The Florida Electronic Wills Act: Governor Scott Vetoes House Bill 277

What is an electronic will? Does Florida recognize them? How would electronic wills in Palm Beach affect Florida probate litigation? Why did Governor Scott veto House Bill 277?

On June 26, 2017 Governor Scott vetoed House Bill 277. This bill would have made big changes in the Florida wills and trust world. House Bill 277 creates the “Florida Electronic Wills Act” which “authorizes the creation and execution of electronic wills, and provides that the execution of electronic wills may be witnessed and notarized through the use of remote technology.” Furthermore, the bill specifies that ” electronic wills of residents and nonresidents may be probated in Florida.”  How do you feel about wills being able to be electronically signed? How does this bill protect the will-making process in Florida? Does it protect the estate planning process in Florida? Why did Governor Scott veto this innovative bill? To read the Florida Governor’s veto letter, click here.