Power of Attorney in Florida
State-specific overview · Estate & Probate
Florida requires strict statutory form compliance and notarization; powers of attorney are durable by default unless you specify otherwise.
How Florida treats Power of Attorney
Florida requires powers of attorney to substantially follow statutory form and be notarized before a notary public. Unlike most states, Florida powers of attorney are automatically durable and survive your incapacity unless you explicitly state otherwise in the document. Florida also requires two witnesses or notarization for certain healthcare powers of attorney, and the state recognizes both immediate and springing powers of attorney.
The general definition of Power of Attorney
A legal document authorizing someone to act on your behalf in financial or medical decisions.
A power of attorney is a document you sign giving another person (called an agent or attorney-in-fact) the authority to make decisions and sign documents for you. You can make it broad (covering all financial matters) or narrow (only for selling a specific property). It takes effect immediately or only if you become incapacitated, depending on what you choose.
Read the full Power of Attorney entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Florida.