CHAPTER 732

732.101 Intestate estate. (1) Any part of the estate of a decedent not effectively disposed of by will passes to the decedent’s heirs as prescribed in the following sections of this code. (2) The decedent’s death is the event that vests the heirs’ right to the decedent’s intestate property. History. — s. 1, ch. 74-106; s. 8, ch. 75-220; s. 14, ch. 2001-226. Note. — Created from former s. 731.23. 732.102 Spouse’s share of intestate estate. The intestate share of the surviving spouse is: (1) If there is no surviving descendant of the decedent, the entire intestate estate. (2) If the decedent is survived by one or more descendants, all of whom are also descendants of the surviving spouse, and the surviving spouse has no other descendant, the entire intestate estate. (3) If there are one or more surviving descendants of the decedent who are not lineal descendants of the surviving spouse, one-half of the intestate estate. (4) If there are one or more surviving descendants of the decedent, all of whom are also descendants of the surviving spouse, and the surviving spouse has one or more descendants who are not descendants of the decedent, one-half of the intestate estate. History. — s. 1, ch. 74-106; s. 8, ch. 75-220; s. 15, ch. 2001-226; s. 5, ch. 2007-74; s. 2, ch. 2011-183. Note. — Created from former s. 731.23. 732.103 Share of other heirs. The part of the intestate estate not passing to the surviving spouse under s. 732.102, or the entire intestate estate if there is no surviving spouse, descends as follows: (1) To the descendants of the decedent. (2) If there is no descendant, to the decedent’s father and mother equally, or to the survivor of them. (3) If there is none of the foregoing, to the decedent’s brothers and sisters and the descendants of deceased brothers and sisters. (4) If there is none of the foregoing, the estate shall be divided, one-half of which shall go to the decedent’s paternal, and the other half to the decedent’s maternal, kindred in the following order: (a) To the grandfather and grandmother equally, or to the survivor of them. (b) If there is no grandfather or grandmother, to uncles and aunts and descendants of deceased uncles and aunts of the decedent. (c) If there is either no paternal kindred or no maternal kindred, the estate shall go to the other kindred who survive, in the order stated above. (5) If there is no kindred of either part, the whole of the property shall go to the kindred of the last deceased spouse of the decedent as if the deceased spouse had survived the decedent and then died intestate entitled to the estate. (6) If none of the foregoing, and if any of the descendants of the decedent’s great-grandparents were Holocaust victims as defined in s. 626.9543(3)(a), including such victims in countries cooperating with the discriminatory policies of Nazi Germany, then to the descendants of the great-grandparents. The court shall allow any such descendant to meet a reasonable, not unduly restrictive, standard of proof to substantiate his or her lineage. This subsection only applies to escheated property and shall cease to be effective for proceedings filed after December 31, 2004. History. — s. 1, ch. 74-106; s. 8, ch. 75-220; s. 1, ch. 77-174; s. 16, ch. 2001-226; s. 145, ch. 2004-390; s. 102, ch. 2006-1; s. 6, ch. 2007-74. Note. — Created from former s. 731.23. 732.104 Inheritance per stirpes. Descent shall be per stirpes, whether to descendants or to collateral heirs. History. — s. 1, ch. 74-106; s. 9, ch. 75-220; s. 7, ch. 2007-74. Note. — Created from former s. 731.25. 732.105 Half blood. When property descends to the collateral kindred of the intestate and part of the collateral kindred are of the whole blood to the intestate and the other part of the half blood, those of the half blood shall inherit only half as much as those of the whole blood; but if all are of the half blood they shall have whole parts. History. — s. 1, ch. 74-106; s. 10, ch. 75-220. Note. — Created from former s. 731.24. 732.106 Afterborn heirs. Heirs of the decedent conceived before his or her death, but born thereafter, inherit intestate property as if they had been born in the decedent’s lifetime. History. — s. 1, ch. 74-106; s. 10, ch. 75-220; s. 6, ch. 77-87; s. 952, ch. 97-102. Note. — Created from former s. 731.11. 732.107 Escheat. (1) When a person dies leaving an estate without being survived by any person entitled to a part of it, that part shall escheat to the state. (2) Property that escheats shall be sold as provided in the Florida Probate Rules and the proceeds paid to the Chief Financial Officer of the state and deposited in the State School Fund. (3) At any time within 10 years after the payment to the Chief Financial Officer, a person claiming to be entitled to the proceeds may reopen the administration to assert entitlement to the proceeds. If no claim is timely asserted, the state’s rights to the proceeds shall become absolute. (4) The Department of Legal Affairs shall represent the state in all proceedings concerning escheated estates. (5)(a) If a person entitled to the proceeds assigns the rights to receive payment to an attorney, Florida-certified public accountant, or private investigative agency which is duly licensed to do business in this state pursuant to a written agreement with that person, the Department of Financial Services is authorized to make distribution in accordance with the assignment. (b) Payments made to an attorney, Florida-certified public accountant, or private investigative agency shall be promptly deposited into a trust or escrow account which is regularly maintained by the attorney, Florida-certified public accountant, or private investigative agency in a financial institution authorized to accept such deposits and located in this state. (c) Distribution by the attorney, Florida-certified public accountant, or private investigative agency to the person entitled to the proceeds shall be made within 10 days following final credit of the deposit into the trust or escrow account at the financial institution, unless a party to the agreement protests the distribution in writing before it is made. (d) The department shall not be civilly or criminally liable for any proceeds distributed pursuant to this subsection, provided such distribution is made in good faith. History. — s. 1, ch. 74-106; s. 10, ch. 75-220; s. 4, ch. 89-291; s. 9, ch. 89-299; s. 953, ch. 97-102; s. 32, ch. 2001-36; s. 17, ch. 2001-226; s. 1896, ch. 2003-261. Note. — Created from former s. 731.33. 732.108 Adopted persons and persons born out of wedlock. (1) For the purpose of intestate succession by or from an adopted person, the adopted person is a descendant of the adopting parent and is one of the natural kindred of all members of the adopting parent’s family, and is not a descendant of his or her natural parents, nor is he or she one of the kindred of any member of the natural parent’s family or any prior adoptive parent’s family, except that: (a) Adoption of a child by the spouse of a natural parent has no effect on the relationship between the child and the natural parent or the natural parent’s family. (b) Adoption of a child by a natural parent’s spouse who married the natural parent after the death of the other natural parent has no effect on the relationship between the child and the family of the deceased natural parent. (c) Adoption of a child by a close relative, as defined in s. 63.172(2), has no effect on the relationship between the child and the families of the deceased natural parents. (2) For the purpose of intestate succession in cases not covered by subsection (1), a person born out of wedlock is a descendant of his or her mother and is one of the natural kindred of all members of the mother’s family. The person is also a descendant of his or her father and is one of the natural kindred of all members of the father’s family, if: (a) The natural parents participated in a marriage ceremony before or after the birth of the person born out of wedlock, even though the attempted marriage is void. (b) The paternity of the father is established by an adjudication before or after the death of the father. Chapter 95 shall not apply in determining heirs in a probate proceeding under this paragraph. (c) The paternity of the father is acknowledged in writing by the father. History. — s. 1, ch. 74-106; s. 11, ch. 75-220; s. 7, ch. 77-87; s. 1, ch. 77-174; s. 2, ch. 87-27; s. 954, ch. 97-102; s. 8, ch. 2007-74; s. 2, ch. 2009-115. Note. — Created from former ss. 731.29, 731.30. 732.1081 Termination of parental rights. For the purpose of intestate succession by a natural or adoptive parent, a natural or adoptive parent is barred from inheriting from or through a child if the natural or adoptive parent’s parental rights were terminated pursuant to chapter 39 prior to the death of the child, and the natural or adoptive parent shall be treated as if the parent predeceased the child. History. — s. 4, ch. 2012-109. 732.109 Debts to decedent. A debt owed to the decedent shall not be charged against the intestate share of any person except the debtor. If the debtor does not survive the decedent, the debt shall not be taken into account in computing the intestate share of the debtor’s heirs. History. — s. 1, ch. 74-106; s. 11, ch. 75-220. Note. — Created from former s. 736.01. 732.1101 Aliens. Aliens shall have the same rights of inheritance as citizens. History. — s. 1, ch. 74-106; s. 113, ch. 75-220; s. 955, ch. 97-102; s. 18, ch. 2001-226. Note. — Created from former s. 731.28. 732.111 Dower and curtesy abolished. Dower and curtesy are abolished. History. — s. 1, ch. 74-106; s. 113, ch. 75-220. PART II ELECTIVE SHARE OF SURVIVING SPOUSE; RIGHTS IN COMMUNITY PROPERTY 732.201 Right to elective share. 732.2025 Definitions. 732.2035 Property entering into elective estate. 732.2045 Exclusions and overlapping application. 732.2055 Valuation of the elective estate. 732.2065 Amount of the elective share. 732.2075 Sources from which elective share payable; abatement. 732.2085 Liability of direct recipients and beneficiaries. 732.2095 Valuation of property used to satisfy elective share. 732.2105 Effect of election on other interests. 732.2115 Protection of payors and other third parties. 732.2125 Right of election; by whom exercisable. 732.2135 Time of election; extensions; withdrawal. 732.2145 Order of contribution; personal representative’s duty to collect contribution. 732.2151 Award of fees and costs in elective share proceedings. 732.2155 Effective date; effect of prior waivers; transition rules. 732.216 Short title. 732.217 Application. 732.218 Rebuttable presumptions. 732.219 Disposition upon death; waiver. 732.2211 Demands or disputes; statute of repose. 732.222 Purchaser for value or lender. 732.2231 Protection of payors and other third parties. 732.224 Creditor’s rights. 732.225 Acts of married persons. 732.226 Limitations on testamentary disposition. 732.227 Homestead defined. 732.228 Uniformity of application and construction. 732.201 Right to elective share. The surviving spouse of a person who dies domiciled in Florida has the right to a share of the elective estate of the decedent as provided in this part, to be designated the elective share. The election does not reduce what the spouse receives if the election were not made and the spouse is not treated as having predeceased the decedent. History. — s. 1, ch. 74-106; s. 13, ch. 75-220; s. 1, ch. 99-343; s. 3, ch. 2016-189. Note. — Created from former s. 731.34. 732.2025 Definitions. As used in ss. 732.2025-732.2155, the term: (1) “Direct recipient” means the decedent’s probate estate and any other person who receives property included in the elective estate by transfer from the decedent, including transfers described in s. 732.2035(9), by right of survivorship, or by beneficiary designation under a governing instrument. For this purpose, a beneficiary of an insurance policy on the decedent’s life, the net cash surrender value of which is included in the elective estate, is treated as having received property included in the elective estate. In the case of property held in trust, “direct recipient” includes the trustee but excludes the beneficiaries of the trust. (2) “Elective share trust” means a trust under which: (a) The surviving spouse is entitled for life to the use of the property or to all of the income payable at least as often as annually; (b) The surviving spouse has the right under the terms of the trust or state law to require the trustee either to make the property productive or to convert it within a reasonable time; and (c) During the spouse’s life, no person other than the spouse has the power to distribute income or principal to anyone other than the spouse. As used in this subsection, the term “income” has the same meaning as that provided in s. 643(b) of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended, and regulations adopted under that section. (3) “General power of appointment” means a power of appointment under which the holder of the power, whether or not the holder has the capacity to exercise it, has the power to create a present or future interest in the holder, the holder’s estate, or the creditors of either. The term includes a power to consume or invade the principal of a trust, but only if the power is not limited by an ascertainable standard relating to the holder’s health, education, support, or maintenance. (4) “Governing instrument” means a deed; will; trust; insurance or annuity policy; account with payable-on-death designation; security registered in beneficiary form (TOD); pension, profit-sharing, retirement, or similar benefit plan; an instrument creating or exercising a power of appointment or a power of attorney; or a dispositive, appointive, or nominative instrument of any similar type. (5) “Payor” means an insurer, business entity, employer, government, governmental agency or subdivision, or any other person, other than the decedent’s personal representative or a trustee of a trust created by the decedent, authorized or obligated by law or a governing instrument to make payments. (6) “Person” includes an individual, trust, estate, partnership, association, company, or corporation. (7) “Probate estate” means all property wherever located that is subject to estate administration in any state of the United States or in the District of Columbia. (8) “Qualifying special needs trust” or “supplemental needs trust” means a trust established for an ill or disabled surviving spouse with court approval before or after a decedent’s death, if, commencing on the decedent’s death: (a) The income and principal are distributable to or for the benefit of the spouse for life in the discretion of one or more trustees less than half of whom are ineligible family trustees. For purposes of this paragraph, ineligible family trustees include the decedent’s grandparents and any descendants of the decedent’s grandparents who are not also descendants of the surviving spouse; and (b) During the spouse’s life, no person other than the spouse has the power to distribute income or principal to anyone other than the spouse. The requirement for court approval shall not apply if the aggregate value of all property in all qualifying special needs trusts for the spouse is less than $100,000. For purposes of this subsection, value is determined on the “applicable valuation date” as defined in s. 732.2095(1)(a). (9) “Revocable trust” means a trust that is includable in the elective estate under s. 732.2035(5). (10) “Transfer in satisfaction of the elective share” means an irrevocable transfer by the decedent during life to an elective share trust. (11) “Transfer tax value” means the value the interest would have for purposes of the United States estate and gift tax laws if it passed without consideration to an unrelated person on the applicable valuation date. History. — s. 2, ch. 99-343; s. 19, ch. 2001-226; s. 2, ch. 2002-82; s. 151, ch. 2004-5; s. 9, ch. 2007-74; s. 3, ch. 2009-115; s. 1, ch. 2017-121. 732.2035 Property entering into elective estate. Except as provided in s. 732.2045, the elective estate consists of the sum of the values as determined under s. 732.2055 of the following property interests: (1) The decedent’s probate estate. (2) The decedent’s interest in property which constitutes the protected homestead of the decedent. (3) The decedent’s ownership interest in accounts or securities registered in “Pay On Death,” “Transfer On Death,” “In Trust For,” or co-ownership with right of survivorship form. For this purpose, “decedent’s ownership interest” means, in the case of accounts or securities held in tenancy by the entirety, one-half of the value of the account or security, and in all other cases, that portion of the accounts or securities which the decedent had, immediately before death, the right to withdraw or use without the duty to account to any person. (4) The decedent’s fractional interest in property, other than property described in subsection (3) or subsection (8), held by the decedent in joint tenancy with right of survivorship or in tenancy by the entirety. For this purpose, “decedent’s fractional interest in property” means the value of the property divided by the number of tenants. (5) That portion of property, other than property described in subsections (2) and (3), transferred by the decedent to the extent that at the time of the decedent’s death the transfer was revocable by the decedent alone or in conjunction with any other person. This subsection does not apply to a transfer that is revocable by the decedent only with the consent of all persons having a beneficial interest in the property. (6)(a) That portion of property, other than property described in subsection (2), subsection (4), subsection (5), or subsection (8), transferred by the decedent to the extent that at the time of the decedent’s death: 1. The decedent possessed the right to, or in fact enjoyed the possession or use of, the income or principal of the property; or 2. The principal of the property could, in the discretion of any person other than the spouse of the decedent, be distributed or appointed to or for the benefit of the decedent. In the application of this subsection, a right to payments under a commercial or private annuity, an annuity trust, a unitrust, or a similar arrangement shall be treated as a right to that portion of the income of the property necessary to equal the annuity, unitrust, or other payment. (b) The amount included under this subsection is: 1. With respect to subparagraph (a)1., the value of the portion of the property to which the decedent’s right or enjoyment related, to the extent the portion passed to or for the benefit of any person other than the decedent’s probate estate; and 2. With respect to subparagraph (a)2., the value of the portion subject to the discretion, to the extent the portion passed to or for the benefit of any person other than the decedent’s probate estate. (c) This subsection does not apply to any property if the decedent’s only interests in the property are that: 1. The property could be distributed to or for the benefit of the decedent only with the consent of all persons having a beneficial interest in the property; or 2. The income or principal of the property could be distributed to or for the benefit of the decedent only through the exercise or in default of an exercise of a general power of appointment held by any person other than the decedent; or 3. The income or principal of the property is or could be distributed in satisfaction of the decedent’s obligation of support; or 4. The decedent had a contingent right to receive principal, other than at the discretion of any person, which contingency was beyond the control of the decedent and which had not in fact occurred at the decedent’s death. (7) The decedent’s beneficial interest in the net cash surrender value immediately before death of any policy of insurance on the decedent’s life. (8) The value of amounts payable to or for the benefit of any person by reason of surviving the decedent under any public or private pension, retirement, or deferred compensation plan, or any similar arrangement, other than benefits payable under the federal Railroad Retirement Act or the federal Social Security System. In the case of a defined contribution plan as defined in s. 414(i) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, this subsection shall not apply to the excess of the proceeds of any insurance policy on the decedent’s life over the net cash surrender value of the policy immediately before the decedent’s death. (9) Property that was transferred during the 1-year period preceding the decedent’s death as a result of a transfer by the decedent if the transfer was either of the following types: (a) Any property transferred as a result of the termination of a right or interest in, or power over, property that would have been included in the elective estate under subsection (5) or subsection (6) if the right, interest, or power had not terminated until the decedent’s death. (b) Any transfer of property to the extent not otherwise included in the elective estate, made to or for the benefit of any person, except: 1. Any transfer of property for medical or educational expenses to the extent it qualifies for exclusion from the United States gift tax under s. 2503(e) of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended; and 2. After the application of subparagraph 1., the first annual exclusion amount of property transferred to or for the benefit of each donee during the 1-year period, but only to the extent the transfer qualifies for exclusion from the United States gift tax under s. 2503(b) or (c) of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended. For purposes of this subparagraph, the term “annual exclusion amount” means the amount of one annual exclusion under s. 2503(b) or (c) of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended. (c) Except as provided in paragraph (d), for purposes of this subsection: 1. A “termination” with respect to a right or interest in property occurs when the decedent transfers or relinquishes the right or interest, and, with respect to a power over property, a termination occurs when the power terminates by exercise, release, lapse, default, or otherwise. 2. A distribution from a trust the income or principal of which is subject to subsection (5), subsection (6), or subsection (10) shall be treated as a transfer of property by the decedent and not as a termination of a right or interest in, or a power over, property. (d) Notwithstanding anything in paragraph (c) to the contrary: 1. A “termination” with respect to a right or interest in property does not occur when the right or interest terminates by the terms of the governing instrument unless the termination is determined by reference to the death of the decedent and the court finds that a principal purpose for the terms of the instrument relating to the termination was avoidance of the elective share. 2. A distribution from a trust is not subject to this subsection if the distribution is required by the terms of the governing instrument unless the event triggering the distribution is determined by reference to the death of the decedent and the court finds that a principal purpose of the terms of the governing instrument relating to the distribution is avoidance of the elective share. (10) Property transferred in satisfaction of the elective share. History. — s. 15, ch. 75-220; s. 3, ch. 99-343; s. 20, ch. 2001-226; s. 10, ch. 2007-74; s. 2, ch. 2017-121. Note. — Former s. 732.206. 732.2045 Exclusions and overlapping application. (1) EXCLUSIONS. — Section 732.2035 does not apply to: (a) Except as provided in s. 732.2155(4), any transfer of property by the decedent to the extent the transfer is irrevocable before the effective date of this subsection or after that date but before the date of the decedent’s marriage to the surviving spouse. (b) Any transfer of property by the decedent to the extent the decedent received adequate consideration in money or money’s worth for the transfer. (c) Any transfer of property by the decedent made with the written consent of the decedent’s spouse. For this purpose, spousal consent to split-gift treatment under the United States gift tax laws does not constitute written consent to the transfer by the decedent. (d) The proceeds of any policy of insurance on the decedent’s life in excess of the net cash surrender value of the policy whether payable to the decedent’s estate, a trust, or in any other manner. (e) Any policy of insurance on the decedent’s life maintained pursuant to a court order. (f) The decedent’s one-half of the property to which ss. 732.216-732.228, or any similar provisions of law of another state, apply and real property that is community property under the laws of the jurisdiction where it is located. (g) Property held in a qualifying special needs trust on the date of the decedent’s death. (h) Property included in the gross estate of the decedent for federal estate tax purposes solely because the decedent possessed a general power of appointment. (i) Property which constitutes the protected homestead of the decedent if the surviving spouse validly waived his or her homestead rights as provided under s. 732.702, or otherwise under applicable law, and such spouse did not receive any interest in the protected homestead upon the decedent’s death. (2) OVERLAPPING APPLICATION. — If s. 732.2035(1) and any other subsection of s. 732.2035 apply to the same property interest, the amount included in the elective estate under other subsections is reduced by the amount included under subsection (1). In all other cases, if more than one subsection of s. 732.2035 applies to a property interest, only the subsection resulting in the largest elective estate shall apply. History. — s. 4, ch. 99-343; s. 21, ch. 2001-226; s. 4, ch. 2009-115; s. 3, ch. 2017-121. 732.2055 Valuation of the elective estate. For purposes of s. 732.2035, “value” means: (1)(a) In the case of protected homestead: 1. If the surviving spouse receives a fee simple interest, the fair market value of the protected homestead on the date of the decedent’s death. 2. If the spouse takes a life estate as provided in s. 732.401(1), or validly elects to take an undivided one-half interest as a tenant in common as provided in s. 732.401(2), one-half of the fair market value of the protected homestead on the date of the decedent’s death. 3. If the surviving spouse validly waived his or her homestead rights as provided under s. 732.702 or otherwise under applicable law, but nevertheless receives an interest in the protected homestead, other than an interest described in s. 732.401, including an interest in trust, the value of the spouse’s interest is determined as property interests that are not protected homestead. (b) For purposes of this subsection, fair market value shall be calculated by deducting from the total value of the property all mortgages, liens, and security interests to which the protected homestead is subject and for which the decedent is liable, but only to the extent that such amount is not otherwise deducted as a claim paid or payable from the elective estate. (2) In the case of any policy of insurance on the decedent’s life includable under s. 732.2035(5), (6), or (7), the net cash surrender value of the policy immediately before the decedent’s death. (3) In the case of any policy of insurance on the decedent’s life includable under s. 732.2035(9), the net cash surrender value of the policy on the date of the termination or transfer. (4) In the case of amounts includable under s. 732.2035(8), the transfer tax value of the amounts on the date of the decedent’s death. (5) In the case of other property included under s. 732.2035(9), the fair market value of the property on the date of the termination or transfer, computed after deducting any mortgages, liens, or security interests on the property as of that date. (6) In the case of all other property, the fair market value of the property on the date of the decedent’s death, computed after deducting from the total value of the property: (a) All claims paid or payable from the elective estate; and (b) To the extent they are not deducted under paragraph (a), all mortgages, liens, or security interests on the property. History. — s. 5, ch. 99-343; s. 22, ch. 2001-226; s. 4, ch. 2017-121. 732.2065 Amount of the elective share. The elective share is an amount equal to 30 percent of the elective estate. History. — s. 15, ch. 75-220; s. 1, ch. 81-27; s. 6, ch. 99-343. Note. — Former s. 732.207. 732.2075 Sources from which elective share payable; abatement. (1) Unless otherwise provided in the decedent’s will or, in the absence of a provision in the decedent’s will, in a trust referred to in the decedent’s will, the following are applied first to satisfy the elective share: (a) Property interests included in the elective estate that pass or have passed to or for the benefit of the surviving spouse, including interests that are contingent upon making the election, but only to the extent that such contingent interests do not diminish other property interests that would be applied to satisfy the elective share in the absence of the contingent interests. (b) To the extent paid to or for the benefit of the surviving spouse, amounts payable under any plan or arrangement described in s. 732.2035(8). (c) To the extent paid to or for the benefit of the surviving spouse, the decedent’s one-half of any property described in s. 732.2045(1)(f). (d) To the extent paid to or for the benefit of the surviving spouse, the proceeds of any term or other policy of insurance on the decedent’s life if, at the time of decedent’s death, the policy was owned by any person other than the surviving spouse. (e) Property held for the benefit of the surviving spouse in a qualifying special needs trust. (f) Property interests that would have satisfied the elective share under any preceding paragraph of this subsection but were disclaimed. (2) If, after the application of subsection (1), the elective share is not fully satisfied, the unsatisfied balance shall be allocated entirely to one class of direct recipients of the remaining elective estate and apportioned among those recipients, and if the elective share amount is not fully satisfied, to the next class of direct recipients, in the following order of priority, until the elective share amount is satisfied: (a) Class 1. — The decedent’s probate estate and revocable trusts. (b) Class 2. — Recipients of property interests, other than protected charitable interests, included in the elective estate under s. 732.2035(3), (4), or (7) and, to the extent the decedent had at the time of death the power to designate the recipient of the property, property interests, other than protected charitable interests, included under s. 732.2035(6) and (8). (c) Class 3. — Recipients of all other property interests, other than protected charitable interests, included in the elective estate. For purposes of this subsection, a protected charitable interest is any interest for which a charitable deduction with respect to the transfer of the property was allowed or allowable to the decedent or the decedent’s spouse under the United States gift or income tax laws. (3) If, after the application of subsections (1) and (2), the elective share amount is not fully satisfied, the additional amount due to the surviving spouse shall be determined and satisfied as follows: (a) The remaining unsatisfied balance shall be satisfied from property described in paragraphs (1)(a) and (b) which passes or which has passed in a trust in which the surviving spouse has a beneficial interest, other than an elective share trust or a qualified special needs trust. (b) In determining the amount of the remaining unsatisfied balance, the effect, if any, of any change caused by the operation of this subsection in the value of the spouse’s beneficial interests in property described in paragraphs (1)(a) and (b) shall be taken into account, including, if necessary, further recalculations of the value of those beneficial interests. (c) If there is more than one trust to which this subsection could apply, unless otherwise provided in the decedent’s will or, in the absence of a provision in the decedent’s will, in a trust referred to in the decedent’s will, the unsatisfied balance shall be apportioned pro rata to all such trusts in proportion to the value, as determined under s. 732.2095(2)(f), of the surviving spouse’s beneficial interests in the trusts. (4) If, after the application of subsections (1), (2), and (3), the elective share is not fully satisfied, any remaining unsatisfied balance shall be satisfied from direct recipients of protected charitable lead interests, but only to the extent and at such times that contribution is permitted without disqualifying the charitable interest in that property for a deduction under the United States gift tax laws. For purposes of this subsection, a protected charitable lead interest is a protected charitable interest as defined in subsection (2) in which one or more deductible interests in charity precede some other nondeductible interest or interests in the property. (5) The contribution required of the decedent’s probate estate and revocable trusts may be made in cash or in kind. In the application of this subsection, subsections (6) and (7) are to be applied to charge contribution for the elective share to the beneficiaries of the probate estate and revocable trusts as if all beneficiaries were taking under a common governing instrument. (6) Unless otherwise provided in the decedent’s will or, in the absence of a provision in the decedent’s will, in a trust referred to in the decedent’s will, any amount to be satisfied from the decedent’s probate estate, other than from property passing to an inter vivos trust, shall be paid from the assets of the probate estate in the order prescribed in s. 733.805. (7) Unless otherwise provided in the trust instrument or, in the decedent’s will if there is no provision in the trust instrument, any amount to be satisfied from trust property shall be paid from the assets of the trust in the order provided for claims under s. 736.05053(2) and (3). A direction in the decedent’s will is effective only for revocable trusts. History. — s. 15, ch. 75-220; s. 7, ch. 99-343; s. 23, ch. 2001-226; s. 4, ch. 2002-82; s. 31, ch. 2006-217; s. 11, ch. 2007-74; s. 5, ch. 2009-115; s. 5, ch. 2017-121. Note. — Former s. 732.209. 732.2085 Liability of direct recipients and beneficiaries. (1) Only direct recipients of property included in the elective estate and the beneficiaries of the decedent’s probate estate or of any trust that is a direct recipient, are liable to contribute toward satisfaction of the elective share. (a) Within each of the classes described in s. 732.2075(2)(b) and (c), each direct recipient is liable in an amount equal to the value, as determined under s. 732.2055, of the proportional part of the liability for all members of the class. (b) Trust and probate estate beneficiaries who receive a distribution of principal after the decedent’s death are liable in an amount equal to the value of the principal distributed to them multiplied by the contribution percentage of the distributing trust or estate. For this purpose, “contribution percentage” means the remaining unsatisfied balance of the trust or estate at the time of the distribution divided by the value of the trust or estate as determined under s. 732.2055. “Remaining unsatisfied balance” means the amount of liability initially apportioned to the trust or estate reduced by amounts or property previously contributed by any person in satisfaction of that liability. (2) In lieu of paying the amount for which they are liable, beneficiaries who have received a distribution of property included in the elective estate and direct recipients other than the decedent’s probate estate or revocable trusts, may: (a) Contribute a proportional part of all property received; or (b) With respect to any property interest received before the date of the court’s order of contribution: 1. Contribute all of the property; or 2. If the property has been sold or exchanged prior to the date on which the spouse’s election is filed, pay an amount equal to the value of the property, less reasonable costs of sale, on the date it was sold or exchanged. In the application of paragraph (a), the “proportional part of all property received” is determined separately for each class of priority under s. 732.2075(2). (3) If a person pays the value of the property on the date of a sale or exchange or contributes all of the property received, as provided in paragraph (2)(b): (a) No further contribution toward satisfaction of the elective share shall be required with respect to that property. However, if a person’s required contribution is not fully paid by 2 years after the date of the death of the decedent, such person must also pay interest at the statutory rate on any portion of the required contribution that remains unpaid. (b) Any unsatisfied contribution is treated as additional unsatisfied balance and reapportioned to other recipients as provided in s. 732.2075 and this section. (4) If any part of s. 732.2035 or s. 732.2075 is preempted by federal law with respect to a payment, an item of property, or any other benefit included in the elective estate, a person who, not for value, receives the payment, item of property, or any other benefit is obligated to return the payment, item of property, or benefit, or is personally liable for the amount of the payment or the value of that item of property or benefit, as provided in ss. 732.2035 and 732.2075, to the person who would have been entitled to it were that section or part of that section not preempted. History. — s. 8, ch. 99-343; s. 24, ch. 2001-226; s. 6, ch. 2009-115; s. 6, ch. 2017-121. 732.2095 Valuation of property used to satisfy elective share. (1) DEFINITIONS. — As used in this section, the term: (a) “Applicable valuation date” means: 1. In the case of transfers in satisfaction of the elective share, the date of the decedent’s death. 2. In the case of property held in a qualifying special needs trust on the date of the decedent’s death, the date of the decedent’s death. 3. In the case of other property irrevocably transferred to or for the benefit of the surviving spouse during the decedent’s life, the date of the transfer. 4. In the case of property distributed to the surviving spouse by the personal representative, the date of distribution. 5. Except as provided in subparagraphs 1., 2., and 3., in the case of property passing in trust for the surviving spouse, the date or dates the trust is funded in satisfaction of the elective share. 6. In the case of property described in s. 732.2035(2), (3), or (4), the date of the decedent’s death. 7. In the case of proceeds of any policy of insurance payable to the surviving spouse, the date of the decedent’s death. 8. In the case of amounts payable to the surviving spouse under any plan or arrangement described in s. 732.2035(8), the date of the decedent’s death. 9. In all other cases, the date of the decedent’s death or the date the surviving spouse first comes into possession of the property, whichever occurs later. (b) “Qualifying power of appointment” means a general power of appointment that is exercisable alone and in all events by the decedent’s spouse in favor of the spouse or the spouse’s estate. For this purpose, a general power to appoint by will is a qualifying power of appointment if the power may be exercised by the spouse in favor of the spouse’s estate without the consent of any other person. (c) “Qualifying invasion power” means a power held by the surviving spouse or the trustee of an elective share trust to invade trust principal for the health, support, and maintenance of the spouse. The power may, but need not, provide that the other resources of the spouse are to be taken into account in any exercise of the power. (2) Except as provided in this subsection, the value of property for purposes of s. 732.2075 is the fair market value of the property on the applicable valuation date. (a) If the surviving spouse has a life interest in property not in trust that entitles the spouse to the use of the property for life, including, without limitation, a life estate in protected homestead as provided in s. 732.401(1), the value of the spouse’s interest is one-half of the value of the property on the applicable valuation date. (b) If the surviving spouse elects to take an undivided one-half interest in protected homestead as a tenant in common as provided in s. 732.401(2), the value of the spouse’s interest is one-half of the value of the property on the applicable valuation date. (c) If the surviving spouse validly waived his or her homestead rights as provided in s. 732.702 or otherwise under applicable law but nevertheless receives an interest in protected homestead, other than an interest described in s. 732.401, including, without limitation, an interest in trust, the value of the spouse’s interest is determined as property interests that are not protected homestead. (d) If the surviving spouse has an interest in a trust, or portion of a trust, which meets the requirements of an elective share trust, the value of the spouse’s interest is a percentage of the value of the principal of the trust, or trust portion, on the applicable valuation date as follows: 1. One hundred percent if the trust instrument includes both a qualifying invasion power and a qualifying power of appointment. 2. Eighty percent if the trust instrument includes a qualifying invasion power but no qualifying power of appointment. 3. Fifty percent in all other cases. (e) If the surviving spouse is a beneficiary of a trust, or portion of a trust, which meets the requirements of a qualifying special needs trust, the value of the principal of the trust, or trust portion, on the applicable valuation date. (f) If the surviving spouse has an interest in a trust that does not meet the requirements of either an elective share trust or a qualifying special needs trust, the value of the spouse’s interest is the transfer tax value of the interest on the applicable valuation date; however, the aggregate value of all of the spouse’s interests in the trust shall not exceed one-half of the value of the trust principal on the applicable valuation date. (g) In the case of any policy of insurance on the decedent’s life the proceeds of which are payable outright or to a trust described in paragraph (d), paragraph (e), or paragraph (f), the value of the policy for purposes of s. 732.2075 and paragraphs (d), (e), and (f) is the net proceeds. (h) In the case of a right to one or more payments from an annuity or under a similar contractual arrangement or under any plan or arrangement described in s. 732.2035(8), the value of the right to payments for purposes of s. 732.2075 and paragraphs (d), (e), and (f) is the transfer tax value of the right on the applicable valuation date. History. — s. 9, ch. 99-343; s. 25, ch. 2001-226; s. 7, ch. 2017-121. 732.2105 Effect of election on other interests. The elective share shall be in addition to homestead, exempt property, and allowances as provided in part IV. History. — s. 15, ch. 75-220; s. 10, ch. 99-343; s. 26, ch. 2001-226. Note. — Former s. 732.208. 732.2115 Protection of payors and other third parties. Although a property interest is included in the decedent’s elective estate under s. 732.2035(3)-(9), a payor or other third party is not liable for paying, distributing, or transferring the property to a beneficiary designated in a governing instrument, or for taking any other action in good faith reliance on the validity of a governing instrument. History. — s. 11, ch. 99-343; s. 8, ch. 2017-121. 732.2125 Right of election; by whom exercisable. The right of election may be exercised: (1) By the surviving spouse. (2) With approval of the court having jurisdiction of the probate proceeding by an attorney in fact or a guardian of the property of the surviving spouse. Before approving the election, the court shall determine that the election is in the best interests of the surviving spouse during the spouse’s probable lifetime. History. — s. 15, ch. 75-220; s. 12, ch. 99-343; s. 27, ch. 2001-226; s. 6, ch. 2010-132. Note. — Former s. 732.210. 732.2135 Time of election; extensions; withdrawal. (1) Except as provided in subsection (2), the election must be filed on or before the earlier of the date that is 6 months after the date of service of a copy of the notice of administration on the surviving spouse, or an attorney in fact or guardian of the property of the surviving spouse, or the date that is 2 years after the date of the decedent’s death. (2) Within the period provided in subsection (1), or 40 days after the date of termination of any proceeding which affects the amount the spouse is entitled to receive under s. 732.2075(1), whichever is later, but no more than 2 years after the decedent’s death, the surviving spouse or an attorney in fact or guardian of the property of the surviving spouse may petition the court for an extension of time for making an election. For good cause shown, the court may extend the time for election. If the court grants the petition for an extension, the election must be filed within the time allowed by the extension. (3) The surviving spouse or an attorney in fact, guardian of the property, or personal representative of the surviving spouse may withdraw an election at any time within 8 months after the decedent’s death and before the court’s order of contribution. (4) A petition for an extension of the time for making the election or for approval to make the election shall toll the time for making the election. History. — s. 15, ch. 75-220; s. 13, ch. 99-343; s. 28, ch. 2001-226; s. 4, ch. 2006-134; s. 7, ch. 2009-115; s. 9, ch. 2017-121. Note. — Former s. 732.212. 732.2145 Order of contribution; personal representative’s duty to collect contribution. (1) The court shall determine the elective share and contribution. Any amount of the elective share not satisfied within 2 years of the date of death of the decedent shall bear interest at the statutory rate until fully satisfied, even if an order of contribution has not yet been entered. Contributions shall bear interest at the statutory rate beginning 90 days after the order of contribution. The order is prima facie correct in proceedings in any court or jurisdiction. (2) Except as provided in subsection (3), the personal representative shall collect contribution from the recipients of the elective estate as provided in the court’s order of contribution. (a) If property within the possession or control of the personal representative is distributable to a beneficiary or trustee who is required to contribute in satisfaction of the elective share, the personal representative shall withhold from the distribution the contribution required of the beneficiary or trustee. (b) If, after the order of contribution, the personal representative brings an action to collect contribution from property not within the personal representative’s control, the judgment shall include the personal representative’s costs and reasonable attorney’s fees. The personal representative is not required to seek collection of any portion of the elective share from property not within the personal representative’s control until after the entry of the order of contribution. (3) A personal representative who has the duty under this section of enforcing contribution may be relieved of that duty by an order of the court finding that it is impracticable to enforce contribution in view of the improbability of obtaining a judgment or the improbability of collection under any judgment that might be obtained, or otherwise. The personal representative shall not be liable for failure to attempt collection if the attempt would have been economically impracticable. (4) Nothing in this section limits the independent right of the surviving spouse to collect the elective share as provided in the order of contribution, and that right is hereby conferred. If the surviving spouse brings an action to enforce the order, the judgment shall include the surviving spouse’s costs and reasonable attorney’s fees. History. — s. 14, ch. 99-343; s. 29, ch. 2001-226; s. 10, ch. 2017-121. 732.2151 Award of fees and costs in elective share proceedings. (1) The court may award taxable costs as in chancery actions, including attorney fees, in any proceeding under this part in which there is an objection to or dispute over: (a) The entitlement to or the amount of the elective share; (b) The property interests included in the elective estate, or its value; or (c) The satisfaction of the elective share. (2) When awarding taxable costs or attorney fees, the court may do one or more of the following: (a) Direct payment from the estate. (b) Direct payment from a party’s interest in the elective share or the elective estate. (c) Enter a judgment that can be satisfied from other property of the party. (3) In addition to any of the fees that may be awarded under subsections (1) and (2), if the personal representative does not file a petition to determine the amount of the elective share as required by the Florida Probate Rules, the electing spouse or the attorney in fact, guardian of the property, or personal representative of the electing spouse may be awarded from the estate reasonable costs, including attorney fees, incurred in connection with the preparation and filing of the petition. (4) This section applies to all proceedings commenced on or after July 1, 2017, without regard to the date of the decedent’s death. History. — s. 11, ch. 2017-121. 732.2155 Effective date; effect of prior waivers; transition rules. (1) Sections 732.201-732.2155 are effective on October 1, 1999, for all decedents dying on or after October 1, 2001. The law in effect prior to October 1, 1999, applies to decedents dying before October 1, 2001. (2) Nothing in ss. 732.201-732.2155 modifies or applies to the rights of spouses under chapter 61. (3) A waiver of elective share rights before the effective date of this section which is otherwise in compliance with the requirements of s. 732.702 is a waiver of all rights under ss. 732.201-732.2145. (4) Notwithstanding anything in s. 732.2045(1)(a) to the contrary, any trust created by the decedent before the effective date of ss. 732.201-732.2145 that meets the requirements of an elective share trust is treated as if the decedent created the trust after the effective date of these sections and in satisfaction of the elective share. (5) Sections 732.201-732.2155 do not affect any interest in contracts entered into for adequate consideration in money or money’s worth before October 1, 1999, to the extent that the contract was irrevocable at all times from October 1, 1999, until the date of the decedent’s death. (6) Sections 732.201-732.2155 do not affect any interest in property held, as of the decedent’s death, in a trust, whether revocable or irrevocable, if: (a) The property was an asset of the trust at all times between October 1, 1999, and the date of the decedent’s death; (b) The decedent was not married to the decedent’s surviving spouse when the property was transferred to the trust; and (c) The property was a nonmarital asset as defined in s. 61.075 immediately prior to the decedent’s death. History. — s. 15, ch. 99-343; s. 30, ch. 2001-226. 732.216 Short title. Sections 732.216-732.228 may be cited as the “Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act.” History. — s. 4, ch. 92-200. 732.217 Application. Sections 732.216-732.228 apply to the disposition at death of the following property acquired by a married person: (1) Personal property, except personal property held as tenants by the entirety, wherever located, which: (a) Was acquired as, or became and remained, community property under the laws of another jurisdiction; (b) Was acquired with the rents, issues, or income of, or the proceeds from, or in exchange for, community property; or (c) Is traceable to that community property. (2) Real property, except real property held as tenants by the entirety and homestead property, which is located in this state, and which: (a) Was acquired with the rents, issues, or income of, the proceeds from, or in exchange for, property acquired as, or which became and remained, community property under the laws of another jurisdiction; or (b) Is traceable to that community property. History. — s. 5, ch. 92-200; s. 4, ch. 2003-154; s. 2, ch. 2024-238. 732.218 Rebuttable presumptions. In determining whether ss. 732.216-732.228 apply to specific property, the following rebuttable presumptions apply: (1) Property acquired during marriage by a spouse of that marriage while domiciled in a jurisdiction under whose laws property could then be acquired as community property is presumed to have been acquired as, or to have become and remained, property to which these sections apply. (2) Real property located in this state and personal property wherever located acquired by a married person while domiciled in a jurisdiction under whose laws property could not then be acquired as community property and title to which was taken in a form which created rights of survivorship are presumed to be property to which these sections do not apply. History. — s. 6, ch. 92-200; s. 31, ch. 2001-226; s. 3, ch. 2024-238. 732.219 Disposition upon death; waiver. (1) Upon the death of a married person, one-half of the property to which ss. 732.216-732.228 apply is the property of the surviving spouse, is not property of the decedent’s probate estate, and is not subject to testamentary disposition by the decedent or distribution under the laws of succession of this state. One-half of that property is the property of the decedent’s probate estate and is subject to testamentary disposition or distribution under the laws of succession of this state. The decedent’s one-half of that property is not in the elective estate. For purposes of this section, the term “probate estate” means all property wherever located that is subject to estate administration in any state of the United States or in the District of Columbia. (2) If not previously waived pursuant to s. 732.702, the right of a surviving spouse to assert a claim arising under ss. 732.216-732.228 to any right, title, or interest in any property held by the decedent at the time of his or her death may be waived, wholly or partly, by a written contract, agreement, or waiver, signed by the surviving spouse, or any person acting on behalf of a surviving spouse, including, but not limited to, an attorney in fact; agent; guardian of the property; or personal representative, if the written contract, agreement, or waiver includes the following or substantially similar language: “By executing this contract, agreement, or waiver, I intend to waive my right as a surviving spouse to assert a claim to any right, title, or interest in property held by the decedent at the time of the decedent’s death arising under the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act (ss. 732.216-732.228, Florida Statutes), wholly or partly, as provided herein.” History. — s. 7, ch. 92-200; s. 32, ch. 2001-226; s. 107, ch. 2002-1; s. 4, ch. 2024-238. 732.2211 Demands or disputes; statute of repose. (1)(a) Any demand or dispute arising, wholly or partly, under ss. 732.216-732.228 regarding any right, title, or interest in any property held by the decedent or surviving spouse at the time of the decedent’s death shall be determined in an action for declaratory relief governed by the rules of civil procedure. Notwithstanding any other law, a complaint for such action must be filed within 2 years after the decedent’s death or be forever barred. (b) An action for declaratory relief instituted pursuant to this section is not a claim, as defined in s. 731.201, and is not subject to ss. 733.701-733.710. (2) The personal representative or curator has no duty to discover whether property held by the decedent or surviving spouse at the time of the decedent’s death is property to which ss. 732.216-732.228 apply, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by: (a) The surviving spouse or a beneficiary within 6 months after service of a copy of the notice of administration on the surviving spouse or beneficiary. (b) A creditor, except as provided in paragraph (c), within 3 months after the time of the first publication of the notice to creditors. (c) A creditor required to be served with a copy of the notice to creditors, within the later of 30 days after the date of service on the creditor or the time under paragraph (b). (3) The rights of any interested person who fails to timely file an action for declaratory relief pursuant to this section are forfeited. The decedent’s surviving spouse, personal representative or curator, or any other person or entity that at any time is in possession of any property to which ss. 732.216-732.228 apply, or may apply, shall not be subject to liability for any such forfeit rights. The decedent’s personal representative or curator may distribute the assets of the decedent’s estate without liability for any such forfeit rights. (4) This section does not affect any issue or matter not arising, wholly or partly, under ss. 732.216-732.228. History. — s. 6, ch. 2024-238. 732.222 Purchaser for value or lender. (1) If a surviving spouse has apparent title to property to which ss. 732.216-732.228 apply, a purchaser for value or a lender taking a security interest in the property takes the interest in the property free of any rights of the personal representative or a beneficiary of the decedent. (2) If a personal representative or a beneficiary of the decedent has apparent title to property to which ss. 732.216-732.228 apply, a purchaser for value or a lender taking a security interest in the property takes that interest in the property free of any rights of the surviving spouse. (3) A purchaser for value or a lender need not inquire whether a vendor or borrower acted properly. (4) The proceeds of a sale or creation of a security interest must be treated as the property transferred to the purchaser for value or a lender. History. — s. 9, ch. 92-200; s. 956, ch. 97-102; s. 34, ch. 2001-226. 732.2231 Protection of payors and other third parties. (1) As used in this section, the term: (a) “Governing instrument” has the same meaning as in s. 732.2025. (b) “Payor” means the decedent’s personal representative, a trustee of a trust created by the decedent, an insurer, business entity, employer, government, governmental agency or subdivision, or any other person authorized or obligated by law or a governing instrument to make payments. (c) “Person” has the same meaning as in s. 732.2025. (2) A property interest is subject to property rights under ss. 732.216-732.228; however, a payor or other third party is not liable for paying, distributing, or transferring such property to a beneficiary designated in a governing instrument, or for taking any other action in good faith reliance on the validity of a governing instrument. History. — s. 8, ch. 2024-238. 732.224 Creditor’s rights. Sections 732.216-732.228 do not affect rights of creditors with respect to property to which ss. 732.216-732.228 apply. History. — s. 11, ch. 92-200. 732.225 Acts of married persons. Sections 732.216-732.228 do not prevent married persons from severing or altering their interests in property to which these section