A Florida power of attorney or POA is a legal document that allows one person to legally act for another person. The person granted the power is often called the attorney-in-fact, or agent.
The scope of the power of attorney, also called a general power of attorney, can range from very small—a short duration and only the power to do very few things—to all-encompassing.
A broad power of attorney might let the attorney-in-fact act legally for the other person for any aspect of that persons life, including entering and making contracts, loans, mortgages, deeds, trusts, and so on.
Under Florida power of attorney law, certain powers must not only be listed in the power of attorney document, but they must specifically be initialed to ensure that the grantor of the power truly did mean to give the attorney-in-fact that power.
Third Party Reliance
Does a third party have to accept a valid power of attorney?
Yes, under Florida law, a third party (such as a bank or other financial institution) must accept a valid power of attorney. But the third party is allowed to first consult legal counsel to determine the validity of the power of attorney.
When Does Power of Attorney Take Effect?
In Florida, a power of attorney is effective immediately upon signing. Prior versions of the power of attorney law allowed a springing power of attorney, which is one that takes effect only upon incapacity. But recent revisions to Florida law outlawed the use of the springing power of attorney.
Because the Florida power of attorney document is active all the time, a person should be very comfortable with the attorney-in-fact indeed having the power given to them.
The durable nature of the power of attorney is why a Florida power of attorney is sometimes called a durable power of attorney.
Medical Power of Attorney
A medical power of attorney in Florida is often called a Designation of Health Care Surrogate, or in some states, an advanced health care directive.
This document is usually separate than a regular durable power of attorney. It gives someone else the ability to make medical decisions on your behalf should you be incapacitated or should you be totally unable to communicate to your physician.
The health care surrogate is also authorized to receive medical information about your health condition and treatment from a health care provider.
Should You Have a Power of Attorney?
A power of attorney is a typical component of basic Florida estate planning. However, younger couples or recently married couples may decide to omit the power of attorney from their estate plan. They may decide that they do not want to give their spouse the broad legal authority that a Florida power of attorney confers.