Power of Attorney in Florida
Your Power of Attorney Authorizes Someone Else to Make Decisions for You
A power of Attorney is a written legal document in which you give someone you trust, called your agent, the power to make decisions for you when you are unable to make them for yourself. We prepare the document according to your direction so that the person to whom you give your power of attorney knows exactly what he or she is authorized to do for you. It can be a “General Power of Attorney” which gives your agent the authority to essentially make all of your decisions for you. It may be “Limited,” giving your agent only the authority to make designated types of decisions for you and only for a limited period of time.
Other types of Powers of Attorney are available, such as a Durable Power of Attorney where you give your agent the right to make healthcare decisions for you. Military personnel can name an agent to make decisions during the time the military person is on deployment.
Call us at our Florida, Sarasota, Wills, Trusts, Probate and Elder Law Firm, PLLC, to discuss the different types of Powers of Attorney that will work for you and determine which ones we need to prepare on your behalf.
Important Frequently Asked Questions on Power of Attorney
Powers of Attorney are governed by Chapter 709 of the Florida Statutes, also known as “The Florida Power of Attorney Act”.
Unless otherwise specified, the information herein applies to Powers of Attorney signed on or after Oct. 1, 2011. Consult a lawyer regarding use and enforceability of Powers of Attorney executed prior to Oct. 1, 2011. The information applies generally to all Powers of Attorney although special rules for Durable Powers of Attorney are noted.