Florida's Sunshine Law and Probate Records
Florida has one of the broadest public records laws in the United States. Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes, commonly known as the "Sunshine Law," establishes that all records made or received by any public agency are open for public inspection unless specifically exempted by statute.
Probate cases are filed with the circuit court through the county clerk of court, which is a public agency. As a result, probate filings are public records that anyone can access.
What Probate Records Are Public
The following probate documents are generally available for public inspection:
- Petitions for Administration (both summary and formal)
- The Last Will and Testament (once filed with the court)
- Letters of Administration
- Estate inventories listing assets and their values
- Notice to Creditors
- Creditor claims filed against the estate
- Accountings showing income, expenses, and distributions
- Orders of distribution
- Petitions for and orders of discharge
What Information Is Redacted or Confidential
While probate records are generally public, Florida law requires certain sensitive information to be redacted:
- Social Security numbers
- Bank account numbers
- Credit and debit card numbers
- Dates of birth (in certain circumstances)
- Names of minor children (in some cases)
Attorneys filing probate documents are responsible for redacting this information before filing. Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420 governs confidentiality of court records.
How to Search Probate Records in Manatee County
You can search Manatee County probate records through the Manatee County Clerk of Court website at manateeclerk.com. Search by case number, party name, or date range. In-person requests are also available at 1115 Manatee Avenue West, Bradenton.
How to Search Probate Records in Sarasota County
Sarasota County probate records are available through the Sarasota County Clerk of Court website at sarasotaclerk.com. The physical office is at 2002 Ringling Boulevard, Sarasota.
Why Would Someone Search Probate Records?
Common reasons people search probate records include:
- Verifying whether a deceased person's estate has been probated
- Checking the status of a pending probate case
- Identifying the personal representative of an estate
- Reviewing the assets listed in an estate inventory
- Verifying whether a creditor claim was filed
- Real estate title research (confirming property was distributed through probate)
- Genealogical research
Privacy Considerations for Estate Planning
Because probate records are public, some families choose estate planning strategies that keep their affairs private. A revocable living trust is the most common tool for avoiding the public nature of probate. Assets held in a trust are distributed privately by the trustee without court involvement or public filings.
Learn more about keeping your estate private: How to Avoid Probate in Florida.
Questions about probate records or estate privacy? Contact our probate team or call (941) 778-7721.