If you are ever unable to communicate your medical decisions, a living will allows you to stay in control of your care. This document outlines the treatment you want, or do not want, in serious health situations under Florida law. At Tupper Law, we help individuals and families in Jacksonville create living wills that are clear, legally valid, and tailored to real-life decisions. Whether you are planning ahead or updating an existing document, we will help you put your wishes into writing so they can be followed when it matters most.
Why Work With Tupper Law
Choosing the right attorney for advance directives matters. We focus on clarity, compliance, and practical guidance so your document works when it is needed.
- We draft living wills that meet Florida legal requirements
- We explain your options in plain English so you can make informed decisions
- We coordinate your living will with other estate planning documents
- We help update outdated directives to reflect your current wishes
- We have nearly two decades of experience guiding Jacksonville families through important legal decisions
- We offer bilingual services for Spanish-speaking clients
What Does a Living Will Do in Florida?
A living will is a written declaration that explains the types of medical treatment you want or do not want if you cannot communicate. In Florida, it typically applies in situations involving a terminal condition, an end-stage condition, or a persistent vegetative state.
You can use a living will to address:
- Life-prolonging procedures such as resuscitation or ventilator use
- Artificial nutrition and hydration
- Pain management and comfort care
- Preferences for specific medical situations
Florida law sets requirements for a valid living will, including signing the document in the presence of two witnesses. If these requirements are not met, the document may not be honored.
Without a living will, your family may be left to make medical decisions without clear guidance. This can lead to disagreement, delay, or choices that do not reflect your preferences.
When Should You Create or Update a Living Will?
You do not need to wait until later in life to create a living will. Many adults put one in place as part of a broader estate plan, especially after major life changes.
You should consider creating or updating your living will if:
- You are getting married or divorced
- You have children or dependents
- You receive a new medical diagnosis
- Your preferences about treatment have changed
- Your current document is several years old
We can review your existing documents and help you update them to reflect your current wishes and Florida law.
How Is a Living Will Different From a Healthcare Surrogate Designation?
In Florida, a living will is often paired with a healthcare surrogate designation.
A living will outlines your treatment preferences. A healthcare surrogate designation names a person to make medical decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so.
These documents work together. Your surrogate relies on your living will for guidance when speaking with doctors and making decisions about your care.
How Detailed Should Your Living Will Be?
Some people prefer a general statement of preferences, while others want more detailed instructions. The right level of detail depends on your comfort level and personal values.
We help you think through common medical scenarios and decide how specific your document should be. A well-drafted living will provides clear direction while still allowing flexibility for real-world medical decisions.
After your living will is completed, you should provide copies to your healthcare surrogate, close family members, and your primary care provider so it is available when needed.
Can a Living Will Be Changed or Revoked?
Yes. You can update or revoke your living will at any time as long as you are mentally competent.
In Florida, you can revoke a living will by:
- Signing a written revocation
- Physically destroying the document
- Expressing your intent to revoke it
We can help you update your document properly and ensure that prior versions are no longer relied upon.
Talk With a Jacksonville Living Will Attorney
Planning ahead for medical decisions gives you control over how those decisions are made. At Tupper Law, we work with Jacksonville residents to create living wills that clearly reflect their wishes and comply with Florida law.
If you are ready to create or update a living will, contact Tupper Law today to schedule a consultation. We will walk you through your options and help you put a clear plan in place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a lawyer to create a living will in Florida?
You are not required to have a lawyer, but working with one can help ensure your document is valid and reflects your actual preferences.
Does a living will need to be notarized in Florida?
No. Florida law requires two witnesses, but notarization is not required. Some people still choose to have it notarized for added clarity.
Where should I keep my living will?
Keep it in an accessible place and provide copies to your healthcare surrogate, family members, and your doctor.
Is a living will the same as a do-not-resuscitate order?
No. A living will outlines your general treatment preferences, while a DNR is a medical order issued by a physician.