Quick Answer
Yes, you can sell a parent’s house with power of attorney in Florida, but only if the document specifically grants authority to handle real estate transactions. The power of attorney must be valid, properly executed, and accepted by the title company in order to complete the sale.
Understanding Power of Attorney in Florida
Power of attorney (POA) allows someone (the “agent”) to act on behalf of another person (the “principal”). In the context of real estate, this can include signing listing agreements, contracts, and closing documents.
However, not all POAs are created equal. Some are limited to specific tasks, while others grant broader authority. When it comes to selling a home, the language in the document matters.
If you’re unsure what type of POA you have, it’s important to confirm that it includes real estate authority before taking any steps toward selling.
What the Power of Attorney Must Include
In Florida, a power of attorney must specifically authorize real estate transactions in order to sell a home.
This typically includes the authority to:
- Sell or convey property
- Sign contracts and listing agreements
- Execute closing documents
Without this language, you may not be able to move forward with the sale.
In addition, Florida law requires certain powers—like the ability to sell real estate—to be explicitly stated and properly signed, often with witnesses and notarization.
Can You List and Sell the Home With POA?
If the power of attorney is valid and includes the right authority, you can typically handle the entire process, including:
- Hiring a real estate agent
- Signing the listing agreement
- Reviewing and accepting offers
- Signing closing documents
From a practical standpoint, the process looks very similar to a traditional sale, with the main difference being that you are signing on behalf of your parent.
In many cases, families handling this situation are also dealing with broader responsibilities, especially when a parent is transitioning into assisted living or needs additional support.
Will the Title Company Accept the POA?
This is one of the most important parts of the process.
Even if the POA appears valid, the title company must review and approve it before closing. Some may require:
- A recent copy of the POA
- Confirmation that the principal is still living
- Additional documentation depending on the situation
Because of this, it’s important to involve a real estate professional early so the POA can be reviewed before the property goes under contract.
Common Situations Where POA Is Used
Selling a parent’s home with power of attorney is common in situations like:
- A parent has dementia or cognitive decline
- A parent has moved into assisted living
- A parent lives out of state and cannot travel
- Health issues prevent the parent from managing the sale
In Southwest Florida, this is especially common with seasonal residents and families coordinating care from a distance.
If you’re also managing the sale remotely, you may run into additional logistical challenges, which we cover in more detail when selling a Florida property from out of state.
Costs to Expect When Selling With POA
The costs involved in selling a home with power of attorney are generally the same as any other home sale.
These may include:
- Cleanout and junk removal
- Repairs and preparation
- Holding costs like insurance, utilities, and taxes
- Closing costs and commissions
If you’re early in the process, it’s helpful to understand how these expenses can add up over time, especially if the home sits vacant.
What If the Home Is Going Through Probate?
Power of attorney and probate are often confused, but they are not the same.
A power of attorney is only valid while the principal is alive. If your parent has already passed away, the POA is no longer valid, and the property may need to go through probate before it can be sold.
If you’re unsure where you stand, it can help to understand how the process works and what happens to a home during probate in Florida.
How the Process Works From Start to Finish
Once the power of attorney has been confirmed, the process typically looks like this:
- Review the POA with a real estate professional or title company
- Prepare the home for sale (cleanout, repairs, coordination)
- List the property and market it to buyers
- Accept an offer and move through inspections
- Close the sale with the agent signing on behalf of the parent
While the steps are straightforward, the coordination can be more involved—especially if you are managing everything on behalf of someone else.
How We Help Families Navigate This
At SWFL Estate Solutions, we work with families handling situations just like this—where one person is managing the sale on behalf of a parent.
We help coordinate:
- Cleanout and estate logistics
- Repairs and home preparation
- Communication with title companies
- Listing and sale strategy
Our goal is to simplify the process so you can focus on what matters, while we handle the details locally.
Final Thoughts
Yes, you can sell a parent’s house with power of attorney in Florida—but the key is making sure the document gives you the proper authority and that it’s reviewed early in the process.
With the right preparation and guidance, the process can be smooth, even in complex situations.
If you’re dealing with a parent’s home in Fort Myers, Naples, Cape Coral, or surrounding areas, having local support can make a significant difference in both timeline and outcome.
If you aren’t sure what to do next,
we can help you understand your options and handle everything from start to finish.
Whether you’re local or out of state, we coordinate the entire process so you don’t have to.
Reach out today to talk
through your situation.
Nicole Murphy is a real estate advisor and founder of SWFL Estate Solutions, helping families across Southwest Florida navigate inherited property, probate real estate, and estate transitions.
