Florida draws people from all corners of the world. Not only do domestic transplants flock to the state, but global citizens from South America, Europe, Asia and Africa also find their way to our shores – sometimes temporarily, sometimes as permanent citizens.
Given the international footprint of so many Floridians, it’s natural to wonder whether you must be in Florida to work with a Florida estate planning attorney.
In short, no, you do not need to be physically located in Florida to work with a Florida estate planning attorney. However, whether you should depends on your specific circumstances, assets and long-term planning goals.
Here are some key takeaways from this post:
- You don’t need to live in Florida to work with a Florida estate planning attorney as many parts of the process can be handled remotely.
- It often makes sense to use a Florida attorney if your assets, beneficiaries, or future plans are tied to Florida, since state-specific laws will apply.
- The most important factor isn’t where you live. Rather, it’s where your estate plan needs to work and be enforced.
When Should You Consider Working with a Florida Estate Planning Attorney?
International families have much to consider when it comes to their estate plan. For those with ties to Florida, here are some instances when it may be beneficial to work with a Florida estate planning attorney:
- You own Florida real estate
- You have business interests based in Florida
- You plan to relocate to Florida
- Your beneficiaries live in Florida
- You live in Florida but have a non-citizen spouse or beneficiaries
- You want to avoid Florida probate complications
Florida has its own legal framework governing wills, trusts, homestead property, and probate. If your assets or planning goals are tied to the state, your estate plan should reflect Florida law even if you live elsewhere.
How Does Remote Estate Planning Work?
Modern estate planning is designed to be flexible. Much of the process can be handled remotely, including:
- Initial consultations via video or phone
- Document review and revisions through secure digital platforms
- Coordination with your financial advisors or accountants
- Ongoing planning conversations as your situation evolves
That said, certain estate planning steps still require formal execution to comply with state and federal law. In Florida, for example, wills, trusts, and other estate planning documents must meet specific signing and witnessing requirements to be valid.
An experienced estate & probate attorney will guide you through exactly how to execute your documents, but often it’s advisable to meet in person when the final documents are executed.
What Matters Most is Where Your Plan Needs to Work
As international and high-net-worth families think through their estate planning goals, the key consideration is not about where you are located when documents are signed.
It’s about where your plan will need to function.
If your assets, beneficiaries, or long-term goals are connected to Florida, working with a Florida estate planning attorney can help ensure your plan is legally sound, properly executed, and effective when it matters most.
We’re Here to Help Build a Plan that Works – Wherever You Are
At Horizon Private Wealth Law, we regularly work with out-of-state and international clients who own Florida assets or have ties to the state. Our process is designed to be efficient, coordinated, and tailored to cross-border needs.
Whether you’re based in another state or across the globe, we can help you create an estate plan that aligns with Florida law and your broader legacy goals. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
