Levy County Probate Court Guide (2026)

Probate in Levy County—serving Bronson, Williston, Chiefland, and Cedar Key—is governed by the 8th Judicial Circuit. In this rural but growing county, probate is characterized by the personalized oversight of a dedicated circuit judge and a strict requirement for electronic filing and checklist compliance. The 8th Circuit utilizes a “centralized” probate Case Manager system to ensure that every document is in order before it reaches the judge’s desk.

At Florida Probate Law Group, we help families navigate the Bronson courthouse with a focus on efficiency and transparency. For a deeper look at Florida probate law, visit our Complete Guide to Florida Probate. We offer all-inclusive flat-fee pricing for all uncontested Levy County cases, ensuring your inheritance is not consumed by unpredictable legal bills.

🏛️ Levy County Courthouse & Clerk Information

Probate records and filings are managed by the Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller at the Levy County Courthouse.

Courthouse Name: Levy County Courthouse
Address: 355 South Court Street, Bronson, FL 32621
Clerk of Court: Matt Brooks
Probate Department Phone: (352) 486-5266
Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

[!IMPORTANT]
2026 Will Deposit Rule: You are required by law to deposit the original Last Will and Testament with the Clerk in Bronson within 10 days of learning of the decedent’s death. Our firm handles the formal delivery and recording of Wills for our clients.

⚖️ 8th Judicial Circuit Probate Procedures

Levy County probate cases are governed by Administrative Order 9.03 (2026-1), which sets the judicial assignments and procedural standards for the circuit.

Judicial Oversight: For 2026, probate matters in Levy County are primarily assigned to Judge Craig C. DeThomasis.
The Role of the Case Manager: Unlike many other circuits, the 8th Circuit utilizes a Probate Case Manager (reachable via probate@circuit8.org) who reviews every filing for technical compliance. Proposed orders should not be submitted to Judge DeThomasis until the Case Manager has confirmed the file is “complete.”
Mandatory Checklists: Attorneys must utilize the 8th Circuit Probate Checklists for both Summary and Formal Administrations. These ensure that Notice to Creditors, the Affidavit of Heirs, and the Inventory have been properly docketed.
Proposed Orders: All proposed orders must be submitted in Microsoft Word format through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal. Orders must include the ADA notification and leave enough space for the judge’s digital signature.
Virtual Hearings: While the courthouse is in Bronson, Judge DeThomasis frequently utilizes Zoom for routine probate hearings. Our firm leverages this technology to represent families remotely, saving you the trip to the courthouse.

💰 2026 Levy County Probate Filing Fees

Current court costs for the 8th Judicial Circuit (standard statutory rates):

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

❓ Levy County Probate FAQ

When is Summary Administration available in Bronson?

Summary Administration is the expedited track. It is 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 involves a family home (protected homestead) in Williston or Chiefland, it likely qualifies for this faster track.

What is the “Flat-Fee” model?

At Florida Probate Law Group, we eliminate hourly billing. We provide an all-inclusive flat fee for every uncontested Levy County case. This covers all filings with Matt Brooks’ office and the coordination with the 8th Circuit Case Manager.

Do I need to be a Florida resident to serve as a Personal Representative?

No, but you must be a blood relative (or a spouse, sibling, parent, or child) of the decedent to serve if you live outside of Florida. We help out-of-state family members manage the entire process from a distance.

📍 Why Hire Florida Probate Law Group?

The 8th Circuit’s “Case Manager” system requires a high degree of technical accuracy to avoid cases being stalled.

Circuit Precision: We are experts in Judge DeThomasis’ specific requirements and the 8th Circuit’s digital workflow.
Financial Certainty: Our flat-fee pricing protects the inheritance for the beneficiaries.
Remote Ease: We leverage 2026 e-filing and Zoom tools to move your case through the Bronson courthouse as quickly as possible.

Client Reviews

I was very happy with her response to my questions and concerns about Florida probate. I am in Ohio and was not familiar with the process but they cleared everything up for me and made me feel comfortable going through the probate process with my loved ones will.

Roger

Honest and straight forward assessment of complex case. My case span both federal and state issues, as well as civil case of fraud which maybe criminal fraud. He told me what he could do, what his limits of scope were and what my best/safest position should be and gave me an outline of how to get...

S. Todd

The world of probate can be fairly daunting for one who has little to no experience. Between trying to figure out what to file and when to file, there is also the where. I was quite relieved to have Nadine and Cary to guide me through the court process.

Michael O.

I highly recommend using this law group for your Florida probate needs, and in particular, Charles David. He explained clearly what my 91 year old aunt would need to do in order to sell property that was in hers and her late husband's name.

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