Guardianship Information
Guardianship is a legal process used when a person is unable to make decisions or manage their personal or financial affairs safely and independently.
The Sixth Judicial Circuit provides information and court resources related to guardianship proceedings in Pasco and Pinellas counties, including forms, reporting requirements, administrative orders, and helpful legal resources.
This page is intended to help individuals, family members, and guardians better understand the guardianship process and locate commonly requested information.
What is a Guardianship?
A guardianship is a court-supervised process in which a judge appoints a guardian to make decisions for another person, known as the ward.
Guardianships may involve:
- Personal care decisions
- Medical decisions
- Financial management
- Protection of property and assets
Guardianships may be established for:
- Adults who are incapacitated
- Individuals with developmental disabilities
- Minors receiving settlements or assets
- Vulnerable adults as defined by Chapter 415
Guardianship Resources
Guardianship Forms
Access commonly used guardianship forms, reporting documents, and filing resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about guardianship responsibilities, investigations, fees, and court procedures.
Administrative Orders
Review administrative orders and procedures related to probate, guardianship, and mental health matters.
Important Information for Guardians
Background Investigations
Florida law and administrative orders require background investigations for proposed guardians.
Investigations may include:
- Criminal background checks
- Credit checks (when applicable)
- Department of Children and Families reviews
Additional investigations and annual reinvestigations may also be required depending on the type of guardianship.
Professional Guardians
Professional guardians must maintain registration with the Office of Public and Professional Guardians as required by Florida law.
Failure to maintain registration or complete renewal requirements may affect appointment eligibility.
Guardian Reporting Requirements
Guardians may be required to submit:
- Initial inventories
- Annual reports
- Accounting documents
- Care plans
- Financial documentation
Court-approved forms may be required for submission.
Guardianship Forms
| Pinellas County Initial and Annual Reporting Forms: Guardianship Initial and Annual Reports are located at the Pinellas County Clerk of Courts website – scroll down to Guardianship. | ||
| Forms include calculations and drop down menus. Download forms to a computer for editing. Forms created using Microsoft Office software, but other brands of document and spreadsheet software will function and allow data entry. | ||
| Petitioner’s Contact Information Form for Incapacity and Suggestion Petitions | Word | |
| Addendum Annual Plan | Word | |
| Guardian Advocate Instructions | ||
| Pasco | Word | |
| Pinellas | Word | |
| Guardian Advocate Forms | ||
| Pasco | Word | |
| Pinellas | Word | |
| Guardian Advocate Oath | Word | |
| Guardian Advocate Application | Word | |
| Practical Guide to Marshalling Personal Property Assets | Word | |
| Application for Appointment of Guardian | Word | |
| Checklist For Nonprofessional/Family Guardianship Applications | Word | |
| Application for Indigence | ||
| Pasco | ||
| Pinellas | ||
| Professional guardians and all employees of professional guardians who have a fiduciary duty must resubmit, at their own expense, to a level 1 background at least every 2 years after the date of their appointment. To perform a self-service search, click on the link. Note there is a required payment of $25.00. File the results with the Clerk’s office. Criminal History Information Request |
| Fingerprint & Background Check Requirement Out of State Guardian Applicants | ||
| How To – E-Notify for Signed Orders: Part 1 Instructions on how to get electronic notifications when Orders are signed on your Guardianship Cases. | ||
| How To – E-Notify for Signed Orders: Part 2 Registered User Agreement form. Must be submitted in order to receive E-Notifications. | ||
| E-Filing Portal – Direct Link | ||
| Petition for Attorney’s Fees – Form | Word | |
| Attorney Fee Review Checklist | Word | |
| Guardian Fee Review Checklist | Word | |
| Guardian Statement Fee Petition | Word | |
| Order to Deposit Unclaimed Funds into the Registry of the Court | Word | |
| Order Canceling Hearing | Word | |
| Proposed Order on Pet/Mot Requesting Extension to File Documents/Response to Order to File, Disapproving and Checklist | Word | |
| RESTRICTED GUARDIANSHIP DESIGNATED DEPOSITORY ORDER (investment powers) | Word | |
| ACCEPTANCE OF DESIGNATION AS RESTRICTED DEPOSITORY OF ASSETS ORDER (investment powers) | Word | |
| RESTRICTED GUARDIANSHIP DESIGNATED DEPOSITORY ORDER (non-investment powers) | Word | |
| ACCEPTANCE OF DESIGNATION AS RESTRICTED DEPOSITORY OF ASSETS ORDER (non-investment powers) | Word | |
| Guardian Disaster Plans Administrative Order 2019-005 PA/PI-CIR signed on September 19, 2006 requires each initial plan filed after January 23, 2019 to include a disaster plan which sets forth the procedures and plans in place for the ward in the event an evacuation order or other emergency order is issued by federal, state, or local officials. | Word | |
| The following will satisfy the above requirement: Guardianship Emergency Plan – If the ward resides outside of a facility or the facility does not have a written disaster plan, file a completed guardianship emergency plan. | Word |
Pinellas County Law Library
Computers and printers are available for individuals who may not have access to a computer or internet services.
Pinellas County Law Library
Historic Courthouse
324 South Ft. Harrison Avenue
Clearwater, FL 33756
Phone: (727) 464-3411
Helpful Legal Resources
Family Friendly Accountings (PDF)
10 Tips for Family and Non-Professional Guardians (PDF)
Agency for Persons with Disabilities (Website)
Free Annual Credit Report (Website)
Pinellas County Lawyer Referral Services (Website)
Hillsborough Lawyer Referral Services (Website)
Need Additional Assistance?
For questions regarding guardianship procedures, filings, or court processes, please contact the appropriate Clerk of Court or consult with an attorney. Visit Pasco County Clerk’s website or Pinellas County Clerk’s website.
