Marion County Probate Court Guide (2026)

Probate in Marion County—serving Ocala, Belleview, and Dunnellon—is governed by the 5th Judicial Circuit. The Marion County probate division is highly organized and technical, operating with a “checklist-first” mandate. Judicial assistants will typically not present files to the judge for signature until every administrative requirement, including the filing of mandatory checklists and the posting of all predicate documents to the electronic docket, has been satisfied.

At Florida Probate Law Group, we provide families with a clear, local, and efficient path through the Ocala court system. Our Ocala office is located at 44 SE 1st Ave. #204, which is conveniently within walking distance to the Marion County Courthouse. This proximity allows our team to handle local filings and courthouse coordination with unmatched speed.

For a comprehensive look at the laws and timelines governing these cases, we recommend reading our Complete Guide to Florida Probate. We offer all-inclusive flat-fee pricing for all uncontested Marion County cases to give your family total financial certainty.

🏛️ Marion County Courthouse & Clerk Information

Probate records and filings are managed by the Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller at the courthouse in downtown Ocala.

• Courthouse Name: Marion County Judicial Center
• Address: 110 NW 1st Avenue, Ocala, FL 34475
• Clerk of Court: Gregory C. Harrell
• Probate Department Phone: (352) 671-5558
• Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

[!IMPORTANT]

Original Will Deposit: Per Florida Statute 732.901, the original Last Will and Testament must be deposited with the Clerk in Ocala within 10 days of receiving notice of the decedent’s death. While there is no fee to deposit the Will, the Clerk’s office requires a death certificate (short form) or the decedent’s social security number to correctly index the filing.+1

⚖️ 5th Judicial Circuit Probate Procedures

Marion County follows the strict procedural administrative orders of the 5th Judicial Circuit.

• Judicial Oversight: For 2026, probate matters are primarily assigned to Circuit Judge Jennifer Bass and Circuit Judge Lisa Herndon. These divisions require precise adherence to local administrative orders regarding electronic filing and proposed orders.
• Mandatory Checklists: Similar to Lake and Hernando counties, Marion County requires mandatory probate checklists to be filed through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal before the court will sign any orders. These checklists verify that all interested parties have been served and that the inventory and creditor notices are correct.
• Proposed Orders: All orders must be submitted in Microsoft Word format. The court utilizes the Odyssey case management system; proposed orders will often be held for a 10-day “ripeness” period to ensure no objections are filed before the judge reviews the document.
• Affidavit of Heirs: Per Administrative Order L-2023-27, a verified Affidavit of Heirs is required in most cases to confirm the family tree, regardless of whether a Will exists.
• Virtual Appearances: Most routine or uncontested probate hearings are conducted via Zoom. Our firm manages these digital logistics from our local Ocala office, saving families the need to visit the courthouse.

💰 2026 Marion County Probate Filing Fees

Standard court costs for the 5th Judicial Circuit (statutory rates for 2026):

❓ Marion County Probate FAQ

When is Summary Administration available in Ocala?

Summary Administration is available if the decedent has been deceased for more than two years OR if the total value of the non-exempt assets (bank accounts, vehicles, or non-homestead land) is less than $75,000. If the decedent’s primary residence in Ocala is their protected homestead, its value does not count toward this limit.

What is the “Flat-Fee” model?

At Florida Probate Law Group, we eliminate the uncertainty of hourly legal fees. We provide an all-inclusive flat fee for every uncontested Marion County probate case. This covers all filings with Greg Harrell’s office and coordination with the judicial staff in the 5th Circuit.

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

If you live outside of Florida, you can only serve as a Personal Representative if you are a close relative (spouse, child, sibling, or parent) of the decedent. Our team regularly assists out-of-state representatives in managing Marion County estates remotely.

How do I list a home for sale during probate?

If the decedent owned real estate in Marion County, we secure an Order Determining Homestead Status or an Order Authorizing Sale. Because our Ocala office is steps away from the courthouse, we can often coordinate the finalization of these orders with local title companies very efficiently.

📍 Why Hire Florida Probate Law Group?

Our presence in Ocala gives our clients a unique advantage in the 5th Judicial Circuit.

• Hyper-Local Presence: Our office is walking distance to the courthouse, ensuring we are deeply familiar with local clerk staff and judicial preferences.
• Checklist Mastery: we ensure all mandatory 5th Circuit forms are executed perfectly to avoid the common delays or rejections.
• Financial Certainty: Our flat-fee pricing ensures more of the inheritance remains with your family.