Last updated August 8, 2026
No. Florida has no state estate tax and no state inheritance tax. Florida’s estate tax was tied to a federal credit that was phased out, so no Florida estate tax has been owed since 2005, and Florida has never had an inheritance tax. A separate federal estate tax can still apply, but only to estates above a high federal exemption in the multiple millions of dollars — so it affects very few families. This is general information, not legal or tax advice.
Estate tax vs. inheritance tax
Estate tax
A tax on the estate itself before assets are distributed. Florida imposes none; the federal estate tax applies only above the federal exemption.
Inheritance tax
A tax on the person who receives the inheritance. Florida has none. (A handful of other states do, which can matter if a beneficiary lives out of state.)
Income tax
Florida has no state income tax. Federal income-tax rules can still touch inherited retirement accounts and the sale of inherited assets — a question for a tax professional.
So what should Florida families actually plan for?
Because tax is rarely the issue, Florida estate planning is really about control and probate avoidance: making sure the right people inherit, naming who can act for you if you cannot, protecting the homestead, and keeping your family out of a slow, public probate. That is where wills, revocable living trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives do their work.
Want to know what your Florida plan should actually cover? A free checkup points you to the right next step.
Start the free role checkGeneral information about Florida law, not legal or tax advice. Federal exemptions and tax rules change — confirm specifics with a licensed Florida attorney or tax professional. EstateDraftFL is software, not a law firm.
Frequently asked questions
Does Florida have an estate tax?
No. Florida does not impose a state estate tax. The Florida estate tax was tied to a federal credit that was phased out, so since 2005 no Florida estate tax has been owed.
Does Florida have an inheritance tax?
No. Florida has no inheritance tax. Beneficiaries do not pay a Florida tax simply for inheriting money or property from a Florida estate.
Could federal estate tax still apply?
Yes, but only to very large estates. The federal estate tax applies only above a high federal exemption (in the multiple millions of dollars per person), so it affects a small fraction of estates. Most Florida families owe no estate tax at all.
Do I still need an estate plan if Florida has no estate tax?
Yes. Estate planning in Florida is mostly about control and probate avoidance — who inherits, who acts for you, and keeping your family out of court — not taxes. A will, trust, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives matter regardless of the tax answer.
What about income tax on inherited assets?
Florida also has no state income tax. Federally, inherited assets generally receive a 'stepped-up' cost basis, and inherited retirement accounts have their own income-tax rules. Those are fact-specific — confirm with a tax professional.
General information about Florida law, not legal advice.