If you’re a homeowner in Central Florida, protecting your biggest asset — your home — is likely a top priority. Whether you live in Oviedo, Winter Park, Lake Mary, or anywhere across Orange, Seminole, or Volusia County, you may have heard about placing your home into a trust to avoid probate and make things easier for your loved ones.

⚠️ Disclaimer: I am not a lawyer. This blog is for informational purposes only. For legal advice specific to your situation, please consult with a licensed Florida estate planning attorney. If you need a referral, I’d be happy to connect you with someone local and trusted.

Let’s break down what a trust is, why it matters, and how to do it the right way here in Florida.

What Is a Trust and Why Do Central Florida Homeowners Use One?

A Revocable Living Trust is a legal tool that allows you to transfer ownership of your home and other assets into a trust that you control during your lifetime. After your passing, your property is passed on without going through probate, which is a time-consuming and often expensive court process.

Why more Florida homeowners are using trusts:

✅ Avoid Probate in Florida
Probate in Florida can be lengthy and costly. A trust avoids court delays and ensures your beneficiaries receive the property smoothly and privately.

✅ Protect Your Privacy
A trust doesn’t become public record like a will. This keeps your affairs confidential.

✅ Keep Control While You’re Alive
You’re still the owner under the title of Trustee and can buy, sell, refinance, or live in the home as you always have.

✅ Make It Easier for Loved Ones
No court dates, legal delays, or confusion. Your instructions are clear and the home transfers seamlessly.

How to Put a House in a Trust in Florida: Step-by-Step

If you live in Central Florida and want to put your house into a trust, here’s how it works.

1. Choose the Right Type of Trust

Most homeowners opt for a Revocable Living Trust in Florida. This allows you to remain in full control and make changes as needed during your lifetime.

2. Work with a Florida Estate Planning Attorney

While there are online DIY trust services, it’s best to hire a Florida-based estate planning attorney who can customize your trust and ensure it follows Florida law.

Your attorney will help you:

• Draft the trust document

• Name you as trustee

• Designate successor trustees

• List your beneficiaries

• Protect your Central Florida real estate properly

3. Transfer the Property into the Trust

Once your trust is drafted, your attorney or title company will create a new deed that transfers ownership of your home to the trust.

For example, instead of “Jane Smith,” the deed will now read:
“Jane Smith, Trustee of the Jane Smith Living Trust dated August 2025.”

This new deed will be recorded with your local county clerk, whether that’s Seminole County, Orange County, or Volusia County.

4. Update Your Insurance and Mortgage Info

Contact your homeowner’s insurance provider to update the insured name to your trust.
If you have a mortgage, just let your lender know. Placing a home in a revocable trust does not violate your mortgage terms.

Already Own a Home in Central Florida? It’s Not Too Late

You can put your home into a trust at any time, even if you’ve owned it for years. This is one of the most common estate planning moves for homeowners in Florida, especially those with family, high equity, or a desire to avoid probate complications.

Why This Matters for Central Florida Homeowners

The Florida real estate market is strong. Many homeowners here in Oviedo, Winter Park, Lake Nona, Sanford, and surrounding areas have built up substantial home equity. Creating a trust ensures that equity is protected and passed on efficiently.

Whether you’re planning for the future or just want peace of mind, putting your house in a trust is one of the smartest moves you can make.

Need a Referral to a Local Estate Planning Attorney?

As a Realtor in Central Florida, I often get questions from homeowners about putting their property in a trust and can help connect you with trusted local estate planning professionals.

⚠️ Again, this blog is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every situation is unique, so please consult a qualified estate attorney to ensure you're making the best decisions for your family and future.

Ready to protect your property and avoid probate?

Click here to contact me and let’s make sure your home is not just a place you love but a legacy you protect.