FAQ
Does a Lady Bird Deed avoid probate in Florida?
That is one of the main reasons people use one. If the deed is prepared, signed, and recorded properly, the property can usually pass directly to the named beneficiaries at death instead of going through probate for that property. If you want the fuller explanation, read Does a Florida Lady Bird Deed Avoid Probate?.
Can I change my mind later?
Usually, yes. One of the biggest advantages of a Florida Lady Bird Deed is that it is generally revocable, which means you can often change beneficiaries or replace the deed later. See Can You Revoke a Florida Lady Bird Deed?.
What about Medicaid?
This is one of the most common questions people ask. Florida Lady Bird Deeds are often discussed in Medicaid-related planning because they are treated differently from an outright transfer. Still, the details matter. See Florida Lady Bird Deed and Medicaid.
Will it affect my homestead exemption?
In many cases, no. A Florida Lady Bird Deed is commonly used specifically because it allows the owner to keep lifetime control of the property. For more on that, see Homestead Exemption.
How much does it cost?
Current flat-fee pricing starts at $349 for an individual owner and $399 for married couples or joint owners, plus county recording fees. For more detail, see Pricing and Florida Lady Bird Deed Cost.
How does it compare to a trust or a will?
That depends on what you are trying to accomplish. If the main issue is one Florida property, a Lady Bird Deed is often much simpler than a broader estate-planning tool. Compare Lady Bird Deed vs. Revocable Trust, Lady Bird Deed vs. Living Trust, and Lady Bird Deed vs. Will.
What if the property is not eligible?
If the property is not a good fit for a Florida Lady Bird Deed, that should be caught before drafting. The point of the review step is to avoid pushing the wrong solution onto the wrong property.