The form must explicitly state that the Grantor retains the power to sell, convey, mortgage, lease, and otherwise dispose of the property without the consent of the remainder beneficiaries. Without this specific language, the document reverts to a standard life estate deed. 2. Precise Legal Description
A Florida Lady Bird Deed (officially called an ) is a specialized legal instrument that allows you to keep full control of your property while alive and transfer it automatically to your beneficiaries upon death, bypassing probate. Where to Find Reliable Free Forms
: The full legal description (metes and bounds) of the property, not just the mailing address. Witnesses & Notary : Must be signed by the grantor in the presence of two disinterested witnesses notary public Margins for Recording : The first page must have a
When you pass away, ownership shifts to the beneficiaries instantly. They only need to file your death certificate in the public records. Why Florida Property Owners Choose Lady Bird Deeds free printable lady bird deed florida form best
The deed must be printed on white paper. You must sign it in the physical presence of two witnesses and a notary public. The witnesses cannot be the named beneficiaries.
Probate court in Florida is expensive, slow, and public. A Lady Bird Deed bypasses probate completely for your real estate. Your heirs save thousands of dollars in legal fees and months of waiting. 2. Complete Control During Life
Unlike a traditional life estate deed, which requires beneficiaries to approve the sale or transfer of the property, a Lady Bird Deed gives the grantor the sole power to sell, mortgage, lease, refinance, or even completely revoke the deed at any time without needing anyone else's permission. The grantor continues to live on the property and pays no additional gift tax or documentary stamp taxes upon the deed's creation. The form must explicitly state that the Grantor
If you want to make sure your paperwork is perfectly formatted, let me know: Is there currently a on the property? Are you married , or do you have minor children ? How many beneficiaries do you plan to name?
, the Grantor has hereunto set Grantor’s hand and seal the day and year first above written. Grantor Signature [Print Grantor Name] Signed, sealed, and delivered in the presence of:
: A customizable "Transfer on Death" questionnaire that generates the correct Lady Bird format for Florida. Critical Florida Requirements Precise Legal Description A Florida Lady Bird Deed
You (the property owner) retain a "life estate." This means you have the right to live in and use the property for the rest of your life.
If not drafted correctly, it can inadvertently trigger a loss of homestead or reassessment.
: You keep your Florida homestead tax exemption and "Save Our Homes" cap.
Do not sign it yet. Take the printed, unsigned form to a .