Advance Directives & Powers of Attorney in Florida

Legal Planning for Life’s Unexpected Turns

Advance directives and powers of attorney are essential tools in any Florida estate plan. These documents allow you to maintain control over your medical and financial decisions—even if you become unable to speak for yourself.

At St. Johns Law Group, our estate planning attorneys help individuals and families across St. Augustine and Northeast Florida prepare durable legal protections that reflect their wishes, avoid family disputes, and ensure peace of mind.

What Are Advance Directives?

Advance directives are legal instructions about your medical care preferences in the event you become incapacitated. These documents make your wishes known to doctors, hospitals, and loved ones—avoiding confusion or conflict during a crisis.

In Florida, the most common types of advance directives include:

• Living Will – Specifies what life-sustaining treatments you do or do not want (e.g., ventilator, feeding tube)

• Health Care Surrogate Designation – Appoints someone you trust to make medical decisions on your behalf

• Do Not Resuscitate Order (DNR) – A medical order directing healthcare providers not to perform CPR in case of cardiac or respiratory arrest

These directives ensure your voice is heard, even when you cannot speak for yourself.

What Is a Power of Attorney?

A Power of Attorney (POA) is a legal document that gives someone you choose (called your “agent” or “attorney-in-fact”) the authority to act on your behalf in financial, legal, or healthcare matters.

In Florida, there are several types of powers of attorney:

• Durable Power of Attorney – Remains in effect even if you become incapacitated; often used for managing finances

• Limited or Specific Power of Attorney – Grants authority for a specific act or limited time (e.g., signing closing documents)

• Springing Power of Attorney (no longer allowed in Florida after 2011) – Previously activated upon incapacity; now requires express language and immediate effect under current law

Our attorneys draft POAs that are customized, compliant with Florida Statutes, and suited to your personal situation.

Why These Documents Matter

Without valid advance directives and a power of attorney in place:

• Family members may disagree over your care or finances

• Guardianship proceedings may be required, which are costly and time-consuming

• Medical providers may be forced to rely on standard protocols rather than your personal values

• Loved ones may struggle to access bank accounts, pay bills, or manage property

Preparing these documents in advance can prevent legal complications, reduce stress for your family, and help carry out your wishes with dignity and clarity.

Our Advance Directive Services Include:

• Drafting Florida-compliant Living Wills and Health Care Surrogate Designations

• Preparing Durable Financial Powers of Attorney

• Updating or revoking outdated documents

• Advising on HIPAA releases and access to medical information

• Coordinating with your trusts, wills, and estate plans

• Planning for incapacity, dementia, or chronic illness

We take the time to explain your options, clarify your rights, and ensure that each directive aligns with your broader estate planning goals.

Serving Clients Across Northeast Florida

Our attorneys assist clients with advance directives and powers of attorney in:

St. Johns County – St. Augustine, St. Augustine Beach, Ponte Vedra, Nocatee, Fruit Cove, Hastings, Julington Creek
Flagler County – Palm Coast, Flagler Beach, Bunnell
Duval County – Jacksonville, San Marco, Jacksonville Beach
Clay County – Fleming Island, Green Cove Springs, Middleburg
Putnam County – Palatka, East Palatka, Crescent City
Southern Georgia – For Florida-based estate documents and property matters

When Should You Create These Documents?

Now. Every adult—regardless of age, wealth, or health—should have advance directives and a durable power of attorney. These documents can be updated as your needs or preferences change, but they should be prepared before a crisis occurs.

Whether you’re planning for aging, illness, travel, or long-term care, our attorneys will make sure you and your loved ones are protected.

📞 Talk to a St. Augustine Estate Planning Attorney Today

At St. Johns Law Group, we’re here to help you put the right protections in place. Let our experienced team walk you through the process of creating advance directives and powers of attorney that give you confidence for the future.

📞 Call (904) 495-0400
📍 Visit 104 Sea Grove Main Street, St. Augustine, FL 32080
🖋️ Schedule a Consultation: Contact Us