchula courthouse to ensure your case stays on track.
⚖️ 10th Judicial Circuit Probate Procedures
Hardee County follows the specific administrative orders and judicial preferences of the 10th Judicial Circuit.
- Judicial Oversight: As of early 2026, Judge Susan L. Barber serves as the Administrative Judge for Hardee County (Section 03), overseeing probate, guardianship, and civil matters.
- Proposed Orders (Caps System): The 10th Circuit utilizes a specific electronic system (Caps) for the submission of proposed orders. These must be submitted in Microsoft Word format to facilitate digital signatures.
- Delinquency Monitoring: The court actively monitors “delinquent lists” for probate cases. If a case remains inactive without required filings (such as the Inventory or a Status Report), the court will schedule a status conference hearing to move the case toward closure.
- Virtual Appearances: Most uncontested probate hearings in Wauchula are conducted via Zoom or the Hardee Virtual Courtroom system. This allows our firm to represent you efficiently without requiring you to travel to the courthouse.
💰 2026 Hardee County Probate Filing Fees
Standard court costs for the 10th Judicial Circuit (not including convenience fees charged by the State of Florida):
| Action Type | Court Filing Fee |
| Formal Administration (Full Probate) | $400.00 |
| Summary Administration (Estates > $1,000) | $345.00 |
| Summary Administration (Estates < $1,000) | $235.00 |
| Disposition of Personal Property | $231.00 |
| Notice of Trust / Caveat | $41.00 |
❓ Hardee County Probate FAQ
When is Summary Administration available in Hardee County?
Summary Administration is an expedited track available if the decedent has been deceased for more than two years OR if the total value of the non-exempt assets is less than $75,000. If the estate primarily consists of protected homestead property (like a family ranch or home), it often qualifies for this faster process regardless of the property’s market value.
What is the “Flat-Fee” model for probate?
At Florida Probate Law Group, we eliminate the uncertainty of hourly billing. We provide an all-inclusive flat fee for every uncontested probate case. This covers all legal work, document preparation, and court coordination, so you know exactly what the legal costs are before we begin.
Do I need to be a Florida resident to serve as a Personal Representative?
If you are not a Florida resident, you can only serve as a Personal Representative if you are a close relative (spouse, sibling, parent, child, or other blood relative) of the decedent. Our firm handles the remote qualification process for out-of-state representatives regularly.
How do I obtain “Letters of Administration”?
Letters of Administration are issued during a Formal Administration. These documents grant you the legal authority to manage bank accounts, sell real estate, and handle the decedent’s affairs. We utilize the 2026 electronic certification system to get these letters to you as soon as the judge signs the order.
📍 Why Hire Florida Probate Law Group?
Our firm brings technical 10th Circuit expertise to the personalized environment of Hardee County.
- Circuit Precision: We are experts in the 10th Circuit’s Caps system and judicial protocols, preventing administrative delays.
- Financial Transparency: Our flat-fee model ensures that more of the inheritance is preserved for the family.
- Modern Efficiency: We leverage 2026 digital tools and Zoom technology to manage 100% of the probate process for you, regardless of where you are located.