Many financial accounts and investment assets allow you to name a beneficiary who will automatically receive ownership upon your death. These accounts are commonly called “Transfer on Death” (TOD) or “Payable on Death” (POD)” accounts.

Similarly, Florida real estate can pass outside of probate through tools such as a life estate deed with a remainder interest (authorized under Chapter 689, Florida Statutes).

Because these arrangements typically avoid probate, they are often viewed as simple and cost-effective Florida estate planning solutions. In many cases, the beneficiary only needs to present a certified death certificate to the financial institution or county recorder’s office to complete the transfer.

Florida is taking an important step for business owners and real estate investors. Beginning July 1, 2026, Florida will allow the formation of Protected Series Limited Liability Companies (Series LLCs) under newly enacted legislation (SB 316).

This development gives entrepreneurs a new way to structure multiple ventures or properties under one parent LLC—while maintaining liability protection between them.

When thinking about estate planning, one of the most important — and often overlooked — issues is how your assets are owned. (Keep in mind that doing nothing is also a form of estate planning.) The way assets are titled determines what happens if you are healthy, incapacitated, or deceased, and whether your family will face guardianship or probate proceedings.

Understanding asset ownership is a foundational step in creating an effective estate plan.

Planning for the future is about more than deciding what happens to your assets after you pass away. It also means preparing for the possibility that you may become unable to manage your own affairs due to illness, injury, or age-related decline. In Florida, incapacity planning is a core part of a well-rounded estate planning strategy—and trusts often play a much bigger role than many people realize.

When families think about estate planning, they often focus on avoiding probate, protecting assets, or ensuring loved ones are taken care of. One important topic that is sometimes overlooked is capital gains planning—specifically, how taxes on appreciated assets can affect heirs.

For Florida families, understanding how capital gains work, how the step-up in basis rule applies, and what planning opportunities exist can make a meaningful difference in preserving wealth across generations. This article provides general educational information to help you ask the right questions as part of a comprehensive Florida estate planning and wealth protection strategy.

For Florida families and business owners, managing income wisely is an important part of long-term financial and estate and wealth planning. One concept that often comes up in conversations with advisors is income shifting—sometimes also called income allocation or income spreading.

When used appropriately and legally, income shifting can help families and business owners align income with responsibility, reduce unnecessary tax burdens, and support broader wealth protection and estate planning goals. When used incorrectly, however, it can create compliance issues and unwanted attention from taxing authorities.

This article explains what income shifting is, when it may be appropriate, how it generally works, and common mistakes to avoid, all from a Florida-based planning perspective.

As the year comes to a close, many Florida families take time to review finances, set goals, and prepare for the year ahead. One area that deserves just as much attention—but is often overlooked—is estate planning.

An estate plan that worked well in the past may no longer reflect your family, assets, or changes in the law. With 2026 approaching, a thoughtful year-end review can help ensure your plan is current, flexible, and positioned to protect the people and property that matter most.

Use the checklist below to evaluate whether your estate plan is truly ready for the year ahead.

As the year comes to a close, many people begin reflecting on family, finances, and what the future holds. December is naturally a season of planning—yet estate planning is often overlooked until a crisis forces action.

In reality, the end of the year is one of the most strategic and practical times to review your estate plan. For Florida residents especially, a December review can help ensure your plan is current, compliant, and positioned for the year ahead.

An estate plan is not a “set it and forget it” document. Life changes—sometimes quickly, sometimes unexpectedly—and when they do, your estate plan should change with it. Failing to update your plan after major milestones can lead to unintended beneficiaries, family conflict, court involvement, or unnecessary taxes and delays.

Below are some of the most common life events that require an estate plan review, along with what Florida residents should know.

Smart planning now prevents unnecessary tax loss, legal exposure, and financial erosion later. For many high-income earners, wealth grows quickly — but protection strategies often lag behind. The result? Preventable tax burdens, missed opportunities, and exposure that can threaten long-term financial security.

For seniors and their families in Broward County, Florida, Medicaid is often a critical resource for long-term or in-home care. However, eligibility rules evolve, and staying informed is vital. At Horacio Sosa, P.A., a law firm with a Heart, we guide families through these complexities with clarity and care.