Probate Resources for Polk County
If you are managing an estate in Bartow, Lakeland, Winter Haven, or Lake Wales, your probate proceedings will center at the Polk County Courthouse in downtown Bartow. Navigating the Florida probate system in the 10th Judicial Circuit requires strict adherence to state mandates, including the mandatory use of a licensed attorney for most administrations.
This resource center provides the essential 2025 local contacts and Florida-specific rules you need to manage inherited property and settle an estate in Polk County.
Polk County Probate Court Information
The Probate Division of the Clerk’s office is responsible for processing all estate-related filings, including the probate of Wills and the equitable administration of estates.
- Office Name: Polk County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller
- Clerk of Court: Hon. Stacy M. Butterfield, CPA
- Physical Address: Polk County Courthouse 255 N. Broadway Ave., Bartow, FL 33830
- Phone: (813) 534-4000
- Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm
Branch Access: Limited probate-related services may also be available at the Lakeland Branch (930 East Parker Street) or the Northeast Polk Government Center (200 Government Center Blvd., Lake Alfred).
Florida Probate: Key 2025 Rules for Polk County
- Mandatory Attorney: Per Florida Probate Rules, almost every Personal Representative (Executor) must be represented by an attorney admitted to the Florida Bar for formal administrations.
- Deposit of Will: Florida law requires the original Will to be deposited with the Clerk of Court within 10 days of learning of the decedent’s death.
- Summary Administration ($75,000 threshold): A simplified, faster probate process is available if the estate’s total value (excluding exempt property like the primary home) is $75,000 or less, or if the decedent has been deceased for more than two years.
- Protected Homestead: Primary residences in Florida receive significant protections from certain creditors, but you must file a “Petition to Determine Homestead” to legally transfer the title to heirs.
Local Polk County Resources & Quick Links
- Official Website: Polk County Clerk – Wills & Estates Section
- Property Appraiser: Polk County Property Appraiser (Use this to verify the current 2025 tax assessment and legal parcel details of the inherited home).
- Tax Collector: Polk County Tax Collector (Check for any outstanding property tax liens or delinquent payments before selling the estate property).
Selling an Inherited House in Polk County?
Real estate in growing areas like Lakeland or Winter Haven is a significant asset. Once the court issues your Letters of Administration, you have the legal authority to move toward a sale to satisfy estate debts or distribute inheritance.
Why Polk County Executors work with Consistent Homebuyers:
- We Buy 100% “As-Is”: Whether it’s a home in Bartow that needs major repairs or a property in Lakeland that just needs a deep clean, we buy exactly as the house sits today.
- Remove the Financial Burden: Upfront costs for repairs, taxes, and HOAs can drain an estate’s cash. A fast cash sale stops these expenses immediately.
- No Clean-Out Required: Leave behind what you don’t want; we handle the removal of unwanted furniture and personal items after closing.
Areas We Serve in Polk County
We provide solutions for families across the county, including:
Need a Hand with the Logistics?
Probate can be expensive, confusing, and emotionally draining. If you are struggling to find a reputable local attorney, need help covering upfront estate costs (like attorney retainers, property taxes, or professional clean-out and moving expenses) before the house is sold, or simply need a roadmap of what to do next—we are here to support you.
We have built a network of trusted probate professionals across Polk County. We can connect you with experts who understand the 10th Judicial Circuit’s specific requirements and, in many cases, we can help provide financial solutions to move the estate forward and protect your inheritance.
Disclaimer: Consistent Homebuyers is a real estate investment firm, not a law firm or financial institution. We do not provide legal or tax advice. We recommend all clients consult with their own legal counsel regarding estate matters.