Putnam County Probate Court Guide (2026)

Probate in Putnam County—serving Palatka, Interlachen, Crescent City, and Pomona Park—is governed by the 7th Judicial Circuit. Putnam is a “Unified Family Court” jurisdiction, meaning the court aims to handle related family matters with consistency. In 2026, the 7th Circuit has implemented updated administrative orders that authorize County Court judges to act as Circuit judges to ensure that probate dockets move quickly, even in smaller counties.

At Florida Probate Law Group, we bring a standard of excellence rooted in local expertise. Our founding partners, R. Nadine David and Charles “Cary” David, graduated with honors from Stetson University College of Law, a prestigious Florida institution known for producing top-tier advocates. We understand the unique procedural expectations of the Palatka courthouse and provide families with the high-level authority needed to close estates efficiently. For more on the legal process, visit our Complete Guide to Florida Probate. We offer all-inclusive flat-fee pricing for all uncontested Putnam County cases.

🏛️ Putnam County Courthouse & Clerk Information

Probate records and filings are managed by the Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller in historic downtown Palatka.

• Courthouse Name: Putnam County Courthouse
• Address: 410 St. Johns Avenue, Palatka, FL 32177
• Clerk of Court: Matt Reynolds
• Probate Department Phone: (386) 326-7600
• Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

[!IMPORTANT]

2026 Will Deposit Rule: The original Last Will and Testament must be deposited with the Clerk in Palatka within 10 days of receiving notice of the death. Failure to deposit the Will is one of the leading causes of delays in Putnam County probate cases.

⚖️ 7th Judicial Circuit Probate Procedures

Putnam County’s probate division is smaller than those in neighboring Volusia or St. Johns, which often allows for more direct communication with judicial staff.

• Judicial Oversight: For 2026, probate and guardianship matters are primarily assigned to Judge K. Mark Johnson (Division 25/51). Judge Johnson is a Stetson Law alumnus (Class of 2000) and brings nearly two decades of local experience to the bench.
• Administrative Cross-Assignment: Per Administrative Order G-2026-029-SC, Judge Johnson is authorized to hear both County and Circuit level matters, which helps prevent the “bottlenecking” of probate files that can occur in smaller counties.
• Proposed Orders: All proposed orders must be submitted via the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal in Microsoft Word format. In the 7th Circuit, it is crucial that the “Done and Ordered” section includes the specific physical address of the Palatka courthouse to ensure proper recording.
• Virtual Hearings: While Judge Johnson holds sessions at the St. Johns Avenue courthouse, most uncontested probate matters are handled via Zoom. Our firm coordinates these digital appearances so you can settle your loved one’s estate without traveling to Palatka.

💰 2026 Putnam County Probate Filing Fees

Statutory filing fees for the 7th Judicial Circuit:

❓ Putnam County Probate FAQ

Is “Summary Administration” common in Putnam County?

Yes. Because Putnam County features many rural properties and family homes that qualify as “protected homestead,” they are often excluded from the $75,000 asset limit. This allows many local families to use the faster Summary Administration process.

What if the decedent died more than two years ago?

If a person has been deceased for more than two years, Florida law allows the estate to qualify for Summary Administration regardless of the dollar value of the assets. This is a very efficient way to “clear title” to family land in Putnam County.

What is your “Flat-Fee” model for Palatka?

We believe families shouldn’t be penalized with hourly bills just because a clerk’s office is small or a judge is on a rotating schedule. We provide one all-inclusive flat fee that covers all document preparation, filings with Matt Reynolds’ office, and all communication with the 7th Circuit.

📍 Why Hire Florida Probate Law Group?

The 7th Judicial Circuit in Putnam County rewards attorneys who are prepared, precise, and locally focused.

• Stetson Law Pedigree: Like Judge Johnson, our founding partners are Stetson Law honors graduates, ensuring a shared standard of legal excellence.
• Proactive Case Management: We utilize the 7th Circuit’s 2026 digital protocols to move your case from filing to final order as fast as the law allows.
• Financial Certainty: Our flat-fee pricing ensures your family’s inheritance remains protected.