The Florida Initial Guardianship Plan is the court-ordered roadmap a newly appointed guardian must file with the circuit court probate division to explain how the ward will be cared for, while the Initial Inventory is the sworn list of every asset that belongs to the ward on the date the guardian’s Letters of Guardianship are issued. Both documents are required by Florida Statutes Chapter 744 and are filed through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal under Florida Probate Rules 5.620 and 5.690.
Roughly 50,000 active adult guardianships and tens of thousands of minor guardianships sit on Florida court dockets each year, and the Office of Public and Professional Guardians reports that more than 1 in 4 initial filings are rejected or returned for correction on the first pass. Missing the 60-day inventory or 90-day plan deadlines can trigger a show-cause order, surcharge, removal, or even a bond claim against the guardian personally.
- 📋 The exact difference between the Initial Guardianship Plan and the Initial Inventory, and which one is due first
- ⏰ How to hit the 60-day and 90-day statutory deadlines under § 744.362 and § 744.365 without a court hearing
- 🧾 Line-by-line answers for every box on both the adult and minor forms, plus the Form 12.912(a) inventory for minors
- 👨👩👧 Three full named-filer walkthroughs — a dementia parent, a TBI spouse with a settlement, and a grandparent caring for a minor
- 💰 Filing fees, restricted depository rules, bond traps, and the 12 mistakes that get plans rejected the most
What the Florida Initial Guardianship Plan and Inventory Are and Who Must File Them
The Initial Guardianship Plan is a forward-looking document. It tells the judge how the guardian will care for the ward over the next year — where the ward will live, what medical and mental health services the ward will receive, what social activities will be provided, and (for guardians of the property) a yearly budget. The plan is filed under Fla. Stat. § 744.362 for adult wards and under Fla. Stat. § 744.3675 for minor wards.
The Initial Inventory is a backward-looking document. It captures a snapshot of everything the ward owned on the day the court issued the guardian’s Letters of Guardianship. The inventory rule lives in Fla. Stat. § 744.365 and in Florida Probate Rule 5.620. For minor guardianships, the inventory form is the family-law-style Form 12.912(a).
Any person, bank, or nonprofit that the court appoints as guardian of the person, guardian of the property, or plenary guardian must file. A limited guardian files a plan only for the rights the court delegated. A professional guardian (one who has three or more wards under § 744.102(17)) must also be registered with the Office of Public and Professional Guardians and post the required bond. A public guardian appointed under § 744.7081 follows the same rules but uses statewide standardized templates.
The Florida Supreme Court’s Approved Probate Forms page lists the model Initial Guardianship Plan (adult and minor) — confirm you are using the 2024–2025 revised version before you file, because the budget grid was updated to reflect the SSI cost-of-living adjustment.
Before You Start: Documents and Information You Need
The single biggest reason inventories get rejected is missing valuation paperwork. Gather every document below before you open the form. Each item ties to a specific field on the plan or the inventory, so a missing item usually means a missing answer.
- Letters of Guardianship issued by the clerk — the issue date starts your 60-day and 90-day clocks under §§ 744.362 and 744.365. Without this, you cannot prove your authority.
- Order Appointing Guardian — defines whether you are plenary, limited, person, or property, which controls which sections of the plan you must complete.
- Ward’s Social Security number and Medicare/Medicaid numbers — the budget section of the plan requires monthly benefit amounts.
- Two years of bank statements for every account in the ward’s name — without these you cannot value Schedule A of the inventory.
- Most recent real-property appraisal or county property appraiser printout from sources like the Miami-Dade Property Appraiser or the Hillsborough County Property Appraiser — used for the real estate schedule.
- Vehicle titles plus a Kelley Blue Book or NADA value as of the Letters issue date.
- Brokerage and retirement statements showing the closing balance on the Letters issue date — fluctuating balances are valued as of that exact day.
- Physician’s report or examining committee report under § 744.331 — its findings drive the residential plan and medical plan sections.
- Bond paperwork from the surety company — the bond amount must be re-evaluated once the inventory totals are known.
- Restricted depository order if entered by the court — accounts placed in a restricted depository under § 69.031 must be specifically identified on the inventory.
- Lease, deed, or care-facility contract showing where the ward lives — needed for the residential plan.
- Receipts for any pre-Letters expenditures if you advanced funds — these are not listed on the inventory but matter for the first annual accounting.
Where to Get the Form and How to Access It
The adult Initial Guardianship Plan and adult Initial Inventory are model probate forms posted on the Florida Bar Probate Rules Committee page. The minor Initial Guardianship Plan for a minor ward of the person uses Probate Form P-3.0810, and the minor Inventory uses Family Law Form 12.912(a).
Many circuits post locally formatted versions. The 11th Circuit Miami-Dade Probate Division requires the Miami-Dade cover sheet, the 13th Circuit Hillsborough Probate Division requires a local checklist, and the 9th Circuit Orange & Osceola requires a particular budget template. Always cross-check the local administrative order before filing.
Filing is done through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal for represented parties and is also accepted from pro se filers who register a free portal account. Paper filing is still accepted in most counties at the probate clerk’s window, and a few counties accept filings by U.S. mail with a self-addressed stamped envelope for the conformed copy.
A note on revisions — the Florida Courts Forms Page and the Florida Bar forms list both show the most current revision date in the bottom-left footer of each PDF. Check the footer every single time, because clerks reject forms with an outdated footer.
Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out the Florida Initial Guardianship Plan Line by Line
This section is the spine of the article. Each field gets its own subsection with plain-English explanation, exact entry format, a sample entry, an edge case, a common mistake, and a misconception.
Caption Block: Court, County, Case Number, and Style
The caption sits at the very top of page one. It identifies the circuit court, the county, the probate division, the case number, and the style (the “In re: Guardianship of ___” line). Enter the court name in all caps as it appears on your Letters — for example IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE ELEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA, PROBATE DIVISION.
Pull the case number exactly from your Letters, including the year, division code, and any suffix. Maria Lopez writes 2025-CP-001234 in the case number box because that is the exact number on her appointment order.
The edge case here is a consolidated estate-and-guardianship case — when the ward is also a beneficiary of an open probate estate, some clerks require both case numbers stacked in the caption. A common mistake is to abbreviate “Probate Division” as “Prob. Div.” — the clerk will reject the filing because the caption must mirror the appointment order verbatim. The misconception is that the style names the guardian — it does not. The style always names the ward, never the guardian.
Section I: Identifying Information About the Guardian and the Ward
This section asks for the guardian’s full legal name, address, telephone, and email, plus the ward’s full legal name, date of birth, age, residence address, and Social Security number (often truncated to the last four digits under § 744.1085 sealing rules).
Enter names exactly as they appear on the ward’s Social Security card and on your Letters. Use MM/DD/YYYY for the date of birth. Carlos Rivera writes Margarita Rivera, 03/14/1942, 83, 1450 SW 27th Ave, Miami, FL 33135, SSN xxx-xx-1234.
The edge case is a ward who uses a hyphenated or maiden name on some accounts and a married name on others — list the legal name first and add the alias in parentheses. A common mistake is writing the guardian’s address as the ward’s residence when the ward lives in a facility — the residence is where the ward physically sleeps, not where the guardian receives mail. The misconception is that the full SSN belongs here — only the last four digits go in the public record, with the rest filed on a Notice of Confidential Information.
Section II: Residential Plan (Person Guardianships)
This section asks where the ward will live for the next year, why that placement was chosen, and how often the guardian will visit. It also asks whether the placement is the least restrictive setting required by § 744.3215.
Write the full street address of the placement, name the facility if applicable, state the level of care (independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, memory care, or in-home), and describe the visitation schedule. Aisha Thompson writes Sunrise Memory Care, 2200 Bayshore Blvd, Tampa, FL 33606 — Memory Care Unit — visits every Sunday and one weekday.
The edge case is a ward who moves during the plan year — disclose any anticipated move and the criteria for the move. A common mistake is leaving “least restrictive” blank because the guardian assumes it is obvious — judges treat that omission as a failure to consider the ward’s rights. The misconception is that a locked memory-care unit is automatically “least restrictive” — it is not, and the plan must justify the locked placement with the physician’s findings.
Section III: Medical, Mental Health, and Personal Care Plan
The medical plan lists the ward’s primary physician, specialists, prescription medications, anticipated procedures, mental-health services, and dental and vision care for the next year. It must be consistent with the examining committee report filed under § 744.331.
List each provider by name, specialty, and visit frequency. Janet Park writes Dr. Lila Cohen, MD — Neurology — quarterly visits; Dr. Omar Patel, DDS — Dentistry — every six months; Walgreens 5512 — monthly pharmacy delivery.
The edge case is a ward who refuses care — the plan must describe how the guardian will seek court authority under § 744.3725 for any extraordinary procedure. A common mistake is leaving mental-health services blank for a ward with dementia — dementia care often includes behavioral health, and the omission triggers a clerk callback. The misconception is that a DNR or living will overrides this section — it does not, but it must be referenced and attached.
Section IV: Social and Personal Services Plan
The social plan asks how the guardian will keep the ward connected to friends, family, religion, and community. It tracks the ward’s stated values where known and the rights retained under § 744.3215.
Describe weekly activities, religious services, family contact schedule, and any community programs. Marcus Bell writes weekly Sunday Mass at St. Patrick’s, Tuesday bingo at the ALF, monthly FaceTime with grandchildren in Atlanta, and quarterly visits with sister Diane.
The edge case is a ward who is estranged from family — the plan must still identify which contacts are permitted and which are restricted, and any restriction needs evidence. A common mistake is writing “as needed” for everything, which courts read as no plan at all. The misconception is that social planning is optional — for a ward of the person it is mandatory and is reviewed at every annual hearing.
Section V: Plan for Application for Public Benefits
This section asks whether the guardian will apply for or maintain SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, Medicare, VA benefits, food assistance, or housing subsidies. It also asks for the case number or claim number for each.
Check every benefit, write the claim number, and add the renewal date. Carlos Rivera writes Medicare A & B — claim ending 1234A — active; Medicaid ICP — case 2025-FL-9876 — recertification due 06/2026.
The edge case is a ward who has never applied for benefits but qualifies — the plan must commit to applying within a date certain, often 60 days. A common mistake is failing to disclose VA benefits when the ward is a veteran, which the Department of Veterans Affairs flags during its cross-match. The misconception is that the guardian can sign benefits applications without the VA Fiduciary Program — VA benefits require separate VA appointment.
Section VI: Annual Budget (Guardian of the Property Only)
The budget grid is a 12-month forecast of income and expenses for the ward. Income lines include Social Security, pensions, dividends, rental income, and trust distributions. Expense lines include housing, food, medical, transportation, personal care, taxes, insurance, professional fees, and bond premium.
Enter monthly amounts and an annual total. Diane Foster writes SS $2,184/mo, pension $912/mo, ALF $5,400/mo, medical co-pays $185/mo, guardian fee $400/mo, bond premium $42/mo — Net deficit of $1,931/mo funded by liquid assets.
The edge case is a ward with a personal-injury settlement funding a special-needs trust — trust distributions are listed as income, but the trust corpus is not on the inventory if the guardian does not also serve as trustee. A common mistake is forgetting the guardian’s compensation under § 744.108 and the attorney’s fees line — both must be disclosed and approved. The misconception is that the budget binds the guardian like a contract — it is a forecast, and material variances are explained in the annual accounting under § 744.367.
Section VII: Restoration of Rights and Less Restrictive Alternatives
This section asks the guardian to describe how the ward’s capacity will be re-evaluated and which rights, if any, can be restored. It mirrors the restoration procedure in § 744.464.
Write a candid one-paragraph evaluation timeline. Aisha Thompson writes Capacity will be re-evaluated by Dr. Cohen at the 12-month follow-up; if cognition improves, the guardian will petition for restoration of the right to vote and the right to contract for personal services.
The edge case is a degenerative condition like ALS or late-stage Alzheimer’s where restoration is not realistic — the plan should say so and explain why. A common mistake is writing “N/A” — that answer is rejected because the statute requires consideration. The misconception is that asking about restoration signals weakness in the guardianship — judges expect it and reward candor.
Signature, Notary, and Service Block
The plan ends with the guardian’s signature, a notary block under § 92.525, and a certificate of service showing that copies were served on the ward, the ward’s attorney, next of kin, and the court monitor if appointed.
Sign in black ink and date the day you sign. Carlos Rivera signs as “Carlos Rivera, Guardian of the Person and Property of Margarita Rivera” on 04/22/2026, notarized by John Adler, Notary # GG 234567.
The edge case is an out-of-state guardian who must sign before a notary in another state — Florida accepts that under § 117.05 so long as the seal is affixed. A common mistake is omitting service on the ward, which is required even when the ward is non-communicative. The misconception is that the guardian’s attorney can sign for the guardian — only the guardian signs, although counsel can file on the e-portal.
Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out the Florida Initial Inventory Line by Line
The Initial Inventory is shorter than the plan but its dollar accuracy matters more, because it sets the bond amount and the starting balance for every future annual accounting.
Heading and Effective Date
The inventory has the same caption as the plan and a single critical extra field — the date of Letters of Guardianship. Every value on the inventory is fixed as of that date, no matter when you actually file.
Enter the Letters date in MM/DD/YYYY format and confirm it against the clerk-stamped copy. Janet Park enters Date of Letters: 02/17/2026 because the clerk issued her Letters on that day.
The edge case is amended Letters that re-issue after a name correction — the original issue date controls. A common mistake is using the date of the appointment order rather than the date the Letters were actually issued, which can be days later. The misconception is that the “as of” date moves forward to the filing date — it does not, and using the wrong date will require an amended inventory.
Schedule A: Cash, Bank, and Brokerage Accounts
Schedule A lists every deposit account, brokerage account, and money-market account the ward owned on the Letters date, with the institution, last four digits of the account, type, and exact balance.
Pull the balance from a statement that brackets the Letters date, or request a balance letter. Marcus Bell writes Bank of America checking 4421 — $3,842.17; Vanguard brokerage 9981 — $112,488.04 as of 02/17/2026.
The edge case is a joint account with right of survivorship — list the full balance but disclose the joint owner and note any contribution analysis under § 655.79. A common mistake is rounding balances — clerks reject rounded numbers. The misconception is that a payable-on-death account belongs on Schedule A — POD accounts pass outside the guardianship only at death, but during the ward’s life the funds are the ward’s and must be listed.
Schedule B: Real Property
Schedule B lists every parcel of real estate owned by the ward, with legal description, street address, county, parcel ID, and fair market value as of the Letters date.
Use a county property appraiser printout or a licensed appraisal. Aisha Thompson writes 2200 Bayshore Blvd, Unit 7B, Tampa, FL 33606, Parcel 12-34-56-789, Hillsborough County, FMV $389,400 per HCPA printout dated 02/18/2026.
The edge case is out-of-state property — Florida guardians must still list it on Schedule B and may need ancillary guardianship in the situs state. A common mistake is using the homestead-exempt assessed value instead of fair market value — the inventory requires FMV. The misconception is that homestead is excluded from the inventory — it is included for inventory purposes even though it cannot be sold without a court order under § 744.447.
Schedule C: Tangible Personal Property
Schedule C lists vehicles, jewelry, furniture, art, collectibles, and household goods. Itemize each item worth more than $1,000 and group lower-value items by category.
Diane Foster writes 2019 Toyota Camry VIN 4T1B11HK… — KBB $14,250; wedding ring (1.1 ct) — appraised $4,800; household furnishings — estimated $3,500.
The edge case is firearms — list each firearm by make, model, and serial number, and follow § 790.401 custody rules. A common mistake is omitting a vehicle the ward no longer drives — title controls, not use. The misconception is that “household goods” is one lump line — high-value items must be itemized.
Schedule D: Stocks, Bonds, and Business Interests
Schedule D lists non-brokerage securities, closely held business interests, partnership interests, and LLC memberships. Provide percentage interest, recent valuation, and the K-1 or business appraisal source.
Carlos Rivera writes 35% LLC interest in Rivera Family Holdings, LLC — most recent K-1 capital account $148,200 — pending valuation update.
The edge case is a promissory note receivable — list face value, payor, interest rate, and remaining term. A common mistake is leaving valuation blank pending a future appraisal — list the best available figure and disclose the basis. The misconception is that small business interests are too speculative to list — they belong on Schedule D even if illiquid.
Schedule E: Causes of Action and Receivables
Schedule E lists every lawsuit, settlement, judgment, insurance claim, or money owed to the ward. This is the schedule that often triggers a bond increase under § 744.351.
Janet Park writes Pending personal-injury settlement — Park v. Acme Co., Hillsborough Case 2024-CA-7788 — anticipated net to ward $612,000 — funds to be deposited in restricted depository.
The edge case is a structured settlement — list both the immediate payment and the present value of future payments. A common mistake is omitting an unpaid wage claim or an outstanding tax refund. The misconception is that a contingent claim should be omitted until paid — it should be listed with the contingency disclosed.
Schedule F: Retirement Accounts, Annuities, and Life Insurance
Schedule F lists IRAs, 401(k)s, 403(b)s, annuities, and life-insurance cash values. Provide the institution, last four digits, balance, and beneficiary designation.
Marcus Bell writes Fidelity Traditional IRA **7732 — $214,901.55 — beneficiary: ward’s spouse, primary 100%.
The edge case is a non-qualified annuity with surrender penalties — list both contract value and surrender value. A common mistake is leaving beneficiary designations blank — they are required because they affect estate planning under § 744.441(19). The misconception is that term-life with no cash value should be omitted — it should be listed with $0 cash value and policy number.
Schedule G: Income Sources
Schedule G lists monthly recurring income — Social Security, pensions, rental income, dividends, trust distributions. This schedule feeds the budget on the Initial Guardianship Plan.
Aisha Thompson writes Social Security retirement $2,184/mo; Teamsters pension $912/mo; rental income from 12 Oak St $1,450/mo.
The edge case is variable income like a royalty stream or seasonal rental — list a 12-month average and disclose the variability. A common mistake is listing gross rental income without disclosing the property expenses. The misconception is that one-time income belongs here — it does not; one-time receipts go on Schedule E or are reported in the next accounting.
Schedule H: Restricted Depository and Bond Calculation
Schedule H identifies which liquid assets are held in a restricted depository under the court’s order and computes the bond amount the guardian must post under § 744.351.
Diane Foster writes Restricted depository: Truist account 0099 — $112,488.04; non-restricted operating account 4421 — $3,842.17; bond posted: $20,000.
The edge case is partial restriction where a court restricts only the brokerage but not checking — show both clearly. A common mistake is failing to coordinate the bond with the restricted depository, leading to a duplicate bond claim. The misconception is that the bond is fixed for the life of the case — it is recalculated whenever the inventory changes.
Verification and Notary
The inventory ends with a sworn verification under § 92.525. The guardian swears the inventory is “true and complete to the best of my knowledge.”
Carlos Rivera signs and dates 04/22/2026, notarized by John Adler, Notary # GG 234567.
The edge case is a co-guardianship — both co-guardians must sign and both must verify. A common mistake is signing without a notary because the form looks similar to a non-sworn pleading. The misconception is that the verification can be a generic acknowledgment — it must be a sworn jurat.
Three Filled-Out Examples Using Real Scenarios
Scenario 1 — Carlos Rivera, Adult Child Guardian of His Mother with Dementia
Carlos is a plenary guardian of the person and property of his 83-year-old mother Margarita, who has moderate Alzheimer’s and lives in a Miami memory-care unit. Her assets include a paid-off condo, modest Social Security, and one brokerage account.
| Form Section | What Carlos Enters |
|---|---|
| Caption | IN THE CIRCUIT COURT, 11TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, PROBATE DIVISION — Case 2025-CP-001234 |
| Section I — Identifying Info | Ward: Margarita Rivera, DOB 03/14/1942, Age 83, last 4 SSN 1234 |
| Section II — Residence | Sunrise Memory Care, 1450 SW 27th Ave, Miami — least restrictive due to wandering risk |
| Section III — Medical | Dr. Cohen Neurology quarterly; Aricept 10 mg daily; dental every 6 mo. |
| Section VI — Budget | SS $2,184/mo; ALF $5,400/mo; deficit funded from brokerage |
| Inventory Schedule A | Chase checking **8810 — $4,118.22 |
| Inventory Schedule B | Condo, 1450 SW 27th Ave — FMV $312,000 per Miami-Dade Property Appraiser |
| Inventory Schedule F | Fidelity IRA **2244 — $186,930.41 |
| Bond | Restricted depository on IRA proceeds; $25,000 bond on liquid funds |
Scenario 2 — Janet Park, Spouse Guardian for a TBI Survivor with a Pending Settlement
Janet is the guardian of the property of her husband Daniel, who suffered a traumatic brain injury in a car accident. A pending settlement is expected to fund a special-needs trust.
| Form Section | What Janet Enters |
|---|---|
| Caption | IN THE CIRCUIT COURT, 13TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, PROBATE — Case 2026-GA-000412 |
| Section I — Identifying Info | Ward: Daniel Park, DOB 06/11/1979, Age 46 |
| Section III — Medical | Tampa General TBI clinic monthly; speech therapy weekly; Keppra 500 mg BID |
| Section V — Public Benefits | Will apply for SSDI within 60 days; Medicaid waiver application pending |
| Section VI — Budget | Income $0 until settlement; expenses funded by Janet pending settlement |
| Inventory Schedule A | Truist joint checking **1190 — $6,012.55 |
| Inventory Schedule E | Park v. Acme — anticipated net $612,000 |
| Inventory Schedule H | Restricted depository to receive settlement proceeds; bond $25,000 |
| Section VII — Restoration | Re-evaluation at 12 months; possible partial restoration of contract rights |
Scenario 3 — Aisha Thompson, Grandparent Guardian of a Minor Child
Aisha is the guardian of the person and property of her 9-year-old grandson Jamal after both parents were incapacitated. Jamal has a small inherited brokerage account and receives Social Security survivor benefits.
| Form Section | What Aisha Enters |
|---|---|
| Caption | IN THE CIRCUIT COURT, 9TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, ORANGE COUNTY, PROBATE — Case 2026-CP-002901 |
| Section I — Identifying Info | Ward: Jamal Thompson, DOB 04/03/2017, Age 9 |
| Section II — Residence | Aisha’s home, 410 Pine St, Orlando — single-family with bedroom for Jamal |
| Section III — Medical | Pediatrician Dr. Patel annually; ADHD evaluation pending; dental every 6 mo. |
| Section IV — Social | Boys & Girls Club after-school; Sunday school at Mt. Sinai Baptist |
| Section VI — Budget | SS survivor $1,512/mo; school expenses $325/mo; clothing $90/mo |
| Inventory Schedule A (Form 12.912(a)) | Wells Fargo minor savings **7711 — $2,201.10 |
| Inventory Schedule D | Schwab UTMA brokerage **0098 — $48,917.20 inherited |
| Bond | Bond $50,000 set by court; restricted depository on UTMA |
How to File the Completed Form
Florida offers multiple filing channels, and each carries its own fee, timing, and proof-of-filing rules. Confirm your circuit’s local administrative order before choosing a channel.
E-Filing Portal. The default channel is the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal. Pro se filers can register a free account and upload a single PDF for the plan and a separate PDF for the inventory. The filing fee for guardianship documents post-appointment is typically $0 because the case is open, but a $5 sealing fee may apply if you file a confidential portion under the Notice of Confidential Filing. Processing is usually 24 to 72 hours. The portal emails a confirmation that doubles as proof of filing.
In-Person Filing. Bring the original, two copies, and your photo ID to the probate clerk in the county where the guardianship is open — for example the Miami-Dade Clerk Probate Division or the Orange County Clerk Probate. The clerk stamps and returns the conformed copy on the spot. No filing fee for post-appointment documents in most circuits.
Mail Filing. Mail the original, copies, and a self-addressed stamped envelope to the probate clerk. Allow 7 to 14 days for return of the conformed copy. Use certified mail with return receipt as proof of filing in case the clerk’s date stamp is delayed.
Fax Filing. A handful of circuits still accept fax filings for emergency motions but not for the initial plan or inventory. Do not rely on fax.
After filing, you must serve copies on the ward, the ward’s attorney, the next of kin entitled to notice under § 744.3701, and any court monitor — service is by mail or e-service through the portal.
What Happens After You File
Once filed, the clerk routes the plan and inventory to the probate judge and to the court monitor if one has been appointed under § 744.1076. The court has 90 days under § 744.368 to review and either approve, set for hearing, or issue an order requiring amendment.
The clerk also runs the audit checklist required by § 744.368, which checks for completeness, math errors, and consistency between the plan’s budget and the inventory’s income schedule. The clerk’s audit report goes to the judge.
If approved, the plan controls the guardian’s actions for one year, and the inventory locks in the starting balance for the first annual accounting due 12 months later under § 744.367. If not approved, the judge issues an order to amend, and the guardian has 20 days to refile.
Failure to file or refile triggers the show-cause sequence under § 744.369, which can lead to surcharge, removal, contempt, and a claim on the bond. The Office of Public and Professional Guardians also receives a copy when a registered professional guardian files.
Mistakes to Avoid When Filling Out the Form
- Missing the 60-day inventory deadline under § 744.365 — the court issues a show-cause order and may surcharge the guardian.
- Missing the 90-day plan deadline under § 744.362 — the guardian risks removal and the bond may be called.
- Using the appointment-order date instead of the Letters-issue date as the inventory “as of” date — values are wrong and the inventory must be amended.
- Listing rounded balances instead of exact cents — the clerk’s audit will bounce the inventory.
- Leaving the “least restrictive setting” finding blank — the judge will set a hearing.
- Forgetting to list homestead property because of the homestead exemption — homestead must appear on Schedule B.
- Omitting joint accounts or POD accounts owned by the ward — both belong on Schedule A while the ward is alive.
- Failing to identify firearms with serial numbers on Schedule C — the inventory is incomplete and the clerk will return it.
- Disclosing the full Social Security number on the public record instead of using a Notice of Confidential Information — the clerk will reject and may surcharge for the violation.
- Forgetting to recalculate the bond after inventory totals are known — the guardian becomes personally liable for the shortfall.
- Skipping the social and personal services plan section for a ward of the person — the plan is incomplete and the judge will not approve it.
- Failing to serve next of kin under § 744.3701 — the filing is invalid until service is perfected.
Do’s and Don’ts
Do confirm the form’s revision date in the footer every time you file, because outdated forms are rejected at intake.
Do pull statements that bracket the Letters-issue date so each balance can be verified later.
Do itemize every asset over $1,000 separately, because grouped items hide value from the bond calculation.
Do list every benefit claim number, because the court needs them to verify Medicaid spend-down compliance.
Do describe the least restrictive setting in plain language, because the judge needs to see your reasoning.
Do keep your e-portal confirmation email as proof of filing, because the clerk’s stamp may take days to appear.
Don’t sign the plan or inventory without a notary, because both require a sworn jurat under § 92.525.
Don’t put the ward’s full SSN on the public record, because § 744.1085 requires confidential filing.
Don’t estimate when a balance letter is available, because estimates are flagged on the clerk’s audit.
Don’t ignore future or contingent claims, because Schedule E exists exactly for them.
Don’t assume your attorney filed for you, because the e-portal records show who clicked submit.
Don’t wait past day 50 to start the inventory, because gathering valuations takes longer than most filers expect.
Pros and Cons of Filing on Your Own vs. With an Attorney
Florida law allows a guardian to file the plan and inventory pro se, but most circuits require a licensed Florida attorney for represented guardianships of property over a modest threshold. Weigh the trade-offs honestly before deciding.
Pros of filing pro se — saves the attorney’s fee on the first filing, gives the guardian a deeper understanding of the case, builds direct relationships with the clerk and court monitor, allows faster turnaround on simple estates, and helps the guardian budget more accurately for future accountings.
Cons of filing pro se — exposes the guardian to surcharge for technical errors, increases the risk of missing the 60- or 90-day deadlines, makes valuation disputes harder to resolve, leaves the guardian without privileged advice during the clerk’s audit, and creates more risk that the bond will be miscalculated.
Pros of using an attorney — counsel ensures statutory compliance, manages e-portal filings, handles next-of-kin service, anticipates judge-specific quirks, and can negotiate the bond amount before it is set.
Cons of using an attorney — fees can run $1,500 to $5,000 for the initial filing, the guardian may feel disconnected from the case, scheduling delays can push the filing toward the deadline, attorney fees themselves must be disclosed and approved, and the guardian still signs and remains personally responsible.
Initial Guardianship Plan vs. Initial Inventory
| Feature | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Initial Plan | Forward-looking blueprint for care over the next 12 months |
| Initial Inventory | Backward-looking snapshot of assets on the Letters date |
| Deadline | Plan due 90 days; Inventory due 60 days |
| Statute | Plan under § 744.362; Inventory under § 744.365 |
| Required of | Person and property guardians (plan); property guardians (inventory) |
| Sworn? | Both require notarized verification |
FAQs
Do I file the Initial Guardianship Plan and Inventory together?
No. The inventory is due 60 days after Letters issue; the plan is due 90 days. Most guardians file them on the same day to save effort, but the deadlines differ.
Do I include homestead property on the inventory?
Yes. Homestead is listed on Schedule B at fair market value, even though it is protected from forced sale and cannot be sold without a court order under § 744.447.
Do I write the ward’s full Social Security number on the form?
No. Only the last four digits go on the public record. The full SSN is filed separately as a Notice of Confidential Information under § 744.1085.
Is the “as of” date for the inventory the date of the appointment order?
No. The “as of” date is the date the clerk actually issued the Letters of Guardianship, which can be days after the appointment order.
Do I list a joint bank account with right of survivorship?
Yes. Show the full balance on Schedule A and disclose the joint owner, with a brief note on contributions if known.
Can I round dollar figures on the inventory?
No. Exact cents are required because the clerk’s audit checks line totals and any rounding triggers a return.
Do co-guardians both have to sign the plan and inventory?
Yes. Each co-guardian signs and verifies separately, even when one co-guardian prepared the documents.
Is bond automatically set in the appointment order?
No. Bond is set at appointment but is recalculated once the inventory totals are known, and the guardian must adjust the bond amount accordingly.
Do I have to file an Initial Guardianship Plan for a guardian of the property only?
Yes. Property guardians file a plan that focuses on Section VI’s budget and Section V’s public benefits, even when person sections do not apply.
Can I file the plan and inventory by mail instead of through the e-portal?
Yes. Most circuits accept mail filing with a self-addressed stamped envelope, but the e-portal is faster and confirms receipt by email.
Do I have to amend the inventory if I find a new asset later?
Yes. File an Amended Initial Inventory disclosing the newly discovered asset and update the bond, ideally within 30 days of discovery.
Is the attorney’s fee for the initial filing part of the budget?
Yes. All professional fees, including the attorney’s fee and the guardian’s compensation under § 744.108, must be disclosed in Section VI and approved by the court.
Do I list firearms by serial number?
Yes. Each firearm is itemized on Schedule C by make, model, and serial number, and custody must comply with § 790.401.
Can I leave Section VII blank if the ward will never regain capacity?
No. Write a short explanation, such as “advanced dementia, restoration not anticipated,” because § 744.464 requires the section to be addressed.
Is the plan a binding contract for the budget figures?
No. The budget is a forecast, and variances are explained in the annual accounting under § 744.367.
Related reading
- How to Fill Out Florida Annual Guardianship Plan (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Florida Form P-3.0810 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Florida Guardianship Bond (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Florida Notice of Filing Inventory (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Florida Order of Restoration of Capacity (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Florida Petition to Remove Guardian (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out California Form GC-200 (w/Examples) + FAQs