Osceola County Probate Court Records Search

Osceola County probate court records are maintained by the Clerk of Courts in Kissimmee and cover formal estate administrations, summary administration petitions, will deposits, guardianship proceedings, and related civil matters for residents of this rapidly growing central Florida county. The 9th Judicial Circuit covers both Orange and Osceola counties, and all Osceola County probate cases fall under 9th Circuit jurisdiction. This page covers how to find probate records, which type of probate applies to a given estate, how to contact the Osceola County Clerk, and where to find legal resources in the area.

Osceola County Clerk of Courts - Probate Division

The Osceola County Clerk of Courts handles all probate filings for the county. The main courthouse is at 2 Courthouse Square in downtown Kissimmee. Osceola County is one of Florida's fastest-growing counties, and its probate caseload has grown with the population. Contact the clerk's office before visiting to confirm current procedures and any changes to the filing process.

Most probate documents are public records. However, inventories and accountings filed in estates are confidential under Florida law. Florida law also prohibits the Clerk from placing an image or copy of a court file on a publicly available Internet Web site. Some documents require an in-person visit to the clerk's office or a formal copy request even when case information is visible online.

The Osceola County Clerk's website provides links to the online case search system, filing fee schedules, and division contacts. Review the site before visiting to confirm where probate filings are accepted and whether your case type requires additional documents at submission.

The clerk's homepage lists all active court divisions, including the probate and guardianship section, and provides direct links to the online records portal.

9th Judicial Circuit

The 9th Judicial Circuit covers Orange and Osceola counties. Osceola County probate cases are heard by judges assigned to the 9th Circuit's probate and guardianship division. The circuit court website at ninthcircuit.org has judge listings, local administrative orders, and procedural guidance for both counties in the circuit.

Local administrative orders from the 9th Circuit set requirements for how probate petitions must be formatted, what attachments are needed at filing, and how hearings are scheduled in Osceola County cases. These orders carry the force of local court rules. Check the circuit website before filing to see if any current orders affect your type of case.

The 9th Circuit site also lists self-help resources and legal aid contacts that apply to Osceola County residents handling probate matters without an attorney.

How to Search Osceola County Probate Records

The Osceola County Clerk of Courts provides an online case search tool accessible from the clerk's website. You can search by the decedent's name, the personal representative's name, or a case number. Public case information includes filing dates, party names, docket entries, and hearing dates. Due to Florida's restriction on posting court file images publicly, some documents may need to be obtained in person or through a formal copy request.

For certified copies or documents not available online, visit the clerk's office at 2 Courthouse Square in Kissimmee or call (407) 742-3500. Staff can confirm current copy fees and whether a specific file is open for inspection. Certified copies of letters of administration are commonly required by financial institutions and title companies when an estate is being settled.

The Florida Association of Court Clerks and Comptrollers provides a statewide Find-a-Clerk directory that covers all 67 Florida county clerk offices. Use this resource if you need to track down records from multiple counties or are unsure which county handled a particular estate.

The directory at flclerks.com/page/findaclerk is a quick way to find contact details for Osceola County or any neighboring county's clerk office.

Types of Probate in Osceola County

Florida provides three main probate processes. Which one applies to a given estate depends on the estate's gross value and how long ago the decedent died. All three are filed with the Osceola County Clerk of Courts.

Formal Administration

Formal administration is required when the estate's gross value exceeds $75,000 and the person died less than two years ago. This is the complete probate process. The circuit court appoints a personal representative, creditors are formally notified and given a set period to file claims, an inventory of all estate assets must be filed, and a final accounting is submitted before the court closes the estate. Florida law generally requires attorney representation in formal administration cases. The process can take six months to well over a year depending on the estate's size and whether disputes arise among heirs or creditors.

Summary Administration

Summary administration is available when the estate's gross value is $75,000 or less, or when the decedent has been dead for two or more years. The two-year rule matters. Once two years have passed since death, summary administration is an option regardless of estate size, provided there are no outstanding creditor claims. No personal representative is appointed under summary administration. Interested parties file a petition listing the assets and proposed distribution, and the court issues an order directing how the assets are to be handled. The process is faster and less expensive than formal administration and can often be completed in a matter of weeks.

Disposition Without Administration

When an estate consists only of personal property worth $6,000 or less with no real estate, a family member may petition for disposition without administration. This is the simplest path. No formal case is opened. The clerk's office has the form needed to file this request. It is most often used to collect a small bank account or transfer a vehicle title after someone dies with very limited assets. The clerk can help you determine if this option applies to your situation.

The controlling statutes for all three processes are in Florida Statutes Chapter 733, which covers the full scope of estate administration in Florida, including personal representative duties, creditor claim procedures, and the rules for distributing estate assets.

Osceola County Estate Considerations

Osceola County has grown quickly over the past two decades. Many estates in the county involve residential real property purchased during the growth years, as well as vacation properties and investment condominiums. Real property always requires probate or a transfer-on-death deed arrangement to pass title to heirs. If the decedent owned real estate in Osceola County, a formal or summary administration is likely needed even if other assets are minimal.

Some Osceola County residents own property that straddles county lines, particularly near the Polk County or Orange County borders. In those cases, you may need ancillary proceedings in more than one county. Talk to a probate attorney before filing if this situation applies, as it affects which court takes primary jurisdiction and whether additional filings are needed.

Osceola County also has a large Spanish-speaking community. The 9th Circuit and the Osceola County Clerk's office can provide some services in Spanish. If language access is a concern, ask when you first contact the clerk's office.

Filing Fees and Legal Resources

Osceola County follows the statewide probate filing fee schedule set by Florida law. Fees for formal administration are based on the estate's estimated gross value. Summary administration petitions have a separate flat filing fee. Certified copies of court orders cost additional amounts per page plus a certification fee. Call (407) 742-3500 to confirm current fees before you file.

The Florida Courts website at flcourts.gov has approved probate forms accepted statewide, including in Osceola County. Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida provides free civil legal help to low-income residents in Osceola County, including some estate matters. Contact their intake line to check if your situation qualifies. The Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service can connect you with a local probate attorney if paid legal help is needed.

Cities in Osceola County

Osceola County includes Kissimmee, St. Cloud, Celebration, Poinciana, Buenaventura Lakes, and Davenport (which is partly in Polk County), among other communities. Kissimmee is the county seat and has its own dedicated page on this site. St. Cloud, Celebration, and Poinciana are other significant communities, though they do not meet the population threshold for separate pages. All probate filings from across Osceola County are made with the Clerk of Courts at 2 Courthouse Square in Kissimmee.

Nearby Counties

Osceola County is bordered by Orange County to the north, Polk County to the west, Highlands County to the southwest, Okeechobee County to the south, Indian River County and Brevard County to the east, and Seminole County to the northeast. All neighboring counties have their own clerk of courts and probate divisions.