Florida Lady Bird Deed
π Lady Bird Deed (Enhanced Life Estate Deed)
A Lady Bird Deed allows you to transfer your property to a beneficiary upon your deathβwithout going through probate. You retain full control during your lifetime and can sell or revoke the deed at any time.
Perfect for: Estate planning, avoiding probate, keeping Medicaid eligibility.
Perfect for: Estate planning, avoiding probate, keeping Medicaid eligibility.
β Avoid probate
β Retain full ownership
β Immediate transfer on deathOur Guarantee: Clerk Acceptance or Your Money BackWe are confident in the accuracy and compliance of our legal forms. If your documents are not accepted by the court or relevant authority due to an issue with the forms we provided, we will refund 100% of your payment.No questions asked. No hassle. Just peace of mind.$500This Deed Requires an Attorney Consultation. Inculded in the Price.
FAQ
What is a Lady Bird Deed?
Itβs a special deed that lets you keep control of your property during your life and automatically transfer it upon death.
Itβs a special deed that lets you keep control of your property during your life and automatically transfer it upon death.
Do I need a trust if I use a Lady Bird Deed?
Not necessarily. A Lady Bird Deed can avoid probate without a trust.
Not necessarily. A Lady Bird Deed can avoid probate without a trust.
Is this deed valid in all Florida counties?
Yes, Lady Bird Deeds are legally accepted across Florida.
Yes, Lady Bird Deeds are legally accepted across Florida.
Can I revoke the deed later?
Yes, you retain full control and can revoke or sell the property anytime.
Yes, you retain full control and can revoke or sell the property anytime.
β
What is a Florida Lady Bird Deed?
A Lady Bird Deed allows a property owner to:
- Transfer property automatically to beneficiaries upon death
- Avoid probate
- Retain full control of the property during their lifetime (can sell, refinance, revoke)
- Remain eligible for Medicaid planning purposes (in most cases)
π Eligibility Requirements for Using a Lady Bird Deed
You can use a Lady Bird Deed in Florida if:
- The property is located in Florida
- You are the sole legal owner (or co-owners agree to transfer interest)
- You want to name one or more remainder beneficiaries (grantees)
- You want to retain a life estate with enhanced rights
- You are not subject to a court restriction or lien that prevents transfer
π Information Required to Prepare a Florida Lady Bird Deed
πΉ Grantor (Property Owner) Information
- Full legal name(s)
- Mailing address
- Marital status
- Signature(s) must match how the name appears on the current deed
πΉ Grantee (Remainder Beneficiary) Information
- Full legal name(s) of beneficiary or beneficiaries
- Relationship to grantor (optional, but helpful)
- Address (recommended for recording and notice purposes)
πΉ Property Information
- Street address of the property
- Legal description from current deed (exact wording required)
- Parcel or tax ID number (optional but helpful)
π Required Documents
- Florida Lady Bird Deed document β properly drafted and notarized
- Current deed or title for reference (to ensure accuracy of legal description)
- Self-addressed stamped envelope (if mailing recording documents)
Prepared deed should state that the grantor retains a life estate with full powers, including the right to sell, mortgage, or change beneficiaries.
ποΈ Signing and Execution Requirements
- Deed must be signed by the grantor(s)
- Must be notarized
- Must have two witnesses (in addition to the notary)
- All signatures must be original (wet ink), no electronic signatures for recording
ποΈ Recording the Deed
- Take or mail the signed deed to the Clerk of Court/County Recorder in the county where the property is located
- Pay the recording fee (typically $10β$20 for first page, plus $8β$10 per additional page)
- Ask for or request a certified copy of the recorded deed
π‘ Important Considerations
- The Lady Bird Deed is revocable by the grantor during life
- It does not affect homestead rights or property taxes
- It avoids probate but still qualifies as a completed transfer upon death
- It may impact Medicaid estate recovery planning β legal advice recommended
- It is not affected by the granteeβs creditors during the grantorβs life
β
Checklist Summary
β Full legal names of owner(s) and beneficiary(ies)
β Accurate legal description from current deed
β Proper deed language with life estate reservation
β Deed signed, notarized, and witnessed
β Deed recorded with county clerk
β Certified copy of recorded deed received
β Accurate legal description from current deed
β Proper deed language with life estate reservation
β Deed signed, notarized, and witnessed
β Deed recorded with county clerk
β Certified copy of recorded deed received