Probate in Okaloosa County—serving Crestview, Fort Walton Beach, Destin, and Niceville—is governed by the 1st Judicial Circuit. The 1st Circuit is known for its efficient “Case Management” approach, which focuses on moving estates through the system quickly once all predicate documents are filed. In Okaloosa, the court typically requires specific affidavits and proposed orders to be formatted for digital signatures in the Odyssey system.

At Florida Probate Law Group, we provide families with a clear path through the Crestview and Fort Walton Beach courtrooms. For a broader look at Florida’s probate laws, visit our Complete Guide to Florida Probate. We offer all-inclusive flat-fee pricing for all uncontested Okaloosa County cases, ensuring your family has total financial certainty.

🏛️ Okaloosa County Courthouse & Clerk Information

Probate records and filings are managed by the Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller.

• Main Courthouse (Crestview): 101 E. James Lee Blvd., Crestview, FL 32536
• Branch Courthouse (FWB): 1940 Lewis Turner Blvd., Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547
• Clerk of Court: Brad E. Embry
• Probate Department Phone: (850) 689-5000 (Crestview) or (850) 651-7200 (FWB)
• Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM

[!IMPORTANT]

2026 Will Deposit: Florida law requires the original Last Will and Testament to be deposited with the Clerk in Okaloosa County within 10 days of receiving notice of death. Our firm handles the secure recording of original Wills to ensure your probate case opens without delay.

⚖️ 1st Judicial Circuit Probate Procedures

Okaloosa County follows the procedural requirements and administrative orders of the 1st Judicial Circuit.

• Judicial Oversight: For 2026, probate matters are primarily assigned to Circuit Judge Mary Polson and Circuit Judge William F. Stone.
• Affidavit of Heirs: A verified Affidavit of Heirs is standard for both testate (with a Will) and intestate (without a Will) cases to confirm the family tree and ensure all beneficiaries are correctly identified.
• Proposed Orders: All proposed orders must be submitted in Microsoft Word format via the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal. Orders must include the standardized “Done and Ordered” block with sufficient space for the judge’s digital signature.
• Virtual Hearings: Routine probate matters are generally handled “in chambers” or via Zoom. This allows our firm to manage your Okaloosa case without requiring you to travel to the Panhandle.

💰 2026 Okaloosa County Probate Filing Fees

Current court costs for the 1st Judicial Circuit: