Living Trust Florida

Health care surrogates (power of attorneys)

Health care power of attorneys are called health care surrogates in Florida. These persons are responsible for making all health care decisions should the document's creator become incapacitated.

All decisions must be what the surrogate believes the document's maker would have chosen. If the surrogate is unsure what the document maker's choice would, the surrogate will make decisions based on what he or she believes is in the maker's best interests.

The document may list primary surrogates and alternate surrogates if the primary surrogate is unable to act or has passed away.

Health care surrogates must be named in a written document and signed in the presence of two witnesses, one of whom is not a blood relative or spouse.

Free forms are available on the Florida state bar website.

Related estate planning documents and topics

• Wills
  
• Financial power of attorneys
  
• Living wills
  
• Living trusts
  

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