Florida Lady Bird Deed

📜 Lady Bird Deed (Enhanced Life Estate Deed)

A Lady Bird Deed allows you to transfer your property to a beneficiary upon your death—without 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.

✅ Avoid probate
✅ Retain full ownership
✅ Immediate transfer on death
$499
This Deed Requires a Consultation with an Attorney which is Inculded in the Price.

FAQ

What is a Lady Bird Deed?
It’s 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.

Is this deed valid in all Florida counties?
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.

✅ 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)

📝 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

📄 Information Required to Prepare a Florida Lady Bird Deed

🔹 Grantor (Property Owner) Information

Full legal name(s)
Mailing address
Marital status
Signature(s) must match how the name appears on the current deed

🔹 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)

🔹 Property Information

Street address of the property
Legal description from current deed (exact wording required)
Parcel or tax ID number (optional but helpful)

📄 Required Documents

Florida Lady Bird Deed document – 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.

🖊️ 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

🏛️ 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 $10–$20 for first page, plus $8–$10 per additional page)
Ask for or request a certified copy of the recorded deed

💡 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 – legal advice recommended
It is not affected by the grantee’s creditors during the grantor’s life

✅ Checklist Summary

✔ Full legal names of owner(s) and beneficiary(ies)
✔ Accurate legal description from current deed
✔ Proper deed language with life estate reservation
✔ Deed signed, notarized, and witnessed
✔ Deed recorded with county clerk
✔ Certified copy of recorded deed received