Who is legally qualified to serve as a personal representative in Florida?

Under Fla. Stat. § 733.302 and § 733.304, an individual must be at least 18 years old, mentally competent, and free of any felony conviction to qualify as a personal representative. Non-residents of Florida may only serve if they are closely related to the decedent by blood, marriage, or legal adoption (such as a surviving spouse, parent, child, sibling, or other specified relative). If the individual nominated in a will fails to meet these criteria, Florida probate courts will appoint an alternate named in the will or select an eligible administrator according to statutory priority rules.