What buyers typically pay for a Florida living trust varies by complexity, attorney fees, and whether the trust is funded with assets. The price range reflects whether you use a DIY kit, a bundled attorney service, or a full-service estate plan with related documents. This article breaks down the cost, price drivers, and budgeting tips to help Florida residents estimate the true expense.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Living Trust Document (Florida-specific) | $500 | $1,500 | $4,000 | Includes revocable living trust with basic provisions; more complex assets raise cost. |
| Attorney Fees (Hourly or Flat) | $500 | $1,800 | $5,000 | Flat fees common for simple trusts; hourly rates vary by firm. |
| Funding & Asset Transfer Help | $200 | $600 | $2,000 | Transfers to the trust, beneficiary designations, and titling. |
| Additional Documents (Will, PODs, Powers of Attorney) | $150 | $600 | $2,000 | Often bundled; separate fees may apply. |
| Taxes, Notary, Recording Fees | $50 | $250 | $1,000 | State filings or asset-specific costs can vary. |
| Total Estimated Project Range | $1,450 | $3,900 | $14,000 | High end reflects complex planning or multiple trusts. |
Assumptions: region, asset types, complexity, and whether hired professionals handle funding and updates.
Overview Of Costs
Typical cost range for a Florida living trust spans $1,000 to $3,500 when using a standard revocable trust with basic asset transfer. More complex situations—such as high-value estates, LLC-owned holdings, or special needs considerations—can push costs higher, often into the $3,500 to $6,000 band or more if extensive funding, tax planning, or multiple entities are involved. Per-unit costs often include a fixed trust document fee plus a separate funding charge.
Cost Breakdown
| Category | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Documents | $500 | $1,500 | $4,000 | Standard revocable trust and related documents. |
| Labor | $300 | $1,200 | $3,000 | Attorney time for drafting, review, and signing. |
| Funding & Transfers | $200 | $600 | $2,000 | Property titling, beneficiary designations, and asset placement. |
| Permits / Compliance | $0 | $100 | $500 | Florida-specific forms or compliance checks. |
| Delivery / Filing | $0 | $50 | $200 | Notarization, witness, and minor filing costs. |
| Services & Support | $0 | $100 | $600 | Document updates or revisions over time. |
| Totals | $1,000 | $3,550 | $10,000 | Totals reflect a range of service levels. |
data-formula=”labor_hours × hourly_rate”> Assumptions: Florida residency, funding included, basic trust structure.
What Drives Price
Key price levers include asset complexity, the need for tax planning, and whether a coupled plan (will plus trust) is created. In Florida, real estate held in a trust, ownership by a business entity, or scenarios with multiple beneficiaries tend to raise both document and funding costs. Asset titling and beneficiary designation updates are frequent cost drivers in Florida households.
Ways To Save
Save by choosing a streamlined approach such as a basic revocable living trust with standard provisions and efficient funding. Bundling adjacent documents (powers of attorney and wills) may reduce per-document fees. Florida residents can also compare flat-fee packages versus hourly billing to control total spend. Ask about bundled funding assistance and any included updates within a fixed price.
Regional Price Differences
Prices vary by market; urban Florida markets generally cost more than rural areas due to higher attorney rates and closer real estate activity. In practice, expect regional deltas of about ±15% to ±30% when comparing Miami-Dade or Broward to less dense counties. Local market conditions influence both document drafting and asset funding charges.
Labor & Installation Time
Typical drafting time ranges from 2 to 6 hours for a basic trust, with longer sessions for complex assets. In Florida, attorney hourly rates commonly fall between $150 and $350 per hour. Project time is a practical proxy for cost when quoting a fixed package.
Additional & Hidden Costs
Hidden fees may appear as expedited service surcharges, notary fees, or extra charges for reviewing outdoor property deeds or out-of-state assets. In Florida, expect potential add-ons for real estate transfers, LLC ownership considerations, and durable powers of attorney if updated outside the initial scope. Plan for contingencies: many firms include a modest contingency in higher-cost plans.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Three scenario cards illustrate typical Florida outcomes. Assumptions: single-front asset portfolio, standard home and bank accounts, moderate complexity.
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Basic — Flat-fee package for a simple revocable trust plus basic will and powers of attorney; funding through straightforward assets.
- Assets funded: primary residence and a few bank accounts
- Labor hours: 2–4
- Totals: $1,200–$2,000
- Per-unit: $1,000–$2,000 total
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Mid-Range — Trust with more assets, funded real estate, and beneficiary designations; includes updates within a few years.
- Assets funded: home plus investment accounts
- Labor hours: 4–8
- Totals: $2,500–$4,000
- Per-unit: $1,500–$2,500
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Premium — Comprehensive estate plan with business interests, multiple trusts, and ongoing funding optimization.
- Assets funded: real estate, business interests, and trusts
- Labor hours: 8–20
- Totals: $5,000–$14,000
- Per-unit: $3,000–$6,000