How to Fill Out Florida Petition for Authorization to Act (w/Examples) + FAQs

The Florida Petition for Authorization to Act is the formal court request a nominated personal representative, guardian, curator, or attorney-in-fact files to receive legal authority from a Florida circuit court before handling a decedent’s estate, a ward’s affairs, or a protected person’s property. Without this petition and the resulting court order, banks, title companies, and the IRS will refuse to recognize the petitioner, and any action taken without authority can be voided under Fla. Stat. § 733.601.

Florida circuit courts process more than 100,000 probate and guardianship filings each year, and the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal reports that roughly 1 in 5 self-represented petitions are kicked back for missing fields, missing attachments, or improper verification. This guide walks you through the form line by line so you do not become part of that statistic.

📝 How to complete every box, page, and signature line on the petition without triggering a clerk rejection
📂 Which attachments (death certificate, original will, oath, designation of resident agent) must travel with the petition
⚖️ How Fla. Stat. Chapter 733 and Florida Probate Rule 5.200 shape each answer you give
💵 Current filing fees by estate value, accepted payment methods, and processing timelines per county
🚫 The top 10 mistakes that delay Letters of Administration or trigger removal under Fla. Stat. § 733.504

What the Form Is and Who Must File It

The Florida Petition for Authorization to Act is the umbrella term used for the court pleading that asks a circuit judge to issue Letters of Administration, Letters of Guardianship, or a similar order granting legal power to act for someone else. In probate, it is most often filed as the Petition for Administration under Florida Probate Rule 5.200. In guardianship, it is filed as the Petition for Appointment of Guardian under Fla. Stat. § 744.3201. Both share the same skeleton: identify the petitioner, identify the subject (decedent or ward), state jurisdiction, list interested persons, attest to qualifications, and pray for authority.

The form must be filed by the person nominated in the will, a surviving spouse, an adult heir, a creditor with standing, or a proposed guardian. Out-of-state petitioners must qualify under Fla. Stat. § 733.304, which limits nonresident personal representatives to spouses, parents, children, siblings, or other close blood relatives of the decedent. Convicted felons, minors, and persons mentally or physically unable to perform the duties are disqualified under Fla. Stat. § 733.303.

Filing is not optional when a Florida resident dies owning probate assets in their sole name, when a minor inherits more than $15,000, or when an adult is incapacitated and lacks a durable power of attorney. The petition is filed in the circuit court of the county where the decedent was domiciled or where the ward resides, as required by Fla. Stat. § 733.101. Filing in the wrong county is a jurisdictional defect that voids any later orders.

Before You Start: Documents and Information You Need

Gather every piece of paperwork before you open the petition, because Florida clerks reject petitions filed without their statutory attachments. The Florida Probate Rules require certain exhibits to be filed simultaneously, not later. Missing a single attachment can push your hearing date out by 30 to 60 days.

Certified death certificate (long form without cause of death). The clerk uses this to confirm the decedent’s identity, date of death, and last known residence. Without it, the court cannot establish subject-matter jurisdiction under Fla. Stat. § 733.101.
Original will and any codicils. Florida requires the original signed will to be deposited with the clerk within 10 days of learning of the death, per Fla. Stat. § 732.901. Photocopies trigger a lost-will proceeding.
Self-proving affidavit (if attached to the will). This affidavit, signed by the testator and witnesses before a notary, lets the court admit the will without live witness testimony.
List of interested persons with addresses. Spouses, beneficiaries, heirs at law, and trustees must be identified with mailing addresses so the petitioner can serve the Notice of Administration.
Preliminary inventory of probate assets. Even though the formal inventory is filed later under Fla. Stat. § 733.604, the petition asks for an approximate value to set the filing fee tier.
Petitioner’s government-issued ID and Social Security number (last four). The clerk uses this for the oath, and the IRS uses it to issue the estate’s EIN.
Designation of Resident Agent and Acceptance. Required by Fla. Stat. § 733.506 for every personal representative, even Florida residents.
Bond information or waiver. If the will waives bond, attach the page. If not, the court sets bond under Fla. Stat. § 733.402 before issuing letters.
Filing fee or fee waiver application. Estates worth more than $1,000 cost roughly $401, while smaller estates and summary administration cost less per the Florida Clerks fee schedule.

If any item is missing, the clerk will issue a deficiency notice, and the 10-day deadline to deposit the will under Fla. Stat. § 732.901 keeps running. Gather everything in one folder before you start typing.

Where to Get the Form and How to Access It

Florida does not publish a single statewide PDF labeled “Petition for Authorization to Act.” Instead, attorneys and pro se filers download the model petition from the Florida Probate Rules forms appendix, which includes Form P-3.0500 (Petition for Administration) and related guardianship forms. Many counties also post fillable local versions on their clerk websites, such as the Miami-Dade Clerk probate forms page and the Hillsborough Clerk probate page.

You can complete the form three ways. First, download the PDF, type entries directly into the form fields, and save it. Second, retype the petition in Microsoft Word using the rule’s exact format and headings. Third, use a guided platform such as the Florida Courts Help self-service portal, which assembles the petition based on your answers.

The current revision of the Probate Rules is dated January 1, 2024, and any earlier form templates should be discarded. Always confirm the revision date printed at the bottom of the form before filing, because clerks reject obsolete versions. The form is free; only the filing fee paid to the clerk has a cost.

Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out Florida Petition for Authorization to Act Line by Line

The petition follows a fixed structure required by Florida Probate Rule 5.200. Walk through each section in order, because skipping a numbered paragraph is the most common reason petitions are bounced back.

Caption: Court, County, and Case Number

The caption sits at the top of page one. It identifies the circuit court, the county, the probate division, and the case number (left blank for the clerk to assign). Type the court name in all caps, e.g., IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR ORANGE COUNTY, FLORIDA, PROBATE DIVISION.

For example, Maria Lopez files in Orange County and writes IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR ORANGE COUNTY, FLORIDA, PROBATE DIVISION and leaves the File No. line blank. If the decedent died in one county but owned only Florida real estate in another, file where the decedent was domiciled, not where the property sits, per Fla. Stat. § 733.101.

A common mistake is filing in the county where the death occurred when the decedent actually lived elsewhere. The consequence is dismissal for improper venue and a refiling fee in the correct county. Filers often believe the county of death controls, but Florida uses domicile, defined as the decedent’s permanent home with intent to remain.

Style of the Case: Estate of [Decedent’s Full Legal Name]

Below the caption, the style identifies whose estate is being administered. Type IN RE: ESTATE OF [Full Legal Name], Deceased. Use the decedent’s full legal name exactly as it appears on the death certificate.

For instance, Carlos Diego Ramirez writes IN RE: ESTATE OF CARLOS DIEGO RAMIREZ, Deceased. If the decedent used a nickname like Charlie, do not write Charlie Ramirez; the court matches the petition to the death certificate, and a name mismatch will trigger a clerk’s deficiency notice.

The most common error is omitting a middle name when the death certificate includes one, which causes title insurers to refuse to clear real estate later. People sometimes think nicknames or AKAs go in this line, but they belong in a separate paragraph titled “also known as” inside the body of the petition.

Paragraph 1: Petitioner’s Name, Address, and Standing

Paragraph 1 names the petitioner and explains why they have standing to file. State the petitioner’s full legal name, residence address, and relationship to the decedent or ward. Cite the statutory basis for standing, such as nominated personal representative under the will, surviving spouse, or adult heir.

For example, Janet Williams writes Petitioner, Janet Williams, whose address is 412 Palm Avenue, Tampa, FL 33602, is the surviving spouse of the decedent and is nominated as Personal Representative under Article IV of the decedent’s Last Will and Testament dated March 12, 2019. If the petitioner is an out-of-state child, add a sentence confirming qualification under Fla. Stat. § 733.304.

A common mistake is listing a P.O. Box only; Florida courts require a physical street address for service of process. Filers wrongly assume that being named in the will is enough — the petitioner must also be qualified under Fla. Stat. § 733.302 (a Florida resident or close relative, age 18+, mentally and physically able, and not a convicted felon).

Paragraph 2: Decedent’s Information

Paragraph 2 establishes jurisdiction by reciting the decedent’s last address, date of death, age at death, Social Security number (last four digits only under Fla. R. Jud. Admin. 2.425), and county of domicile. State whether the decedent died testate or intestate.

For example, Aisha Patel writes The decedent, Robert Patel, whose last four digits of Social Security number are 4821, died on January 14, 2026, at the age of 78, and at the time of death was domiciled in Broward County, Florida. Filers commonly write the full Social Security number, which violates Fla. R. Jud. Admin. 2.425 and forces the clerk to seal or strike the petition.

The misconception here is that the decedent’s age is optional; it is required because it confirms the decedent was an adult capable of executing a valid will. Get the date of death exactly right — January 14, 2026 not Jan. 14, 26 — because every later deadline (creditor period, inventory, tax filings) runs from this date.

Paragraph 3: Nature and Approximate Value of Probate Assets

Paragraph 3 lists the probate assets (assets in the decedent’s sole name without beneficiary designations) and their approximate value. This drives the filing fee tier and tells the court whether formal or summary administration applies.

For instance, Marcus Johnson writes The approximate value of the assets of this estate, by major category, is: Real Property (homestead) $310,000; Bank Accounts $42,500; Personal Property $8,000; Total Approximate Value $360,500. Homestead property must be listed but is generally exempt from creditors under Article X, Section 4 of the Florida Constitution.

A common mistake is including jointly titled accounts or life insurance with named beneficiaries — these are non-probate and do not belong here. Filers often think every asset the decedent owned must be listed; in reality, only assets passing through probate matter to the court for this petition.

Paragraph 4: Will and Codicils

Paragraph 4 identifies the will (date executed) and any codicils, and states whether the original is being deposited with the clerk. If intestate, this paragraph states The decedent died without a will.

For example, Janet Williams writes The decedent executed a Last Will and Testament on March 12, 2019, and a Codicil on July 8, 2022, the originals of which are being deposited with the Clerk of this Court contemporaneously with this Petition. Failing to deposit the original within 10 days of learning of the death is a misdemeanor under Fla. Stat. § 732.901.

The biggest misconception is that a copy is acceptable; Florida presumes a will not produced was revoked, and the petitioner must overcome that presumption with witness testimony in a lost-will proceeding under Fla. Stat. § 733.207.

Paragraph 5: Beneficiaries and Heirs (Interested Persons)

Paragraph 5 lists every interested person — beneficiaries under the will, intestate heirs, and trustees of any pour-over trust — with full names, addresses, dates of birth (for minors), and relationships to the decedent. This list drives the Notice of Administration service list.

For example, Maria Lopez writes The names, addresses, and relationships of the beneficiaries are: (a) Maria Lopez, 88 Lake Drive, Orlando, FL 32801, surviving spouse; (b) Diego Lopez, age 17, 88 Lake Drive, Orlando, FL 32801, son; (c) Sofia Lopez, 4500 Bay St., Miami, FL 33133, adult daughter. Minors must be flagged so the court can appoint a guardian ad litem if their interests conflict.

Omitting an heir is the single fastest way to invite a will contest. Filers commonly think estranged children can be left off; they cannot, because Fla. Stat. § 732.103 gives every child intestate rights regardless of relationship quality.

Paragraph 6: Petitioner’s Qualifications

Paragraph 6 attests that the petitioner meets the qualifications of Fla. Stat. § 733.302 and § 733.303. State that the petitioner is 18 or older, mentally and physically able, and has never been convicted of a felony.

For instance, write Petitioner is sui juris, has never been convicted of a felony, and is mentally and physically able to perform the duties of Personal Representative. If the petitioner is a nonresident, add the relationship qualifying under Fla. Stat. § 733.304, such as Petitioner is the adult daughter of the decedent and is therefore qualified to serve notwithstanding her residence in Georgia.

A common mistake is silence on the felony question, which the clerk reads as a red flag. Filers often think a sealed or expunged felony does not count; under Fla. Stat. § 733.303, any felony conviction disqualifies, sealed or not.

Paragraph 7: Prayer for Relief

Paragraph 7 is the prayer, where the petitioner asks the court to do specific things: admit the will to probate, appoint the petitioner as personal representative, issue Letters of Administration, and grant such other relief as is just.

For example, Carlos Ramirez writes Petitioner prays that the Court enter an Order admitting the Last Will and Testament dated March 12, 2019, to probate; appointing Petitioner as Personal Representative; issuing Letters of Administration; and granting such other and further relief as the Court deems proper. Without an explicit prayer for Letters, banks will not release funds even if the petition is granted.

The misconception here is that the prayer is boilerplate; in fact, courts grant only what is asked. Forgetting to ask for waiver of bond when the will waives it leads to a needless bond requirement.

Verification Page

Florida Probate Rule 5.020 requires every petition to be verified by the petitioner under penalty of perjury, with the exact statutory oath language: Under penalties of perjury, I declare that I have read the foregoing, and the facts alleged therein are true, to the best of my knowledge and belief. Sign in front of a notary or use the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal electronic verification flow.

For example, Janet Williams signs above her printed name and dates the verification January 28, 2026. A common error is signing without a notary on a paper filing; clerks reject unsworn petitions on the spot.

The misconception is that an attorney can verify on behalf of the client; only the petitioner can verify the facts under Fla. Prob. R. 5.020.

Designation of Resident Agent and Acceptance

Every personal representative — even a Florida resident — must designate a resident agent in Florida to accept service of process under Fla. Stat. § 733.506. The agent’s name, Florida street address, and signed acceptance must accompany the petition.

For instance, Aisha Patel designates her attorney Lawrence Cohen, Esq., 200 East Las Olas Blvd., Suite 1900, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301, who signs the acceptance below. A pro se petitioner can name themselves if they live in Florida and have a physical street address.

The most common mistake is using a P.O. Box for the agent. Filers wrongly assume any mailing address works; the statute requires a street address capable of accepting hand-delivered service.

Oath of Personal Representative

The Oath is a separate one-page document filed alongside the petition. It is a sworn promise to faithfully administer the estate per Florida law and is required before Letters issue.

For example, Marcus Johnson writes his name, signs in front of a notary, and the notary affixes the seal. Pro se filers commonly sign the oath but forget the notary, which forces a refile.

The misconception is that the oath is optional or can be filed later. Without it, Fla. Stat. § 733.401 bars the clerk from issuing Letters of Administration, no matter how perfect the petition is.

Three Filled-Out Examples Using Real Scenarios

The three scenarios below show how three different petitioners complete the same form. Names and facts are illustrative.

Scenario 1: Janet Williams — Surviving spouse, testate estate, Tampa homestead

Form Section	What Janet Enters
Caption	IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FLORIDA, PROBATE DIVISION
Style	IN RE: ESTATE OF DAVID WILLIAMS, Deceased
Paragraph 1 — Petitioner	Janet Williams, 412 Palm Ave., Tampa, FL 33602, surviving spouse and nominated PR under Article IV
Paragraph 2 — Decedent	David Williams, SSN xxx-xx-7821, died 01/02/2026, age 71, domiciled Hillsborough County
Paragraph 3 — Assets	Homestead $385,000; Brokerage $120,000; Vehicles $22,000; Total $527,000
Paragraph 4 — Will	Will dated 06/15/2018 with self-proving affidavit; original deposited herewith
Paragraph 5 — Beneficiaries	Janet Williams (spouse); Ethan Williams (adult son, 8800 Bayshore Blvd., Tampa)
Paragraph 6 — Qualifications	Florida resident, age 58, no felony, sui juris
Paragraph 7 — Prayer	Admit will, appoint PR, issue Letters, waive bond per will
Verification	Signed before notary on 01/28/2026

Scenario 2: Aisha Patel — Adult child, intestate estate, Broward bank accounts only

Form Section	What Aisha Enters
Caption	IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR BROWARD COUNTY, FLORIDA, PROBATE DIVISION
Style	IN RE: ESTATE OF ROBERT PATEL, Deceased
Paragraph 1 — Petitioner	Aisha Patel, 1500 NE 26th St., Wilton Manors, FL 33305, adult daughter
Paragraph 2 — Decedent	Robert Patel, SSN xxx-xx-4821, died 01/14/2026, age 78, domiciled Broward County
Paragraph 3 — Assets	Bank accounts $96,400; Personal property $4,000; Total $100,400
Paragraph 4 — Will	Decedent died intestate
Paragraph 5 — Heirs	Aisha Patel (daughter); Rohan Patel (son, 22 Maple Ln., Atlanta, GA)
Paragraph 6 — Qualifications	Florida resident, age 41, no felony, sui juris
Paragraph 7 — Prayer	Determine heirs, appoint PR, issue Letters, set bond
Designation of RA	Self-designated; Florida street address provided

Scenario 3: Carlos Ramirez — Out-of-state nominated PR, testate estate with rental property

Form Section	What Carlos Enters
Caption	IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR ORANGE COUNTY, FLORIDA, PROBATE DIVISION
Style	IN RE: ESTATE OF ELENA RAMIREZ, Deceased
Paragraph 1 — Petitioner	Carlos Ramirez, 75 Hudson St., Hoboken, NJ 07030, adult son nominated as PR
Paragraph 2 — Decedent	Elena Ramirez, SSN xxx-xx-1199, died 02/03/2026, age 82, domiciled Orange County
Paragraph 3 — Assets	Florida rental $275,000; IRA (probate, no beneficiary) $88,000; Total $363,000
Paragraph 4 — Will	Will dated 09/22/2021; original deposited herewith
Paragraph 5 — Beneficiaries	Carlos Ramirez (son); Lucia Ramirez-Brown (daughter, 41 Oak St., Tallahassee, FL)
Paragraph 6 — Qualifications	Adult son, qualified nonresident under § 733.304, no felony
Paragraph 7 — Prayer	Admit will, appoint PR, issue Letters, set $50,000 bond
Designation of RA	Maria Soto, Esq., 200 S. Orange Ave., Orlando, FL 32801

How to File the Completed Form

Florida petitions can be filed three ways, but the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal is the default and is mandatory for attorneys under Fla. R. Jud. Admin. 2.525. Pro se filers may file electronically or by paper.

Online (E-Portal): Register at myflcourtaccess.com, select the county, choose Probate — CP as case type, upload the petition, will, oath, designation, and death certificate as separate PDFs, and pay by credit card or e-check. Processing typically runs 7–14 business days for the order. Save the confirmation email as proof of filing.
In person: Hand-deliver originals to the clerk’s probate intake counter (e.g., Orange County Clerk of Courts, 425 N. Orange Ave., Orlando, FL 32801). Bring a check or cash; most counters return a stamped copy as proof of filing the same day.
By mail: Mail originals with a self-addressed stamped envelope and a check payable to Clerk of the Circuit Court. Mail filings take 14–30 days to process. Use certified mail with return receipt as proof of filing.

The filing fee for a formal administration of an estate worth more than $1,000 is approximately $401, while summary administration of an estate worth $1,000 or less is roughly $236, per the Florida Clerks fee schedule. Indigent filers can request a waiver under Fla. Stat. § 57.082.

What Happens After You File

Once filed, the clerk assigns a case number and routes the petition to the probate judge. The judge reviews the petition for facial sufficiency, may set a hearing, and either signs an Order Admitting Will to Probate and Appointing Personal Representative or issues a deficiency notice.

After the order is signed, the clerk issues Letters of Administration, the one- or two-page document that banks, the IRS, title companies, and the DMV require as proof of authority. The personal representative must then serve the Notice of Administration on all interested persons within a reasonable time, and publish the Notice to Creditors to start the 3-month creditor claim window.

Within 60 days after Letters issue, the personal representative must file the Inventory under Fla. Stat. § 733.604, listing every probate asset with date-of-death values. Failure to file the inventory is grounds for removal under Fla. Stat. § 733.504.

Mistakes to Avoid When Filling Out the Form

Filing in the wrong county. Filing where death occurred instead of where the decedent was domiciled triggers dismissal for improper venue.
Listing the full Social Security number. Violates Fla. R. Jud. Admin. 2.425 and forces the clerk to seal or strike.
Forgetting the original will. Filing a copy converts the case into a contested lost-will proceeding.
Omitting an heir from Paragraph 5. Invites a will contest and delays Letters indefinitely.
Using a P.O. Box for the resident agent. Violates Fla. Stat. § 733.506 and causes rejection.
Skipping the felony attestation. The clerk treats silence as a red flag and bounces the petition.
Failing to notarize the oath. Without the oath, no Letters issue under Fla. Stat. § 733.401.
Including non-probate assets in Paragraph 3. Inflates the fee tier and confuses the inventory later.
Using a nickname in the style. Causes title insurers to reject the chain of title.
Forgetting to ask for waiver of bond. The judge orders a bond even when the will waives it, costing the estate hundreds in premiums.
Filing an obsolete form. Pre-2024 templates omit current verification language and are rejected.
Ignoring the 10-day will-deposit rule. Subjects the custodian to misdemeanor liability under Fla. Stat. § 732.901.

Do’s and Don’ts

Do read Florida Probate Rule 5.200 before drafting, because every paragraph maps to a rule subsection.
Do confirm the petitioner’s qualifications under Fla. Stat. § 733.302 before signing the verification.
Do deposit the original will within 10 days of learning of the death, even if you are not ready to file the petition yet.
Do redact all but the last four digits of any Social Security number on every page.
Do use the exact paragraph numbering from the rule (1 through 7) rather than renumbering.
Do save the e-Portal confirmation email and the file-stamped copy in two separate locations.
Don’t sign the verification outside the presence of a notary on a paper filing.
Don’t list jointly titled assets, POD/TOD accounts, or life insurance with named beneficiaries in Paragraph 3.
Don’t assume estranged family can be left off Paragraph 5; they have intestate rights under Fla. Stat. § 732.103.
Don’t designate yourself as resident agent if you live outside Florida.
Don’t use an outdated form template; check the revision date at the bottom of every page.
Don’t delay filing past 10 days after learning of the death without a written reason.

Pros and Cons of Filing on Your Own vs. With Help

Filing pro se can save thousands in attorney fees, but Florida courts treat pro se petitioners to the same procedural standards as lawyers. Hiring a probate attorney typically costs 1–3% of the gross estate per the Fla. Stat. § 733.6171 presumptively reasonable fee schedule.

Pro — Filing on your own: No attorney fee, total cost is the filing fee plus publication.
Pro — Filing on your own: Direct control over timing and communication with the clerk.
Pro — Filing on your own: Useful for very small or summary administration estates.
Pro — Filing on your own: Forces you to learn the estate inside-out.
Pro — Filing on your own: Available for indigent filers via Fla. Stat. § 57.082 fee waiver.
Con — Filing on your own: Formal administration legally requires an attorney unless the petitioner is the sole interested person under Fla. Prob. R. 5.030.
Con — Filing on your own: Procedural mistakes can cost more than attorney fees.
Con — Filing on your own: No attorney-client privilege over your drafts and emails.
Con — Filing on your own: Personal liability for breaches of fiduciary duty falls solely on you.
Con — Filing on your own: Banks and title companies often add extra hurdles for pro se PRs.

FAQs

Do I need a lawyer to file the Petition for Authorization to Act in Florida?

Yes. Fla. Prob. R. 5.030 requires attorney representation in formal administration unless the personal representative is the sole interested person, or the case is summary or disposition without administration.

Can an out-of-state person serve as personal representative?

Yes. Fla. Stat. § 733.304 allows nonresidents who are spouses, parents, children, siblings, or other close blood relatives of the decedent (or their spouses) to serve.

Where do I file the petition?

No central court accepts it; file in the circuit court probate division of the Florida county where the decedent was domiciled, per Fla. Stat. § 733.101.

What is the filing fee?

Yes, there is a fee. Formal administration costs roughly $401, summary administration roughly $236, and disposition without administration roughly $236, per the Florida Clerks fee schedule.

Do I write the decedent’s full Social Security number in Paragraph 2?

No. Only the last four digits are permitted under Fla. R. Jud. Admin. 2.425; writing the full number triggers sealing or striking.

Should I list our jointly owned home in Paragraph 3?

No. Joint tenancy with right of survivorship and tenancy by the entireties pass outside probate; only assets in the decedent’s sole name go in Paragraph 3.

Do I include estranged children in Paragraph 5?

Yes. Fla. Stat. § 732.103 gives all children intestate rights, and beneficiaries under a will must also be listed regardless of relationship.

Can I use a P.O. Box for the resident agent address?

No. Fla. Stat. § 733.506 requires a Florida street address capable of receiving personal service.

How long does it take to get Letters of Administration?

Yes, expect 2–6 weeks. E-filed uncontested petitions often clear in 7–14 business days; mailed or contested petitions can take 30–90 days.

Do I need to deposit the original will even if I am not ready to file the petition?

Yes. Fla. Stat. § 732.901 requires deposit within 10 days of learning of the death; failure is a misdemeanor.

Can I waive the bond by writing it into the petition?

No by petition alone. The will must waive bond, or all interested persons must consent; otherwise the court sets bond under Fla. Stat. § 733.402.

Do I sign the petition before a notary if I file on the e-Portal?

No. The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal accepts electronic verification under Fla. Prob. R. 5.020, but paper filings still require a notarized signature.

What happens if I forget to attach the Oath of Personal Representative?

No Letters issue without it. Fla. Stat. § 733.401 bars issuance until the oath is filed, so the clerk holds the case open pending the missing document.

Can I correct a mistake after filing?

Yes. File a verified Amended Petition under Fla. Prob. R. 5.041, labeled clearly as amended, with a notice to all interested persons.

Related reading