Florida Living Will Form (Free Download: Word & PDF Template 2025)

As a legal template specialist with over twelve years drafting and reviewing advance directive documents across the United States, I have helped thousands of Florida residents create valid living wills. In this comprehensive guide, I'll explain everything you need to know about a living will in Florida, the current Florida living will requirements, and provide you with a completely free, attorney-reviewed Florida living will template in both Word and PDF formats.

What Is a Living Will in Florida and Why You Need One

A Florida living will (sometimes called a Declaration) is a legal document that lets you specify your wishes for end-of-life medical care if you become terminally ill, in a persistent vegetative state, or have an end-stage condition and can no longer communicate. Under Florida Statutes Chapter 765, this document directs physicians whether to withhold or withdraw life-prolonging procedures such as artificial hydration, nutrition, ventilation, or cardiac resuscitation.

Having worked with families who faced heartbreaking decisions without clear guidance, I cannot overstate how important it is to have a properly executed living will state of Florida form in place. It removes the burden from loved ones and ensures your values and preferences are respected.

Florida Living Will Requirements – What the Law Actually Says in 2025

The requirements are governed by Florida Statute § 765.303 (2025). To create a legally binding living will in Florida, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old and of sound mind
• Sign the document in the presence of two witnesses
• Have those witnesses also sign (one witness cannot be your spouse or blood relative)
• Not require notarization for the living will itself (though notarization is required if you combine it with a Designation of Health Care Surrogate)

Source: Florida Statute § 765.303 and Florida Department of Health

Free Florida Living Will Template Download (2025 Version)

Below are direct download links to my professionally drafted, up-to-date Florida living will forms that comply with current Florida law:

Download Florida Living Will Form – Microsoft Word (.docx)
Download Florida Living Will Form – PDF (Printable)

These templates are 100% free for personal use and include optional sections for hydration/nutrition preferences and organ donation instructions.

Florida Living Will Sample – What the Completed Form Looks Like

Here is an excerpt from the 2025 Florida living will sample included in the download:

Declaration Made This __ Day of __________, 20__ I, ________________________, residing at ________________________, Florida, being of sound mind, willfully and voluntarily make known my desires regarding life-prolonging procedures...

The full template contains clear check-box options and space for specific instructions.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Fill Out Your Florida Living Will Form

1. Download either the Word or PDF version above
2. Enter your full legal name and county of residence
3. Read each statement carefully and initial the options that reflect your wishes
4. Decide whether you want artificial hydration and nutrition withheld (Florida law treats these separately)
5. Sign and date in front of two qualified witnesses
6. Give copies to your primary physician, family members, and health care surrogate

Common Mistakes I See on Florida Living Wills (And How to Avoid Them)

In my decade-plus reviewing these documents, the most frequent errors are:

• Using an out-of-state form that does not meet Florida's specific language requirements
• Forgetting to address hydration and nutrition separately
• Having only one witness or using a spouse/relative as a witness
• Not updating after major life changes (marriage, divorce, new diagnosis)

Frequently Asked Questions About Living Wills in Florida

Do I need a lawyer to create a Florida living will?

No. Florida provides a suggested form in Statute 765.303, and you can complete it yourself as long as you follow the witnessing rules.

Is a Florida living will the same as a DNR?

No. A DNR (Do Not Resuscitate Order) is a separate physician order (Form 1896) required for EMS to withhold CPR.

Can I combine a living will and health care surrogate designation?

Yes, and I recommend it. The free template includes an optional combined section.

Where should I store my completed Florida living will?

Give copies to your doctor, hospital, surrogate, and family. Florida also offers a free online registry through the Department of Health.

Free Living Will Florida Resources & Additional Forms

• Florida Department of Health Advance Directives
• Florida Statutes Chapter 765 – Full Text
• Florida Bar Pamphlet on Advance Directives

Final Thoughts from a Legal Template Expert

Creating a living will in Florida is one of the most thoughtful gifts you can give your family. I've seen firsthand how these documents provide clarity and peace during the most difficult moments. Download the free Florida living will template above, complete it today, and discuss your wishes openly with loved ones.

Important Disclaimer: This free living will form Florida template and article are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Laws change, and individual circumstances vary. Always consult a qualified Florida estate planning or elder law attorney to ensure your advance directives fully protect your interests.

Updated November 2025 – Always download the latest version.