Miami-Dade County Probate Court Guide (2026)

Miami-Dade County presents a unique landscape for estate administration. As the largest and highest-volume judicial circuit in Florida—and one of the busiest in the United States—the 11th Judicial Circuit operates under immense pressure. At Florida Probate Law Group, we have built a practice specifically designed to navigate the high volume and frequent staffing shifts that can lead to delays or “lost” filings for less experienced firms.

We understand that the Miami-Dade court system can occasionally feel disorganized or understaffed. Our team has the extensive experience required to proactively manage these challenges, ensuring your case remains a priority on the judge’s docket. For a deep dive into the legal framework we use to protect your inheritance, visit our Complete Guide to Florida Probate. Our statewide probate attorneys offer all-inclusive flat-fee pricing to provide your family with total financial certainty in a complex system.

🏛️ Miami-Dade Courthouse & Clerk Information

The Probate Division is primarily housed in the historic Dade County Courthouse.

Courthouse Name: Dade County Courthouse
Address: 73 West Flagler Street, Miami, FL 33130
Clerk of Court: Juan Fernandez-Barquin, Esq.
Probate Division Phone: (305) 349-5713
Public Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

[!CAUTION]
Miami-Dade Original Will Policy: While most documents are filed electronically via the Portal, the original Will and any codicils must be physically delivered to the Clerk at the Osvaldo N. Soto Miami-Dade Justice Center (20 NW 1st Avenue, 6th Floor) within 10 days of death notification. Failure to do so is a common cause of initial delays in Miami cases.

⚖️ Navigating the 11th Judicial Circuit Procedures

Miami-Dade probate judges oversee thousands of cases simultaneously. To manage this volume, the court utilizes specialized digital tools that our firm uses daily.

Probate “Smart Forms”: Unlike many other circuits, Miami-Dade requires the use of specific “Smart Forms” for certain petitions and proposed orders. These forms are designed to interface with the court’s internal case management system.
Judicial Staffing & Volume: Because the Miami-Dade system is often understaffed relative to its case count, we employ a “follow-up first” strategy. We don’t just file and wait; we actively track the “docket index numbers” required by Administrative Order 22-02 to ensure the judicial assistant moves your case toward a final order.
The “General Magistrate” System: Many uncontested Miami probate matters are referred to a General Magistrate (Divisions PMHGMA or PMHGMB) to relieve the burden on circuit judges. We are experienced in handling these referrals to shave weeks off the traditional timeline.
Special Set Hearings: If a hearing is required for a contested matter, Miami-Dade utilizes the courtMAP system. Scheduling can be difficult due to limited calendar space, but our firm’s familiarity with the 11th Circuit’s specific “motion calendar” protocols allows us to secure dates efficiently.

💰 2026 Miami-Dade Probate Filing Fees

Statutory filing fees for the 11th Judicial Circuit:

Estate Type	Filing Fee
Formal Administration (Full Probate)	$401.00
Summary Administration (Assets > $1,000)	$346.00
Summary Administration (Assets < $1,000)	$236.00
Disposition of Personal Property	$232.00
Notice of Trust / Caveat	$41.00
Filing Verified Inventory (Value > $25k)	$85.00

❓ Miami-Dade Probate FAQ

Why does probate seem to take longer in Miami than in other counties?

The sheer volume of the 11th Circuit means that even simple tasks can take longer if an attorney doesn’t know who to call or which specific “Smart Form” to use. Our firm’s experience in this specific circuit allows us to bypass common pitfalls that cause cases to stall for months.

Can I handle a Miami probate case from out of state?

Yes. Since the transition to virtual court resources, almost all Miami-Dade probate proceedings are held via Zoom. You rarely need to travel to Flagler Street. Our firm handles the entire process remotely for families across the country.

What makes your “Flat-Fee” model different?

In a high-volume court system like Miami-Dade, hourly billing can become a nightmare for families as attorneys spend time navigating bureaucratic delays. We provide one flat fee for the entire uncontested process, meaning you don’t pay more just because the court is experiencing a staffing shortage.

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.

Patti T.

Florida probate law group,was very helpful in answering the many questions that I had concerning my situation their input was very appreciated thank you.

Shirley M.

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