Estate Planning Adviser in Miami, FL: How to Find the Right Fit (2026)

Miami is one of the most popular destinations in the country for wealth migration, and for good reason. Florida has no state income tax, no state estate tax, and no inheritance tax — a trifecta that makes it exceptionally attractive for high-net-worth individuals planning the transfer of wealth to the next generation. But the absence of state-level estate taxes does not mean estate planning is simple here. Miami’s international population, high concentration of real estate wealth, cross-border family structures, and exposure to hurricane-related property risk create a planning environment that demands specialized local expertise.

Why You Need an Estate Planning Adviser in Miami

Florida’s tax advantages are substantial, but federal estate tax still applies. For 2026, the federal estate tax exemption is projected to drop significantly as the provisions of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act sunset — potentially falling from ~$13.6 million per individual to roughly ~$7 million. This change will pull many Miami households that were previously below the threshold into estate tax territory. Planning now, before the exemption decreases, is one of the most time-sensitive financial moves a Miami resident can make.

Miami’s real estate market adds complexity. Property values in neighborhoods like Coral Gables, Coconut Grove, and Miami Beach can represent a large share of an estate’s total value, creating liquidity challenges for heirs. A local adviser understands how to structure ownership — through revocable trusts, family LLCs, or other vehicles — to avoid forcing a property sale at an inopportune time.

The city’s significant Latin American and Caribbean diaspora means many Miami families have cross-border assets, dual citizenship, or beneficiaries in other countries. International estate planning involves foreign tax treaties, reporting obligations (FBAR, FATCA), and coordination between U.S. and foreign legal systems. Not every adviser is equipped to handle this; you need one who is.

Florida’s homestead exemption also plays a critical role in estate planning. The state’s constitution provides strong creditor protection for a primary residence, but it also restricts how you can devise your homestead property — surviving spouses have specific rights that override what your will says. An adviser unfamiliar with Florida homestead law can create plans that fail at exactly the wrong moment.

What to Look For in a Miami Estate Planning Adviser

Estate planning sits at the intersection of financial planning and law. The strongest advisers in this space hold a CFP designation and work closely with (or are themselves) estate planning attorneys. The Accredited Estate Planner (AEP) designation, awarded by the National Association of Estate Planners & Councils, specifically signals expertise in this area. The Estate Planning Council of Greater Miami is a professional organization whose members include attorneys, CPAs, and financial planners focused on estate and trust matters.

Fee-only, fiduciary advisers will give you guidance that is free from product-sales conflicts. This is especially important in estate planning, where insurance products like irrevocable life insurance trusts (ILITs) are sometimes recommended more for the commissions they generate than for the planning value they provide.

Average Estate Planning Adviser Fees in Miami

Fee Type	Typical Range
Hourly consultation	~$250 – ~$500 per hour
Comprehensive estate plan (financial planning component)	~$2,500 – ~$7,500
Ongoing advisory retainer (includes estate plan updates)	~$3,000 – ~$8,000 per year
Assets under management (AUM) for integrated wealth/estate planning	~0.75% – ~1.25% annually

Note: legal fees for drafting trusts, wills, and other documents are typically separate from the financial adviser’s fees. Expect to pay an estate planning attorney ~$2,500 – ~$5,000 for a complete trust-based plan in Miami.

Questions to Ask Before Hiring an Estate Planning Adviser

How are you preparing clients for the projected federal estate tax exemption sunset? This is the most pressing issue in estate planning right now. The answer should be specific and actionable.
Do you have experience with cross-border estate planning for families with international assets or beneficiaries? In Miami, this is not an edge case — it is common.
How do you coordinate with estate planning attorneys, and do you have a network of attorneys you work with regularly? Siloed advice creates gaps.
What is your approach to Florida homestead exemption planning? The adviser must understand how homestead intersects with estate distribution and creditor protection.
Are you a fiduciary, and do you receive any commissions from insurance or annuity products? Conflicts of interest in estate planning can be costly and irreversible.

Key Takeaways

Florida’s lack of state estate and income taxes is a major advantage, but the projected federal estate tax exemption sunset in 2026 creates urgent planning needs for many Miami households.
Miami’s international population, real estate concentration, and Florida homestead rules make local expertise essential — generic estate planning advice is not sufficient here.
Look for advisers with CFP and/or AEP credentials, fee-only compensation, and demonstrated experience with cross-border planning.
Coordinate your financial adviser with a qualified Florida estate planning attorney to ensure your plan holds up legally.

Next Steps

If you are new to estate planning concepts, start with Estate Planning 101 for a foundational overview. To understand how adviser compensation works across different planning engagements, review Financial Adviser Fees Explained. When you are ready to begin your search, use our Compare Financial Advisers tool to evaluate estate planning specialists in the Miami area.

This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Consult a licensed financial professional for your specific situation.