Florida Health Care Surrogate

In Florida, a health care surrogate (“surrogate”) is an important part of your estate plan. Your surrogate is someone who would make medical decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so yourself.

The individual you pick to be your health care surrogate should be a trusted family member or friend. The surrogate will be responsible for making all health care decisions during any period of your incapacity. This means if you are found to be unable to make a medical decision, this person will make decisions for you.

Your surrogate should consult with your health care providers before making any decisions. The decisions they make on your behalf should reflect the decisions you would make if you were able. If your surrogate does not know what you would do in the situation, they should consider your best interest in making a decision.

When appointing your surrogate, it needs to be signed in the presence of two witnesses. One of the witnesses must not be a spouse or your blood relative. The person you appoint to act as your health care surrogate cannot be a witness.

Unless your health care surrogate appointment indicates a time of termination, it will be in effect until revoked.

Can I Have More than One Health Care Surrogate?

You can appoint an alternate surrogate. This is helpful if your original surrogate is unable to act for any reason.

Do You Need a Health Care Surrogate?

If you need a health care surrogate, we offer a free downloadable copy, with instructions on how to execute it. If you would like to download your copy, click here. If you need assistance, contact us here.