How to Sell an Inherited House in Florida: A Stress-Free Guide for Heirs

Inheriting a house can feel like a bittersweet gift. On one hand, your loved one left you something valuable. On the other, you're now responsible for a property you may not want: or know what to do with.

If you've inherited a home in Florida: whether it's in Orlando, Tampa, Bradenton, St. Petersburg, or anywhere along the Space Coast: you're probably wondering where to even begin. The good news is that selling an inherited property doesn't have to be complicated or stressful. This guide walks you through the process step by step, so you can move forward with confidence.

Understanding Probate in Florida

Before you can sell an inherited house, you need to determine whether probate is required. Probate is the legal process that transfers ownership of the property from your loved one's estate to you.

You'll likely need to go through probate if:

• The property was in the deceased's name alone
• The home was passed through a will (or there was no will at all)

You may be able to skip probate if:

• The property was held in a revocable trust
• A Lady Bird Deed (Enhanced Life Estate Deed) was in place
• The home was owned jointly with rights of survivorship

In Florida, probate typically takes between 5 to 12 months. There's a mandatory three-month creditor claim period, so even simple estates require at least five to six months to settle. If you're in Orange County dealing with a property in Winter Park or Apopka, or handling an estate in Hillsborough County near Brandon or Plant City, the timeline remains fairly consistent across the state.

The key takeaway here is that you'll need legal authority to sell. This usually comes in the form of Letters of Administration: official documents from the court that grant you the power to act on behalf of the estate.

Steps to Sell Your Inherited Florida Home

Once you have the legal authority to proceed, selling the property becomes much more straightforward. Here's what the process typically looks like:

1. Review the Will for a Power of Sale Clause

Check if the will includes a power of sale clause. Under Florida Probate Code 733.613, this clause allows the personal representative to sell the property without additional court approval. If the will doesn't include this language, you'll need to petition the court for permission to sell: which adds time to the process.

2. Gather Your Documents

You'll need several key documents to complete the sale:

• Death certificate
• The will (or an affidavit of heirs if there's no will)
• Property deed and title report
• Letters of Administration or Order of Summary Administration
• Mortgage payoff information (if applicable)
• Property tax records
• Homeowners insurance policies
• Florida seller disclosure forms
• HOA documents (if the property is in a community)
• Lead-based paint disclosure (for homes built before 1978)

Having these ready ahead of time makes the selling process smoother: especially if you're coordinating with family members spread across different cities like Melbourne, Clearwater, or Lakewood Ranch.

3. Address Any Outstanding Debts or Title Issues

Before the property can be sold, the estate must resolve any outstanding mortgages, liens, property taxes, or creditor claims. A title report will reveal any issues that need attention. This step protects both you and the buyer from surprises down the road.

4. Choose How You Want to Sell

This is where you have options: and where many heirs feel the most relief.

Your Selling Options: Traditional vs. Cash Sale

When it comes to selling an inherited home, you generally have two paths:

Option 1: List with a Real Estate Agent

Working with an agent can maximize your sale price through market exposure. However, this route typically involves:

• 5-6% in commission fees
• Weeks or months on the market
• Showings, open houses, and negotiations
• Potential repair requests from buyers

For some heirs, this timeline and effort simply isn't realistic: especially if you live out of state or the property needs significant work.

Option 2: Sell to a Cash Home Buyer

Cash buyers purchase properties as-is, which means you don't need to make repairs, clean out the home, or worry about staging. This option is particularly helpful for inherited properties in areas like Titusville, Cocoa, Merritt Island, Palm Bay, or Largo: where homes may have been sitting vacant or need updates.

The benefits of selling to a cash buyer include:

• No repairs needed: The property is purchased in its current condition
• Fast closing: Most sales close in days to weeks, not months
• No commissions or hidden fees: You keep more of the proceeds
• Less stress: Skip the showings, negotiations, and uncertainty

If you're juggling the emotions of losing a loved one while managing an estate from across the state: or across the country: a fast, straightforward sale can be a welcome relief.

Learn more about the benefits of using home buying companies to see if this approach fits your situation.

Special Considerations for Florida Heirs

Taxes on Inherited Property

Florida has no state inheritance tax, which is a relief for many heirs. However, you may still owe federal capital gains taxes if the property has appreciated in value since you inherited it.

Here's how it works: when you inherit a property, you receive a "stepped-up basis." This means your tax basis is the property's fair market value at the time of your loved one's death: not what they originally paid for it. If you sell quickly, you'll likely owe little to no capital gains tax.

To protect yourself, get a "time of death" appraisal. This establishes your cost basis and helps you calculate any potential tax liability.

Dealing with Multiple Heirs

If you've inherited the property along with siblings or other family members, all beneficiaries typically need to agree on the sale. Disagreements can slow things down: or even require court intervention.

Open communication is key. If everyone is aligned on selling, the process moves much faster. Cash sales, in particular, can help families reach a resolution quickly without the drawn-out timeline of a traditional listing.

Why Selling As-Is Makes Sense for Inherited Homes

Inherited properties often come with challenges. Maybe the home hasn't been updated in decades. Perhaps it's been sitting vacant and needs attention. Or maybe you simply don't have the time, energy, or budget to get it "market ready."

That's completely understandable: and it's exactly why selling as-is can be the right choice.

When you sell as-is to a cash buyer, you're not responsible for:

• Cleaning out decades of belongings
• Repairing roof damage, plumbing issues, or outdated electrical
• Updating kitchens or bathrooms
• Landscaping or curb appeal improvements

You hand over the keys, and the buyer takes care of the rest. It's a simple, dignified way to close this chapter.

If you're curious about the types of homes that qualify for a cash sale, check out houses you can sell to a cash house buyer.

Moving Forward with Confidence

Selling an inherited house in Florida doesn't have to add stress to an already difficult time. Whether your property is in Temple Terrace, Dunedin, Kissimmee, Palmetto, or anywhere in between: you have options.

Take it one step at a time. Understand the probate process, gather your documents, and choose the selling method that works best for your situation. If speed and simplicity matter most, selling as-is to a trusted cash buyer might be the path that brings you the most peace of mind.

You don't have to navigate this alone. When you're ready, Finest Home Buyers is here to help you find a solution that works for you and your family.