Can a POA sell a house in Florida?

Asked by: Mr. Thomas Borer  |  Last update: November 12, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (54 votes)

May an agent sell the principal's home? Yes. If the power of attorney has been executed with the formalities of a deed and authorizes the sale of the principal's homestead, the agent may sell it. If the principal is married, however, the agent also must obtain the authorization of the spouse.

Can a power of attorney sell a house in Florida?

While POA can extend to real estate transactions, power of attorney can only be used to sell a property before death. After the principal's death, the property must be sold through the probate process.

What three decisions cannot be made by a legal power of attorney?

When someone makes you the agent in their power of attorney, you cannot:
  • Write a will for them, nor can you edit their current will.
  • Take money directly from their bank accounts.
  • Make decisions after the person you are representing dies.
  • Give away your role as agent in the power of attorney.

Can my power of attorney sell my house without my consent?

No. The main reason is that the law requires the notarized signature of your mother to sell the property. This means that as her POA you would not have the authority to sell. Plus, if she is not consenting, the county clerk legitimately cannot transfer her interests in the real estate.

What are the limitations of a power of attorney in Florida?

Limitations of a Power of Attorney in Florida

The POA agent cannot change the agreement or break their fiduciary duty, otherwise they can be held liable for fraud and negligence. The agent also cannot transfer the POA to another individual or make decisions for the principal after death.

Can a Power of Attorney Sell a Property? #realestate

19 related questions found

Can a power of attorney sell property and keep money?

Someone who is designated as your agent in a power of attorney has a fiduciary duty to you. That means they cannot make financial decisions or take actions with your money or accounts that aren't in your best interest.

Can a power of attorney transfer property to themselves in Florida?

An agent cannot make a gift of his principal's property to himself or others unless it is expressly authorized in the power. James v. James, 843 So. 2d 304, 308 (Fla.

What does power of attorney give you authority over?

A power of attorney gives one or more persons the power to act on your behalf as your agent. The power may be limited to a particular activity, such as closing the sale of your home, or be general in its application. The power may give temporary or permanent authority to act on your behalf.

What happens if a property is left in will sold before death?

When a property is sold before death the gift fails. However the beneficiary designation does take place outside of the will and you should only need to present a certified copy of the death certificate and your id to receive the funds.

What voids a power of attorney?

For example, for power of attorney to be durable in California, it must contain specific language to that effect. Power of attorney documents must also either be notarized or signed by two witnesses. These errors and others can render the power of attorney void.

Who can override a power of attorney in Florida?

The person who can override the power of attorney depends on the type of power of attorney and the reason that termination of the right is being sought. In any situation, the principal can override their own power of attorney at any time if they have the capacity to do so.

What is the downside of being a power of attorney?

Risk of Mismanagement or Abuse

Since the legal instrument grants considerable authority to these individuals, they might potentially use this power for personal gain. For instance, an untrustworthy agent could mismanage or steal financial assets, leading to significant asset loss or debt accumulation.

What are the superpowers of a power of attorney in Florida?

Superpowers include powers to make gifts to third parties (which may include gifts to the Agent), powers to create or modify trusts, powers to create or change beneficiary designations (retirement accounts, life insurance, annuities), powers to create or change rights of survivorship accounts, and powers to disclaim ...

Do you need a lawyer to sell a house in Florida?

Unlike some states, Florida does not require that sellers involve a lawyer in the house-selling transaction. Nevertheless, you might decide to engage a lawyer at some point—for example, to review the final contract or to assist with closing details.

Can a POA change a will?

POA authority does not extend to modifying or revoking a will. The POA permits agents to manage financial or personal matters, such as paying bills or managing investments, but altering testamentary documents remains outside its scope.

Can a power of attorney sell property before death?

Key Takeaways: A Power of Attorney (POA) can sell property before death if explicitly authorized in the document, but authority ends immediately upon death.

Can a POA evict a family member?

If a family member is residing in one of the principal's properties without paying rent, or if the family member is in violation of the terms of their lease, or if their lease has expired but they are refusing to move out, then the agent with power of attorney will need to file an eviction action with the court with ...

What is the most powerful power of attorney?

The Durable Power of Attorney

A Durable POA remains effective even if you become incapacitated. This type of POA ensures your agent, whether for financial or healthcare , can continue to act on your behalf if you are unable to do so.

Can a POA transfer property to themselves in Florida?

Authority of the agent under the Florida power of attorney

Many people think that as agents they are able to transfer property to their names in order to avoid probate. However, unless you give initial the power to make gifts, the agents will not be able to freely dispose of any property.

Can someone sell a house if your name is on the deed?

The person whose name is on the deed is the legal owner of the property. That means that they have the right to make decisions about the property – including selling it. However, that doesn't mean that you can just ignore a mortgage that is in someone else's name.

Can a POA take money for themselves?

Can an agent transfer money to themselves under a POA? An agent can only transfer money to themselves if the POA document explicitly allows it. Self-transfers without explicit authorization are generally considered a breach of fiduciary duty and can lead to legal consequences.

Can a power of attorney sell property in Florida?

Yes. If the power of attorney has been executed with the formalities of a deed and authorizes the sale of the principal's homestead, the agent may sell it. If the principal is married, however, the agent also must obtain the authorization of the spouse.

Can a POA transfer money from a bank account?

For example, in a financial POA, the principal might give the agent the ability to pay bills, transfer funds, buy and sell stocks, or sign documents on behalf of the principal. In such a situation, the POA designee would certainly have the ability to withdraw funds from the principal's bank accounts.

Can a power of attorney sell a house to themselves?

Can a Power of Attorney Sell Property to Himself/Herself? Unless a power of attorney specifically grants an agent the authority to sell property to themselves, it generally would be considered self-dealing for them to do so.