The 2023 Florida Statutes (including Special Session C)

Title XLII
ESTATES AND TRUSTS

Chapter 733
PROBATE CODE: ADMINISTRATION OF ESTATES

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F.S. 733.612

733.612 Transactions authorized for the personal representative; exceptions.—Except as otherwise provided by the will or court order, and subject to the priorities stated in s. 733.805, without court order, a personal representative, acting reasonably for the benefit of the interested persons, may properly:

(1) Retain assets owned by the decedent, pending distribution or liquidation, including those in which the personal representative is personally interested or that are otherwise improper for fiduciary investments.

(2) Perform or compromise, or, when proper, refuse to perform, the decedent’s contracts. In performing the decedent’s enforceable contracts to convey or lease real property, among other possible courses of action, the personal representative may:

(a) Convey the real property for cash payment of all sums remaining due or for the purchaser’s note for the sum remaining due, secured by a mortgage on the property.

(b) Deliver a deed in escrow, with directions that the proceeds, when paid in accordance with the escrow agreement, be paid as provided in the escrow agreement.

(3) Receive assets from fiduciaries or other sources.

(4) Invest funds as provided in ss. 518.10-518.14, considering the amount to be invested, liquidity needs of the estate, and the time until distribution will be made.

(5) Acquire or dispose of an asset, excluding real property in this or another state, for cash or on credit and at public or private sale, and manage, develop, improve, exchange, partition, or change the character of an estate asset.

(6) Make ordinary or extraordinary repairs or alterations in buildings or other structures; demolish improvements; or erect new party walls or buildings.

(7) Enter into a lease, as lessor or lessee, for a term within, or extending beyond, the period of administration, with or without an option to renew.

(8) Enter into a lease or arrangement for exploration and removal of minerals or other natural resources or enter into a pooling or unitization agreement.

(9) Abandon property when it is valueless or so encumbered, or in a condition, that it is of no benefit to the estate.

(10) Vote, or refrain from voting, stocks or other securities in person or by general or limited proxy.

(11) Pay calls, assessments, and other sums chargeable or accruing against, or on account of, securities, unless barred by the provisions relating to claims.

(12) Hold property in the name of a nominee or in other form without disclosure of the interest of the estate, but the personal representative is liable for any act of the nominee in connection with the property so held.

(13) Insure the assets of the estate against damage or loss and insure against personal and fiduciary liability to third persons.

(14) Borrow money, with or without security, to be repaid from the estate assets or otherwise, other than real property, and advance money for the protection of the estate.

(15) Extend, renew, or in any manner modify any obligation owing to the estate. If the personal representative holds a mortgage, security interest, or other lien upon property of another person, he or she may accept a conveyance or transfer of encumbered assets from the owner in satisfaction of the indebtedness secured by its lien instead of foreclosure.

(16) Pay taxes, assessments, and other expenses incident to the administration of the estate.

(17) Sell or exercise stock subscription or conversion rights or consent, directly or through a committee or other agent, to the reorganization, consolidation, merger, dissolution, or liquidation of a corporation or other business enterprise.

(18) Allocate items of income or expense to either estate income or principal, as permitted or provided by law.

(19) Employ persons, including, but not limited to, attorneys, accountants, auditors, appraisers, investment advisers, and others, even if they are one and the same as the personal representative or are associated with the personal representative, to advise or assist the personal representative in the performance of administrative duties; act upon the recommendations of those employed persons without independent investigation; and, instead of acting personally, employ one or more agents to perform any act of administration, whether or not discretionary. Any fees and compensation paid to a person who is the same as, associated with, or employed by, the personal representative shall be taken into consideration in determining the personal representative’s compensation.

(20) Prosecute or defend claims or proceedings in any jurisdiction for the protection of the estate, of the decedent’s property, and of the personal representative.

(21) Sell, mortgage, or lease any personal property of the estate or any interest in it for cash, credit, or for part cash or part credit, and with or without security for the unpaid balance.

(22) Continue any unincorporated business or venture in which the decedent was engaged at the time of death:

(a) In the same business form for a period of not more than 4 months from the date of appointment, if continuation is a reasonable means of preserving the value of the business, including good will.

(b) In the same business form for any additional period of time that may be approved by court order.

(23) Provide for exoneration of the personal representative from personal liability in any contract entered into on behalf of the estate.

(24) Satisfy and settle claims and distribute the estate as provided in this code.

(25) Enter into agreements with the proper officer or department head, commissioner, or agent of any department of the government of the United States, waiving the statute of limitations concerning the assessment and collection of any federal tax or any deficiency in a federal tax.

(26) Make partial distribution to the beneficiaries of any part of the estate not necessary to satisfy claims, expenses of administration, taxes, family allowance, exempt property, and an elective share, in accordance with the decedent’s will or as authorized by operation of law.

(27) Execute any instruments necessary in the exercise of the personal representative’s powers.

History.—s. 1, ch. 74-106; s. 78, ch. 75-220; s. 3, ch. 76-172; s. 31, ch. 77-87; s. 1, ch. 77-174; s. 271, ch. 79-400; s. 1009, ch. 97-102; s. 135, ch. 2001-226; s. 7, ch. 2020-67.

F.S. 733.612 on Google Scholar

F.S. 733.612 on Casetext

Amendments to 733.612

Arrestable Offenses / Crimes under Fla. Stat. 733.612

Level: Degree
Misdemeanor/Felony: First/Second/Third

Current data shows no reason an arrest or criminal charge should have occurred directly under Florida Statute 733.612.

Annotations, Discussions, Cases:

Cases from cite.case.law:

AL BATHA, Al v. AGENCY FOR HEALTH CARE ADMINISTRATION,, 263 So. 3d 817 (Fla. App. Ct. 2019)

. . . See § 733.612(20), Fla. Stat. (2016) ; Fla. R. Civ. P. 1.210(a). . . .

UNITED STATES v. ESTATE OF SCHOENFELD a, 344 F. Supp. 3d 1354 (M.D. Fla. 2018)

. . . . § 733.612(20). . . .

HARRELL v. A. BADGER, M. a k a D., 171 So. 3d 764 (Fla. Dist. Ct. App. 2015)

. . . Lewy, 505 So.2d 525 (Fla. 3d DCA 1987), wherein the Third District Court applied section 733.612(21), . . .

B. BOOKMAN, E. v. DAVIDSON,, 136 So. 3d 1276 (Fla. Dist. Ct. App. 2014)

. . . To accommodate the personal representative’s exercise of her or his duties, section 733.612, Florida . . . See § 733.612(19), Fla. Stat. . . . See §§ 733.612(19) & 733.6171(1), Florida Statutes. . . . See § 733.612(20), Fla. Stat. . . .

SYFRETT, v. SYFRETT- MOORE, Co- ESTATE OF L. SYFRETT,, 115 So. 3d 1127 (Fla. Dist. Ct. App. 2013)

. . . See § 733.612(20), Fla. . . .

KAPLAN, v. KAPLAN,, 903 F. Supp. 2d 1304 (M.D. Fla. 2012)

. . . (Doc. 43, ¶ 27) Section 733.612(24), Florida Statutes, grants a personal representative the authority . . .

LEVINE, f k a v. HORWITZ,, 67 So. 3d 1145 (Fla. Dist. Ct. App. 2011)

. . . (finding that the decedent wife’s estate was a party within the terms of section 61.16); see also § 733.612 . . .

LAURITSEN, v. WALLACE,, 67 So. 3d 285 (Fla. Dist. Ct. App. 2011)

. . . Debts acquired after death by the continuation of the decedent’s business, in accordance with section 733.612 . . .

In AMENDMENTS TO THE FLORIDA PROBATE RULES, 50 So. 3d 578 (Fla. 2010)

. . . . § 733.612(5), (22), (24), Fla. Stat. . . . General duties. § 733.612(18), Fla. Stat. . . .

In AMENDMENTS TO THE FLORIDA PROBATE RULES, 964 So. 2d 140 (Fla. 2007)

. . . . § 733.612(18), Fla. Stat. . . . Notice. § 733.612(19), Fla. Stat. . . .

GUNDERSON, v. SCHOOL DISTRICT OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY CNA, 937 So. 2d 777 (Fla. Dist. Ct. App. 2006)

. . . In addition, section 733.612(2), Florida Statutes (2004), authorizes a personal representative to “perform . . . or compromise, or when proper, refuse to perform, the decedent’s contracts.... ” Similarly, section 733.612 . . .

In ESTATE OF WEJANOWSKI. v. A., 920 So. 2d 190 (Fla. Dist. Ct. App. 2006)

. . . Pursuant to section 733.612, Florida Statutes (2002), the personal representative “acting reasonably . . . personal representative from personal liability, nor does it eliminate the requirements of section 733.612 . . . . § 733.612(19), (20). . . .

In AMENDMENTS TO THE FLORIDA PROBATE RULES TWO YEAR CYCLE, 912 So. 2d 1178 (Fla. 2005)

. . . . § 733.612(18), Fla. Stat. . . .

AMENDMENTS TO THE FLORIDA PROBATE RULES, 848 So. 2d 1069 (Fla. 2003)

. . . . § 733.612(5), (22), (24), Fla. Stat. . . . General duties. § 733.612(18), Fla. Stat. . . . Notice^ — method and time; proof. § 733.612(19), Fla. Stat. . . .

CHASE MANHATTAN BANK, USA, N. A. v. ESTATE OF PATRICIA SILVEIRA,, 815 So. 2d 770 (Fla. Dist. Ct. App. 2002)

. . . — Debts acquired after death by the continuation of the decedent's business, in accordance with s. 733.612 . . .

AMENDMENTS TO THE FLORIDA PROBATE RULES, 824 So. 2d 849 (Fla. 2002)

. . . . § 733.612(18), Fla. Stat. Transactions authorized for the personal representative; exceptions. . . .

AMENDMENTS TO THE FLORIDA PROBATE RULES, 778 So. 2d 272 (Fla. 2000)

. . . Statutory References § 733.612(20), Fla. Stat. . . .

In ESTATE OF C. CATAPANE, C. P. A. C. v. By, 759 So. 2d 9 (Fla. Dist. Ct. App. 2000)

. . . See § 733.612(19), Fla. Stat. . . .

J. BAKER, v. F. VIDOLI, 751 So. 2d 608 (Fla. Dist. Ct. App. 1999)

. . . See also § 733.612, Fla. Stat. (1995). . . .

TEAGUE, v. ESTATE OF D. HOSKINS,, 709 So. 2d 1373 (Fla. 1998)

. . . — Debts acquired after death by the continuation of the decedent’s business, in accordance with s. 733.612 . . . —Debts acquired after death by the continuation of the decedent’s business, in accordance with s. 733.612 . . .

WILLIAMS, v. STATE, 711 So. 2d 41 (Fla. Dist. Ct. App. 1998)

. . . . §§ 733.602, 733.603, 733.607, 733.608, 733.612, and 733.617, Fla. Stat. (1997). . . .

In MONTANEZ, DIDIEGO, v. CROCKETT, FRANKLIN CHASEN, P. A., 687 So. 2d 943 (Fla. Dist. Ct. App. 1997)

. . . .” § 733.612(20), Fla. Stat. . . .

TEAGUE, v. ESTATE OF D. HOSKINS,, 684 So. 2d 293 (Fla. Dist. Ct. App. 1996)

. . . — Debts acquired after death by the continuation of the decedent’s business, in accordance with s. 733.612 . . .

AMENDMENTS TO FLORIDA PROBATE RULES, 683 So. 2d 78 (Fla. 1996)

. . . . § 733.612(18), Fla.Stat. Transactions authorized for the personal representative; exceptions. . . . Notice; method and time; proof. § 733.612(19), FlcuStat. . . .

ESTATE OF BROCK, BROCK, Jr. v. D. BROCK,, 695 So. 2d 714 (Fla. Dist. Ct. App. 1996)

. . . However, section 733.612(19), Florida Statutes (1993), authorizes the personal representative to employ . . .

STATE v. J. LAHURD,, 632 So. 2d 1101 (Fla. Dist. Ct. App. 1994)

. . . Although section 733.612, Florida Statutes (1991) permits the personal representative to exercise certain . . .

UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER, v. J. ZEILER,, 625 So. 2d 120 (Fla. Dist. Ct. App. 1993)

. . . .-602; 733.609; 733.612(20), (24), (26). . . .

In AMENDMENTS TO FLORIDA PROBATE RULES, 607 So. 2d 1306 (Fla. 1992)

. . . Statutory References 733.612(20), Fla.Stat. . . . (24) (Claims), (6) F.S. 733.612(5) (Purchase on Credit). (7) F.S. 733.612(24) (Distribution and Discharge . . . Inventory. § 733.612(5), (22), (24), Fla.Stat. . . . General duties. § 733.612(18), Fla.Stat. . . . Statutory References 733.612(22), Fla.Stat. . . .

In ESTATE OF LANE,, 562 So. 2d 352 (Fla. Dist. Ct. App. 1990)

. . . See sections 733.106(2), 733.612(19) and 733.612(20) (which authorize the personal representative to . . .

IN RE ESTATE OF FRIEDMAN, WOLF v. FRIEDMAN,, 35 Fla. Supp. 2d 148 (Fla. Cir. Ct. 1989)

. . . retained Shearson Lehman Hutton, Inc. for brokerage services and investment advice, pursuant to Section 733.612 . . . However, the Florida Probate Code has, in Section 733.612(1), eliminated this standard (and therefore . . . stock, did not have the protection granted the personal representatives in the instant action by § 733.612 . . . In addition, Section 733.612(19) states specifically the personal representatives may properly act upon . . . held that, even absent the statutory protections granted to the personal representatives in Section 733.612 . . .

C. TILLMAN, L. v. SMITH,, 533 So. 2d 928 (Fla. Dist. Ct. App. 1988)

. . . — Debts acquired after death by the continuation of the decedent’s business, in accordance with s. 733.612 . . .

THE FLORIDA BAR. In Re RULES OF PROBATE AND GUARDIANSHIP PROCEDURE, 537 So. 2d 500 (Fla. 1988)

. . . Statutory References F.S. 733.612(20) Transactions authorized for the personal representative; exceptions . . . 733.604 (Inventory). (2) F.S. 733.901 (Accounting). (3) F.S. 733.613 (Sale or Confirmation). (4) F.S. 733.612 . . . (22) (Business). (5) F.S. 733.612(24) (Claims). (6) F.S. 733.612(5) (Purchase on Credit). (7) F.S. 733.612 . . . Committee Notes Rule History 1975 Revision: New rule F.S. 733.612. 1984 Revision: Extensive changes in . . . Statutory References F.S. 733.612(22) Transactions authorized for the personal representative; exceptions . . .

THE FLORIDA BAR. In Re RULES OF PROBATE AND GUARDIANSHIP PROCEDURE, 531 So. 2d 1261 (Fla. 1988)

. . . Statutory References F.S. 733.612(20) Transactions authorized for the personal representative; exceptions . . . 733.604 (Inventory). (2) F.S. 733.901 (Accounting). (3) F.S. 733.613 (Sale or Confirmation). (4) F.S. 733.612 . . . (22) (Business). (5) F.S. 733.612(24) (Claims). (6) F.S. 733.612(5) (Purchase on Credit). (7) F.S. 733.612 . . . F.S. 733.612. 1984 Revision: Extensive changes in rule and title. . . . Statutory References F.S. 733.612(22) Transactions authorized for the personal representative; exceptions . . .

In ESTATE OF PEARCE,, 507 So. 2d 729 (Fla. Dist. Ct. App. 1987)

. . . General power of the personal representative” and refers to his control of the estate’s assets; section 733.612 . . .

WOHL, v. LEWY, 505 So. 2d 525 (Fla. Dist. Ct. App. 1987)

. . . Section 733.612(21), Florida Statutes (1985), provides that a personal representative, acting reasonably . . .

RAYMOND, v. ESTATE Of KAUFMAN,, 505 So. 2d 529 (Fla. Dist. Ct. App. 1987)

. . . Strickland, 158 Fla. 736, 30 So.2d 100 (1947); §§ 733.607, 733.612(20), Fla.Stat. (1985); 18 Fla.Jur.2d . . .

SMAIL, M. v. HUTCHINS,, 491 So. 2d 301 (Fla. Dist. Ct. App. 1986)

. . . See §§ 733.612(20), 46.021, Fla.Stat. (1985). . . .

THE FLORIDA BAR RE AMENDMENT TO RULES- PROBATE AND GUARDIANSHIP, 458 So. 2d 1079 (Fla. 1984)

. . . Statutory Reference F.S. 733.612(20) Transactions authorized for the personal representative; exceptions . . . F.S. 733.612. 1984 Revision: Extensive changes in rule and title. . . . Statutory Reference F.S. 733.612(22) Transactions authorized for the personal representative; exceptions . . .

O. RAY, O. v. J. ROTELLA,, 425 So. 2d 94 (Fla. Dist. Ct. App. 1982)

. . . . § 733.612, Fla.Stat. (1981). . . . See §§ 733.608(3), 733.612(26), and 733.810, Fla.Stat. (1981). . . .

ESTATE OF CONGER, M. v. CONGER,, 414 So. 2d 230 (Fla. Dist. Ct. App. 1982)

. . . Section 733.612(10), Florida Statutes (1979). . . . While we agree that Section 733.612(10), Florida Statutes (1979) permits a personal representative to . . .

ADLER, v. ADLER, E., 418 So. 2d 1007 (Fla. Dist. Ct. App. 1982)

. . . See Sec. 733.612(20), Fla. Stat. Secondly, Mr. . . .

D. ALLEN, v. In ESTATE C. DUTTON,, 394 So. 2d 132 (Fla. Dist. Ct. App. 1980)

. . . Shannon, 376 So.2d 858 (Fla. 1979); see § 733.612(20), Fla.Stat. (1979). . . . .

BECK, a k a v. BECK, a k a R., 383 So. 2d 268 (Fla. Dist. Ct. App. 1980)

. . . Section 733.612(22), Florida Statutes (Supp. 1976) authorizes the personal representative to continue . . . All of the powers conferred upon the personal representative under Section 733.612, Florida Statutes . . .

THE FLORIDA BAR. In SUPPLEMENTAL PETITION FOR CHANGES IN FLORIDA RULES OF PROBATE AND GUARDIANSHIP PROCEDURE, 344 So. 2d 828 (Fla. 1977)

. . . 733.604 (Inventory). (2) FPC 733.901 (Accounting). (3) FPC 733.613 (Sale or Confirmation). (4) FPC 733.612 . . . (22) (Business). (5) FPC 733.612(24) (Claims). (6) FPC 733.612(5) (Purchase On Credit). (7) FPC 733.612 . . . new probate code and sets forth the court’s implied power to extend the statutory authority in FPC 733.612 . . . Statutory References: FPC 733.612(22). As to: (a) FPC 733.612(22)(a) & (b). . . . (b), (c), (d), & (e) No specific statutory reference, except to carry philosophy of FPC 733.612 in its . . .

In FLORIDA RULES OF PROBATE AND GUARDIANSHIP PROCEDURE, 324 So. 2d 38 (Fla. 1975)

. . . FPC 733.604 (Inventory) (2) FPC 733.901 (Accounting) (3) FPC 733.613 (Sale or Confirmation) (4) FPC 733.612 . . . (22) (Business) (5) FPC 733.612(24) (Claims) (6) FPC 733.612(5) (Purchase On Credit) (7) FPC 733.612( . . . the new probate code and sets forth the courts implied power to extend the statutory authority in FPC 733.612 . . . STATUTORY REFERENCE: FPC 733.612(22) As to: (a) FPC 733.612(22) (a) & (b). . . . (b) (c) (d) & (e) No specific statutory reference, except to carry philosophy of FPC 733.612 in its entirety . . .