During an accident or natural disaster, it may be difficult or impossible to determine which victim lived longer than the other. This type of situation can cause serious consequences for beneficiaries and contingent beneficiaries. Understanding the Florida Simultaneous Death Law may also make a difference in the estate planning choices you make. Simultaneous Death Law: What It Says Florida Statutes 732.601 states: (1) When title to property or its devolution depends on priority of death and there is insufficient evidence that the persons have died otherwise than simultaneously, the property of each person shall be disposed of as if that person survived. If two people pass away at around the same time, and there’s no way to determine who died first, their property is disposed of as if they outlived each other. Florida law goes on to give several specific examples of how simultaneous death laws might apply: Wills and Inheritance The law states that when an insured and beneficiary die together, with no evidence otherwise, “the proceeds of the policy shall be distributed as if the insured had survived the beneficiary.” For example, Margaret and her son, Ben, die in a plane crash. In her Will, Margaret named Ben as her beneficiary and her brother as contingent beneficiary if Ben predeceased her. Ben’s Will passes all of his property to his friend, Jack. Because Margaret and Ben appear to have died at the same time, Margaret’s brother inherits her property. It does not pass to Ben or to the beneficiaries of Ben’s Will. Insurance The same holds true for insurance policy payouts. For example, Margaret named her son Ben as primary beneficiary of her insurance. However, she failed to name a contingent beneficiary. When Margaret and Ben pass away, her insurance is paid to her heirs as determined by law or her estate planning documents. It is not paid to Ben’s heirs or Will beneficiaries. Joint Property Ownership How property is titled makes a difference in what happens to it after an owner dies. Property owned by a married couple may be owned as tenants by the entirety or as joint tenants. Property owned by unmarried owners may be owned as joint tenants. If both owners die in an accident, how should the property be distributed? Florida Simultaneous Death Laws address simultaneous death of joint tenants or tenants by the entirety: “(3) . . . the property so held shall be distributed one-half as if one had survived and one-half as if the other had survived. If there are more than two joint tenants and all of them died, the property thus distributed shall be in the proportion that one bears to the number of joint tenants.” For example, Margaret and Ben owned property together, with Margaret owning 30% and Ben owning 70%. After their deaths, the property is distributed to their heirs/Will beneficiaries. Margaret’s heirs receive 30% of the property value and Ben’s receive 70%. Consider Florida Simultaneous Death Laws It’s important to work with an attorney who understands all aspects of Florida law. For example, the form of joint ownership utilized is critical to determining who will ultimately benefit in the case of a simultaneous death. Attorney John Mangan is board certified in Wills, Trusts & Estates by the Florida Bar. Please call us at 772-324-9050 or use our Contact Form to set up an appointment. We help clients throughout Florida, including Stuart, Palm City, Hobe Sound, Jupiter, and Port St. Lucie.
