Lady Bird Deeds (Enhanced Life Estate Deeds)

Keep Control Today. Simplify Transfers Tomorrow.

A Lady Bird Deed—also known as an Enhanced Life Estate Deed—allows you to retain full legal control of your property during your lifetime while naming designated recipients to receive it after your passing.

It’s a powerful way to simplify what your family has to manage during an already difficult time. Florida law has recognized the validity of such deeds for over 100 years.

Many of our clients use this tool to help ensure their Florida property—often a second home in Brevard County—is passed on smoothly, even when their primary estate planning documents are governed by another state.

While it won’t necessarily eliminate all legal steps that your estate might require, it can simplify the process.

More About Lady Bird Deeds

How a Lady Bird Deed Works

  • You remain the legal owner of the property for life.

  • You can sell, mortgage, or revoke the deed at any time — without permission from your designated recipients.

  • When you pass away, the property automatically passes to the designated recipient and the recipient will need to file a copy of the death certificate.

Why Choose Mangrove Title & Legal?

  • Attorney-reviewed: Every deed is prepared and reviewed by a licensed Florida attorney.

  • Fast turnaround: Most deeds are completed in less than one business week.

  • Flat, reasonable fees: We charge a simple flat fee — no surprise costs.

  • Remote signing available: If you’re located outside Brevard County, we can normally coordinate signing wherever you are.

  • Recording included: We handle recording the deed with the appropriate county for you.

What to Keep in Mind

Lady Bird Deeds reduce the burden on your family, but they don’t eliminate every legal step that may need to be taken:

  • Probate proceedings may need to be undertaken to address creditor claims.

  • If you become married after you sign the Lady Bird Deed, your spouse may have constitutional homestead rights under Florida law, if the property was your primary residence.

Similarly, if you have a minor child at the time of your passing and the property was your primary residence, the minor child may have a constitutional homestead interest in the property.

FAQ

  • In many cases, yes — a Lady Bird Deed avoids the need for probate proceedings related to the deed.

    However, if your estate has creditor issues, or the property is homestead and you’re married at the time of your death, some limited probate or documentation may still be needed.

  • That’s very common. We often assist clients whose primary estate planning documents are from outside Florida. A Lady Bird Deed works with of your out-of-state will and can still effectively transfer your Florida property.

  • No, if properly drafted, a Lady Bird Deed should not affect your Florida homestead exemption. You continue to own and reside in the property as your primary residence.

  • No. Because they do not have any ownership interest while you are alive, your designated recipients do not need to sign the deed or approve changes.

  • Yes. One of the primary benefits of a Lady Bird Deed is that it allows you to revoke or change the deed at any time during your life without consent from the designated recipients.

Ready to Get Started?

Start the process online now by completing our secure intake form. Your information is confidential and will only be reviewed by our attorneys and staff.