Statewide Probate
Attorneys in Florida
Attorneys in Florida
Madison County Probate Court Guide (2026)
Probate in Madison County—serving Madison, Lee, and Greenville—is overseen by the 3rd Judicial Circuit. In this tight-knit community, the probate process is characterized by personalized judicial attention at the Madison courthouse, combined with the 3rd Circuit’s modern electronic filing standards. Whether you are dealing with a family farm, a home in town, or bank accounts, the court requires strict adherence to Florida’s probate statutes and local administrative orders.
At Florida Probate Law Group, we provide families with a clear, predictable path through the Madison 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 3rd Circuit cases, offering all-inclusive flat-fee pricing to provide your family with total financial certainty.
🏛️ Madison County Courthouse & Clerk Information
Probate records and official filings are managed by the Clerk of the Circuit Court at the Madison County Courthouse.
- Courthouse Name: Madison County Courthouse
- Address: 125 SW Range Avenue, Madison, FL 32340
- Mailing Address: P.O. Box 237, Madison, FL 32341
- Clerk of Court: Billy Washington
- Probate Department Phone: (850) 973-1500
- Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM EST
[!IMPORTANT]
2026 Will Deposit Rule: Florida law requires the original Last Will and Testament to be deposited with the Clerk in Madison within 10 days of receiving notice of the decedent’s death. Our firm handles the formal delivery and recording of Wills to ensure the estate is opened without technical delays.
⚖️ 3rd Judicial Circuit Probate Procedures
Madison County probate cases follow the standardized protocols and administrative orders of the 3rd Judicial Circuit.
- Judicial Oversight: For 2026, probate matters in Madison County are primarily overseen by Judge E. Bailey Browning, III. Judge Browning expects all petitions to be accompanied by the appropriate 3rd Circuit checklists to ensure statutory compliance.
- Electronic Filing: All documents must be submitted via the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal. Proposed orders must be uploaded in Microsoft Word format to allow the judge’s staff to review and finalize them for the judge’s digital signature.
- Inventory Requirements: In a Formal Administration, a verified inventory of all estate assets must be filed within 60 days of the issuance of Letters of Administration.
- Virtual Hearings: While Madison is a traditional venue, Judge Browning utilizes Zoom for routine probate hearings. This allows our firm to manage your case in Madison without requiring you to travel to the courthouse, which is especially helpful for out-of-state families.
💰 2026 Madison County Probate Filing Fees
Current court costs for the 3rd Judicial Circuit (note: convenience fees for digital payments may apply):
| 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 |
❓ Madison County Probate FAQ
When is Summary Administration available in Madison?
Summary Administration is the “fast-track” probate. 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 consists of a “protected homestead” property (the decedent’s primary home), it often qualifies for this faster process.
What is the “Flat-Fee” model?
At Florida Probate Law Group, we eliminate the uncertainty of billable hours. We provide an all-inclusive flat fee for every uncontested Madison County probate case. This covers all filings with Billy Washington’s office and all coordination with the 3rd Circuit judicial staff.
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 work with out-of-state family members daily to manage Madison County estates remotely.
How do I sell inherited land in Madison County?
If you are selling real estate during the probate process, we secure the necessary Order Authorizing Sale or Order Determining Homestead Status. This provides the clear title required by title companies to close the transaction.
📍 Why Hire Florida Probate Law Group?
Our firm brings high-level circuit experience to the personalized environment of the Madison County courthouse.
- 3rd Circuit Precision: We are experts in Judge Browning’s specific requirements and the 3rd Circuit’s mandatory checklists.
- Financial Certainty: Our flat-fee pricing preserves the inheritance for the family.
- Modern Efficiency: We leverage 2026 digital filing tools and Zoom to handle 100% of the probate process for you, regardless of where you are located.