Statewide Probate
Attorneys in Florida
Attorneys in Florida
Okaloosa County Probate Court Guide (2026): 1st Circuit Rules, Filing Fees & Procedures
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:
| 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 |
Commonly Asked Questions
Where is probate filed in Okaloosa County?
Probate cases in Okaloosa County are filed with the Okaloosa County Clerk of Court in the circuit court where the deceased person lived at the time of death. If the person was not a Florida resident, the case is typically filed where any Florida property is located.
What types of probate cases are handled in Okaloosa County?
The court handles both summary administration and formal administration probate cases. Summary administration is used for smaller or qualifying estates, while formal administration is required for larger or more complex estates involving full court supervision.
Do I need to appear in court for probate in Okaloosa County?
In many cases, probate matters are handled through filings without frequent in-person appearances. However, certain hearings may still require attendance depending on the judge, case type, or if complications arise.
What are the filing requirements for probate in Okaloosa County?
Required documents typically include a certified death certificate, the original will (if one exists), and a petition for administration. The court may also require additional forms depending on whether the case is formal or summary probate.
What happens if there is a dispute during probate in Okaloosa County?
If disputes arise between heirs or beneficiaries, the case may become contested and require court intervention. This can extend the timeline significantly and may involve hearings or mediation.
Is formal probate required for all estates in Okaloosa County?
Not all estates require formal probate. Some qualify for summary administration, and certain assets, like jointly owned property or accounts with beneficiaries, may pass outside probate entirely.