(Pursuant to Florida Statute 689.17)
COUNTY OF __________
In this article, we will explain what a Lady Bird Deed is, where to find the best free template, how to fill it out correctly, and—most importantly—when you should use a free form. What is a Lady Bird Deed? (And Why Florida Loves It) A standard Lady Bird Deed allows you (the "Grantor") to keep full control of your home until you die. When you pass away, the property automatically transfers to your "Beneficiaries" without going through Florida probate court. free printable lady bird deed florida form best
Pay an elder law attorney $300–$500 to draft a single Lady Bird Deed. That money is cheap insurance compared to losing $300,000 in home equity. Free Printable vs. Attorney-Drafted: Which is "Best"? | Feature | Free Printable Form | Professional (Cheap) Attorney | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Price | $0 | $250–$600 | | Risk of Invalidity | High (if date/witness format wrong) | Near zero | | Medicaid Compliance | Often missing key words | Fully compliant | | Recorder Rejection Risk | Medium (margins, font) | Zero (they format for your county) | | Peace of Mind | Low | High |
Florida law requires that the deed include language that you have the "sole and unrestricted power to sell, convey, mortgage, lease, gift, or otherwise transfer" the property. If your free printable omits the word "gift," Medicaid can argue you retained a transferable interest. That could cost you your home. (Pursuant to Florida Statute 689
Grantor certifies that this property is the current homestead of the Grantor. This deed is intended to avoid probate and does not impair Grantor’s homestead ad valorem tax exemption during Grantor’s life.
________________________________ [Your Signature] When you pass away, the property automatically transfers
[Your Name] Return to: [Your Address]