Florida Inheritance Advance — Get Cash While Probate Takes Its Course

What is an inheritance advance in Florida?

A Florida inheritance advance (also called a probate advance or probate cash advance) gives you immediate access to a portion of your expected inheritance while the estate works through Florida's court process. Unlike a traditional inheritance loan, an advance carries no monthly payments, no interest charges, and requires no credit check.

Here is how it works: we advance you a portion of your expected share, typically within 48 hours. When probate closes and the estate distributes funds, our advance plus a flat fee is repaid directly from the estate proceeds. If the estate produces less than expected, you owe nothing — the advance is completely non-recourse.

To get started, request a free, confidential quote or call (800) 617-7260. There is no obligation and no upfront cost.

How probate works in Florida

Florida is one of the most common states for probate proceedings, partly due to its large retiree population and the significant real estate holdings many Floridians maintain. The state has a well-defined probate system handled through circuit courts. Florida offers two main types of probate: formal administration (for most estates) and summary administration (a simplified process for smaller estates). Consult a Florida probate attorney for guidance specific to your situation.

General Florida probate timeline

Filing and appointment (weeks 1-4). The petition for administration is filed in the circuit court of the county where the deceased resided. The court appoints a personal representative (Florida's term for executor) and issues letters of administration.

Creditor notification (months 1-4+). The personal representative must publish a notice to creditors in a local newspaper for two consecutive weeks. Known creditors must also be served individually. Creditors generally have three months from the date of first publication to file claims — this mandatory minimum applies to virtually every Florida formal administration.

Asset inventory and management (months 1-6+). Florida requires the personal representative to file an inventory of estate assets within 60 days of appointment. Real estate, financial accounts, personal property, and business interests must all be identified and valued.

Debt settlement and taxes (months 3-9+). Valid creditor claims are resolved, debts are paid, and final tax returns are prepared. Florida does not have a state estate tax, but federal estate tax may apply to larger estates.

Distribution and closing (months 6-18+). After the creditor period expires, debts are settled, and taxes addressed, the personal representative can petition the court to distribute assets and close the estate. A final accounting must be filed with the court.

Florida-specific considerations

Summary administration. A simplified probate track available for estates valued at $75,000 or less (not counting exempt homestead property) or when the deceased has been dead for more than two years. Faster and less expensive than formal administration, but with specific eligibility requirements.

Homestead protections. Florida has some of the strongest homestead protections in the country. The family home may be constitutionally protected from certain creditor claims, and there are specific rules about how homestead property can be devised in a will. These protections are complex and can significantly affect estate distribution.

Elective share. Florida law gives surviving spouses the right to claim an elective share — generally 30% of the elective estate (which includes both probate and certain non-probate assets) — regardless of what the will says. If a spouse elects this option, it can alter the distribution plan and add time to the process.

Ancillary probate. Florida sees many estates from individuals who owned property in multiple states. When the deceased owned Florida real estate but was a resident of another state, Florida requires a separate ancillary probate proceeding for the Florida property, adding complexity and time.

No state estate tax. Florida has no state-level estate tax, though larger estates may still be subject to federal estate tax.

How our Florida inheritance advance process works

Getting an inheritance advance through First Heritage Funding is straightforward. Here is the step-by-step process for Florida heirs:

Step 1: Free consultation. Call (800) 617-7260 or fill out our simple form. We will ask a few basic questions about the estate — the county, your relationship to the deceased, and a rough estimate of the estate's value. No credit check, no financial disclosures.

Step 2: Estate document review. Our team reviews the probate petition, will or trust documents, and other estate filings to verify the estate's assets and your status as a beneficiary. We work directly with the estate attorney to obtain documents.

Step 3: Receive your offer. Once verified, we present a clear offer: the advance amount and a flat fee. No hidden charges, no fine print. You have complete freedom to accept, decline, or ask questions — there is never any pressure.

Step 4: Funds delivered. If you accept, we prepare a simple assignment agreement and wire funds directly to your bank account — often within 24 to 48 hours of acceptance.

Step 5: Repayment at estate distribution. When the estate closes and funds are distributed, our portion is paid from the estate proceeds. You keep the rest. If the estate does not produce enough, you owe nothing.

Learn more about how our inheritance advance process works or see our complete step-by-step guide.

Why Florida heirs choose an inheritance advance

Florida's mandatory creditor periods, court filing requirements, and the prevalence of real estate in most estates mean that even straightforward cases take many months to resolve. Common reasons Florida heirs use an inheritance advance include:

Cover funeral and burial costs. Funeral expenses often need to be paid immediately, long before probate is resolved.

Pay mortgage, rent, or bills. Financial obligations do not pause for probate, especially if you were helping with a loved one's expenses.

Avoid high-interest debt. An inheritance advance has a flat fee with no interest — far better than carrying credit card debt for a year or more.

Handle estate-related costs. Property maintenance, insurance, probate fees, and estate attorney costs add up quickly during Florida administration.

Settle disputes between heirs. When siblings inherit property together or family members disagree, an advance can provide breathing room.

Whatever your reason, an inheritance advance puts you in control of your finances during a period otherwise defined by waiting. Explore all your options for accessing your inheritance early.

If you are a Florida heir waiting on probate

Florida's three-month creditor period, court requirements, and the prevalence of real estate mean most estates take 6-18 months at minimum. An inheritance advance from First Heritage Funding can bridge that gap with funds in as little as 48 hours. No credit check, no monthly payments, no personal risk, no obligation to proceed after your quote.

Get a free, confidential quote or call (800) 617-7260 to discuss your Florida estate.