Statewide Probate
Attorneys in Florida
Attorneys in Florida
Santa Rosa County Probate Court Guide (2026)
Probate in Santa Rosa County—serving Milton, Navarre, Gulf Breeze, Pace, and Jay—is governed by the 1st Judicial Circuit. Santa Rosa is a rapidly growing county, and its probate division has modernized significantly to handle the increased caseload. In 2026, the court emphasizes a “checklist-driven” review process. Before a judge signs an order, the Clerk’s office meticulously audits the file to ensure all “predicate documents”—such as the original Will and the Affidavit of Heirs—are correctly docketed.
At Florida Probate Law Group, our founding partners R. Nadine David and Charles “Cary” David bring the high-level advocacy they developed as honors graduates of Stetson University College of Law. We understand the unique procedural culture of the Milton courthouse and provide families with the authoritative guidance needed to navigate the 1st Circuit’s specific requirements. For a detailed roadmap of the legal steps involved, visit our Complete Guide to Florida Probate. We offer all-inclusive flat-fee pricing for all uncontested Santa Rosa County cases.
🏛️ Santa Rosa County Courthouse & Clerk Information
Probate records and filings are managed by the Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller. In 2026, the Clerk’s office operates out of multiple locations, but original Wills are typically processed in Milton.
- Main Courthouse: Santa Rosa County Courthouse
- Address: 4025 Avalon Blvd., Milton, FL 32583
- Clerk of Court: Jason D. English, Esq.
- Probate Department Phone: (850) 981-5584
- Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
[!IMPORTANT]
2026 Will Deposit Rule: The original Last Will and Testament must be deposited with Jason English’s office in Milton within 10 days of receiving notice of the death. Santa Rosa requires a Certified Death Certificate (without the cause of death) to be filed alongside the Will to initiate the probate sequence.
⚖️ 1st Judicial Circuit Probate Procedures
Santa Rosa County utilizes the 1st Circuit’s standardized probate forms, which are essential for timely judicial review.
- Judicial Oversight: For 2026, probate and guardianship matters are primarily overseen by Judge Daren L. Shippy and Judge Clifton A. Drake.
- Mandatory Checklists: Per Administrative Order 2024-03, attorneys must file a specific checklist for Summary Administration or Opening/Closing Formal Administration. This checklist acts as a “green light” for the Judicial Assistant to put the file on the judge’s desk.
- Proposed Orders: All proposed orders must be submitted via the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal in Microsoft Word format. Per local rule, the “Done and Ordered” block must be followed by a comprehensive certificate of service that includes the email addresses of all interested parties.
- Virtual Hearings: While the Avalon Blvd. courthouse is active, the 1st Circuit continues to use Zoom for most routine probate status conferences. Our firm handles these digital logistics, allowing you to settle the estate from Navarre or even out of state.
💰 2026 Santa Rosa County Probate Filing Fees
Statutory filing fees 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 to Creditors (Publication) | ~$150.00 – $250.00 |
[!NOTE]
In 2026, the Florida Legislature is considering HB 759/SB 532, which may slightly increase these baseline fees to address funding gaps in clerk offices statewide.
❓ Santa Rosa County Probate FAQ
Can I use “Summary Administration” for property in Navarre Beach?
Yes. If the decedent’s non-exempt assets are worth less than $75,000, or if the decedent has been deceased for more than two years, the estate qualifies for this expedited process. Because many beachfront properties are “protected homestead,” they often don’t count toward that $75,000 limit.
What is an “Affidavit of Heirs”?
Santa Rosa judges require a verified document listing all potential heirs by blood or marriage. This prevents “omitted heirs” from appearing later and contesting the distribution. We prepare this document for you to ensure it meets the 1st Circuit’s 2026 standards.
What is your “Flat-Fee” model for Milton?
The probate process in Santa Rosa is very procedural. We don’t believe you should pay more just because the court requires an extra checklist. We provide one all-inclusive flat fee that covers all filings with Jason English’s office and all communication with the court.
📍 Why Hire Florida Probate Law Group?
The 1st Judicial Circuit in Santa Rosa County demands an attorney who is technically precise and proactive.
- Stetson Law Pedigree: Our founders’ honors education at Stetson Law ensures your case is handled with the highest level of professional rigor.
- Milton Local Insight: We know the 2026 procedural nuances of the Santa Rosa courthouse and the 1st Circuit’s mandatory checklists.
- Financial Certainty: Our flat-fee pricing keeps the estate’s value where it belongs—with the beneficiaries.