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Guardianship Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about guardianship cases, forms, investigations, reports, and responsibilities in the Sixth Judicial Circuit.

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Becoming a Guardian

Background Investigations

Reports & Responsibilities

Courses & Resources

Becoming a Guardian

Background Investigations

The court requires background investigations for guardians to help protect vulnerable individuals and ensure guardians meet legal requirements. Requirements may vary depending on whether the guardian is a nonprofessional guardian or professional guardian.

Nonprofessional Guardians
First-Time Investigation

Nonprofessional Guardians
Annual Reinvestigation

Professional Guardians
First-Time Investigation

Professional Guardians
Annual Reinvestigation

Nonprofessional Guardians — First-Time Investigation

The following items are required for nonprofessional guardians being investigated for the first time:

Required Documents

Completed checklist application (PDF)
Completed fingerprint card (white with blue lettering)
Signed Department of Children and Families (DCF) release form

Important Notes

Fees must be paid by the guardian, not the ward’s estate
Include the guardianship case number on all checks
Use black ink only when completing fingerprint cards
Do not use a highlighter on the fingerprint cards

Fees

$47 FDLE fingerprint fee
$27.50 initial investigation fee

Payment Information

Fingerprint processing fees should be made payable to FDLE.
Checks for investigation fees should be made payable to the Clerk of Court
Note on check “Payment for Investigation Fee”

Mailing Address:
Clerk of the Court – Probate Guardianship Division
315 Court St., Room 106, Clearwater, FL 33756

Nonprofessional Guardians — Annual Reinvestigation

Nonprofessional guardians are required to complete annual reinvestigations.

Required Documents

Completed checklist application (PDF)
Signed Department of Children and Families (DCF) release form

Important Notes

Fees must be paid by the guardian, not the ward’s estate
Include the guardianship case number on all checks
Note on check “Payment for Investigation Fee”

Fees

$27.50 initial investigation fee
$7.50 annual investigation fee (by January 31 of each year)

Payment Information

Checks for investigation fees should be made payable to the Clerk of Court

Mailing Address:
Clerk of the Court – Probate Guardianship Division
315 Court St., Room 106, Clearwater, FL 33756

Professional Guardians — First-Time Investigation

Professional guardians must complete the following registration and investigation requirements.

Required Documents

Completed checklist application (PDF)
Completed fingerprint card (white with blue lettering)
Signed Department of Children and Families (DCF) release form

Important Notes

Fees must be paid by the guardian, not the ward’s estate
Include the guardianship case number on all checks
Use black ink only when completing fingerprint cards
Do not use a highlighter on the fingerprint cards

Fees

$47 FDLE fingerprint fee
$27.50 initial investigation fee
$7.50 Clerk’s Office Processing Fee

Payment Information

Fingerprint processing fees should be made payable to FDLE.
Checks for investigation fees should be made payable to the Clerk of Court
Note on check “Payment for Investigation Fee”

Mailing Address:
Clerk of the Court – Probate Guardianship Division
315 Court St., Room 106, Clearwater, FL 33756

Professional Guardians — Annual Reinvestigation

Professional guardians are required to complete annual reinvestigations.

Required Documents

Completed checklist application (PDF)
Additional appointments checklist (PDF) if needed
Signed Department of Children and Families (DCF) release form

Important Notes

Fees must be paid by the guardian, not the ward’s estate
Include the guardianship case number on all checks
Note on check “Payment for Investigation Fee”

Fees

$27.50 initial investigation fee
$7.50 annual investigation fee (by January 31 of each year)

Payment Information

Checks for investigation fees should be made payable to the Clerk of Court

Mailing Address:
Clerk of the Court – Probate Guardianship Division
315 Court St., Room 106, Clearwater, FL 33756

Additional appointments checklist (PDF) if needed

Reports and Guardian Responsibilities

Guardians are responsible for meeting court reporting requirements and maintaining compliance throughout the guardianship process.

Courses and Additional Resources

Training courses and additional resources are available to help guardians understand their responsibilities and court requirements.

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