Step 1: Determine If Probate Is Required

Not all inherited properties require probate. Florida offers several ways to transfer property without full probate:

• Joint tenancy with right of survivorship — Property passes automatically to the surviving owner
• Lady Bird deed (enhanced life estate deed) — Transfers property at death without probate
• Living trust — Property in a trust passes to beneficiaries without probate
• Summary administration — Simplified probate for estates under $75,000 or when the decedent has been dead more than 2 years

If none of these apply, full probate is required before the property can be sold.

Step 2: Open Probate (If Required)

File a petition with the probate court in the county where the decedent lived. The court appoints a Personal Representative (executor) who has the legal authority to manage and sell the estate's assets, including real property.

Step 3: Get the Property Appraised

An appraisal establishes the fair market value as of the date of death — important for tax purposes (stepped-up basis) and for pricing the property for sale.

Step 4: Address Any Property Issues

Inherited homes are often older and may have deferred maintenance, code violations, or title issues. Cash buyers purchase inherited homes as-is — no repairs or cleanup required.

Step 5: Sell the Property

The Personal Representative has the authority to sell the property. In Florida, the PR may need court approval to sell real property depending on the type of probate administration. A real estate attorney can guide this process.

Step 6: Distribute Proceeds

After paying estate debts, taxes, and closing costs, the remaining proceeds are distributed to the heirs according to the will or Florida intestacy laws.