Quick Answer
What it is
An Enhanced Life Estate Deed — a Florida-recognized deed that transfers property at death while the owner keeps full control during life.
What it does
Names a beneficiary to receive your property after death, outside probate, while keeping your right to sell, mortgage, or change beneficiaries at any time.
Why people use it
To plan ahead for a simpler property transfer, avoid the Florida probate process, and keep full control during their lifetime.
Florida relevance
Lady Bird Deeds are not recognized in all states, but Florida courts and title companies regularly accept and recognize them.
Also called an Enhanced Life Estate Deed or Lady Bird Document.
You keep full ownership and control during your lifetime
After signing a Lady Bird Deed, nothing changes about how you own or use the property. You can continue to live there, rent it out, sell it, refinance it, or change your mind about who should receive it — all without the beneficiary's permission or involvement.
You name who receives the property at your death
The deed names a remainder beneficiary — the person (or people) who would receive the property if you still own it when you pass away. You can also name a backup (contingent) beneficiary in case your primary beneficiary predeceases you.
The beneficiary generally has no current rights or ownership
A Lady Bird Deed does not give the beneficiary any present ownership interest. They cannot sell it, live there uninvited, or make decisions about the property while you are alive. Their interest is entirely conditional — and it only vests if you still own the property at your death.
The property may transfer outside of probate
One reason Florida property owners use this deed is to create a potential path for the property to transfer at death without going through the probate court process. Whether it actually avoids probate in your situation depends on your specific circumstances — consult an attorney if this is a significant concern for you.
Florida homeowners who want to plan ahead for a simpler property transfer
Parents who want to name a child or loved one without losing control now
People who want to keep the right to sell or change their mind later
Individuals exploring ways to reduce probate complexity for their family
Property owners who want to name a specific person — not go through court
People with complicated title, ownership disputes, or unclear interest in the property
Situations where tax, Medicaid eligibility, or trust planning is a primary concern
People unsure who should receive the property — or with family conflict
Properties with co-owners where all parties haven't agreed to the transfer plan
Anyone whose situation is complex enough to need a licensed Florida attorney's guidance
ClickDocs is a document preparation service. We do not provide legal advice. If you have questions about your specific situation, consult a licensed Florida attorney.
Common comparisons people search for.
vs. a Quitclaim Deed
A quitclaim deed transfers your ownership interest immediately and permanently — you lose control the moment you sign. A Lady Bird Deed keeps you in complete control during your lifetime. They serve very different purposes. If you want to transfer property now (for example, to a spouse, child, or LLC), a quitclaim deed may be appropriate. If you want to plan for the future while keeping control today, a Lady Bird Deed is typically the right tool.
Learn about Quitclaim Deeds →vs. a Will or Trust
A Lady Bird Deed applies specifically to one piece of real property. It does not replace a will or a trust, which can address many assets, debts, and complex family situations. A Lady Bird Deed is often simpler and less expensive than a trust for single-property planning — but an estate planning attorney can help you decide what combination makes sense.
vs. Adding Someone to the Deed
Adding a co-owner to your deed gives that person present ownership rights — they may be able to force a sale, their creditors could make claims against the property, and you may need their signature to sell or refinance. A Lady Bird Deed avoids these complications entirely.
Plain answers to the things people worry about most.
Is this the same as giving away my house now?
No. You are not giving anything away right now. You keep full ownership. The deed only creates a potential future path for the property to pass to your named beneficiary — and only if you still own it when you die.
Can I still sell or refinance?
Yes, without the beneficiary's permission. That's one of the defining features of this type of deed. If you sell before death, the beneficiary receives nothing and the deed is effectively canceled.
Does the beneficiary have rights while I'm alive?
No present rights. They cannot occupy the property, block a sale, or make any decisions. Their interest is entirely contingent on what happens at your death.
Can I change my mind later?
Yes. You can execute a new deed naming a different beneficiary, or otherwise revoke the arrangement during your lifetime. The Lady Bird Deed does not lock you in.
Do I still need a notary and two witnesses?
Yes. Florida law requires a deed to be signed in the presence of two witnesses and acknowledged before a notary public before it is recorded. ClickDocs offers remote online notarization and mobile notary services in checkout.
Is this document legal in Florida?
Yes. Lady Bird Deeds are widely used and recognized by Florida courts and title companies. They are not specifically defined by a single Florida statute, but they are grounded in Florida property law principles and have a long history of use in Florida.
Gather these before you start — most people have everything in 10–15 minutes.
Grantor's full legal name
Your name exactly as it appears on your current deed
Grantor's current mailing address
Your address at the time of signing
Remainder beneficiary's full legal name
The person who would receive the property at your death
Remainder beneficiary's mailing address
Required for proper deed preparation
Property county
The Florida county where the property is located
Full legal description
Find this on your existing deed or at the county property appraiser's website
Parcel Identification Number (PIN)
Also found at the county property appraiser's website
Property address (optional but helpful)
The physical street address of the property
Contingent beneficiary (optional)
A backup beneficiary in case your primary beneficiary predeceases you
Prepared by / Return to info
ClickDocs will guide you through this — often your own name and address
Prepare your Florida Lady Bird Deed online — no office visits, no lawyer billing by the hour.
Answer guided questions
Our step-by-step intake collects everything needed for your Florida Lady Bird Deed — including your property's legal description, parties, and retained powers.
Review your draft
See your completed Lady Bird Deed before you pay. Your answers are merged into an attorney-reviewed Florida template.
Purchase and download
Pay $199 to unlock your final document. Download as HTML or Word. Optional notarization services available in checkout.
Sign and record
Sign in front of two witnesses and a notary public. Then record the deed with the Clerk of Circuit Court in the property county.
About Lady Bird Deeds in Florida.
Florida Lady Bird Deed
Start your Enhanced Life Estate Deed — the exact document this page is about.
$199
Florida Quitclaim Deed
Transfer property now. No title warranties. Useful for intra-family transfers.
$199
Durable Power of Attorney
Authorize someone to manage your finances if you become incapacitated.
$199
Our guided intake takes most people under 15 minutes. Your Florida-compliant Lady Bird Deed is generated instantly. One flat fee — no subscription.
ClickDocs.org is a document preparation service. We are not a law firm and do not provide legal advice. If your situation requires legal guidance, please consult a licensed Florida attorney.