Executing a Trust termination in Florida

Last updated June 27, 2026 · Reviewed by Neil Alan Milestone, The Florida Bar No. 309966

The closing sequence, in order

1. Confirm the Trust has actually terminated. The Trust instrument controls — many Florida Trusts continue after a death for a surviving spouse, children, or grandchildren rather than ending.
2. Bring the records current. The final accounting under §736.08135 closes the books from the last accounting through the distribution date — far easier when the ledger has been kept all along.
3. Set a reasonable reserve. §736.0817 lets the Trustee hold back enough for debts, administration expenses, and taxes before distributing — distributing first and paying later is how Trustees create personal exposure.
4. Distribute expeditiously. Once obligations are covered, the same statute expects distribution to proceed without unnecessary delay.
5. Paper the closing. Receipts and releases from beneficiaries — and Trust disclosure documents that can start limitation periods on claims — are attorney-drafted decisions, not form downloads.
6. Keep the file. The complete record — notices, accountings, receipts, releases — is the Trustee's protection long after the last check clears.

The governing provisions

• Duty to inform and account

  § 736.0813 ↗

  Plain-language explanation pending Florida attorney review. See the official statute via the link above.

• Trust accountings

  § 736.08135 ↗