Wills

A will is a document that expresses a person's wishes for the distribution of their property after death. A will usually names a personal representative to administer the will.

The custodian of the will must file the original will within 10 days of receiving information that the person is deceased. Pursuant to Florida law, the custodian must deposit the will with the Clerk in the county where the decedent resided. If the decedent resided in Sarasota County, the will should be filed with the Sarasota County Clerk and Comptroller at either office location, Sarasota or Venice.

There is no fee to file\deposit a will.

Upon file\deposit of the will, the custodian must provide the Clerk with the following information:

  • the decedent's date of death
    OR
  • the decedent’s social security number

If a person dies intestate (without a will), his or her property will be distributed according to Florida law.

Legal Representation

An attorney is not necessary to file a will with the Sarasota Clerk and Comptroller’s Office. However, you may wish to consult with an attorney before filing so that they can determine whether probate proceedings are necessary.

Search for a Will Online

Follow the steps below to search wills filed in Sarasota County:

  • Go to the ClerkNet portal
  • Select Records Search
  • Under Court Type, select Probate/Guardianship/Mental Health
  • Then under Case Type, select Wills for Safekeeping
  • Enter an approximate date range of when the will would have been filed
  • Find the will you are looking for in the search result list
  • If you need assistance, please call our Probate Department: (941) 861-7400
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