Overview
A handwritten will usually isn't valid in Florida unless two witnesses watch you sign it. Some states accept a "holographic" will, meaning one written and signed only in your handwriting. Florida does not.
What Florida Requires for a Valid Will
- You sign at the end, or someone signs for you, in your presence and at your direction.
- Two witnesses watch you sign, then sign in front of you and each other.
- Optional: a sworn statement signed before a notary makes the will "self-proving." This can speed up probate, the court process for settling an estate.
Already Have a Handwritten Will in Florida?
It's generally valid if it was signed with two witnesses this way. If not, a court may reject it, and your property could pass under Florida's default inheritance rules instead of your wishes.
Moved Here From Another State?
Florida generally honors wills valid where they were signed. Unwitnessed handwritten wills and oral (spoken) wills are exceptions.
Questions about your Florida estate plan? Call Karia Law at (954) 281-9989 or send a contact request at karialaw.com/contact.
Disclaimer: This is an advertisement. This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. It does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws vary and individual circumstances differ. Consult a licensed Florida estate planning attorney for advice specific to your situation. Tejus Karia, Esq. is a member of The Florida Bar.