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General Durable Power of Attorney

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General Durable Power of Attorney

Prepared by:

After Recording, Return to:



GENERAL DURABLE POWER OF ATTORNEY:

Finances, Property, and Health Care

(Florida Statutes 709.2101 et seq.)

STATE OF FLORIDA

COUNTY OF

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS:

That, whose address is “Principal”, execute this General Durable Power of Attorney and do hereby make, constitute and appoint: whose address is as my true and lawful agent and attorney in fact (hereinafter sometimes called "my agent"), with full power and authority TO ACT FOR ME, INDIVIDUALLY, AND IN MY NAME, PLACE AND STEAD, with reference to the transaction of any and all business, do any and all things, exercise any discretion, and execute and deliver any and all conveyances and other documents of whatsoever kind and character, in or about or with respect to any and all matters and things concerning me or my property, real or personal or mixed, or affairs, as fully and completely as I might lawfully do if present and acting in person with full power of substitution or revocation, and to have all powers and rights that I now possess or may possess hereafter with respect to all of my property.

Without intending in any manner to limit or diminish the foregoing powers granted to my agent, but intending to expand or enlarge upon the same, I specifically authorize and empower my agent, to:

1. Forgive, request, demand, sue for, collect, receive, hold, purchase, invest and re-invest in, transfer, sell, convey, pledge all sums of money, dues, commercial paper, checks, drafts, deposits, legacies, bequests, devises, notes, interest, stock certificates, bonds (including "Bearer Bonds"), dividends, certificates of deposit, annuities (private and public), pension, profit sharing, retirement, social security, disability, insurance and other contractual benefits and proceeds, all documents of title, all property, real or personal, intangible and tangible property and property rights, and demands whatsoever, liquidated, now or hereafter owned by me, or due, owning, payable or belonging to me or in which I have or may hereafter acquire an interest;

2. Make, execute and deliver, in my name and on my behalf, for any consideration whatsoever, for cash or on a deferred payment plan, instruments of conveyance covering real, personal or mixed properties owned or claimed by me, wherever situated, containing such terms, covenants and conditions deemed necessary or advisable by my agent;

3. Manage, maintain, repair, improve, invest, insure, rent, lease, encumber, and in any manner deal with any real or personal property owned by me, tangible or intangible, or any interest therein, that I now own or may hereafter acquire, in my name or for my benefit, enter into any lease agreement or contract for sale or repair of said property with the right to collect all rents or other funds which may be due from said property or properties, including but not limited to the execution of oil, gas and mineral leases, related contracts, agreements and division orders and collection of rents, bonuses and royalties on same, all upon such terms and conditions as my agent shall deem proper;

4. Receive, receipt for, deposit, withdraw and execute, and endorse checks and drafts thereon, in my name and on my behalf, from any bank or any other financial institution, or any investment or brokerage firm or credit union, funds, owned or claimed by me and which are on deposit in my name, including but not limited to negotiating certificates of deposit in my name in banks, savings and loan associations and other institutions and the execution of any papers or documents with the Federal Social Security Administration and/or any other governmental agency, county, state or federal; and to receive and receipt for every sum of money which is now or hereafter shall be due or belonging to me;

5. Have access at any time or times to any safe deposit box rented by me, wheresoever located, and open, enter into and remove, in my name and on my behalf, from any safe deposit box registered in my name, or jointly in my name, located in any bank or any other financial institution, all or any part of the property or contents contained therein, with the further right and power, in my name and on my behalf to sell or otherwise dispose of such property, and to surrender or relinquish said safe deposit box. Any institution in which any such box may be located shall not incur any liability to me or my estate as a result of permitting my agent to exercise this power;

6. Execute, in my name and on my behalf, such contracts or other assurances as may be requested or required by any bank or other institution or individual when carrying out the powers granted herein; and prepare, execute and file in my name joint or separate federal and state tax returns, declarations of estimated tax for any year or years and related forms on my behalf and make any other related elections related thereto deemed necessary by my agent, including but not limited to federal gift tax returns on my behalf; including the authority to disclaim any assets otherwise passing to me; and to prepare, execute and file any claims for refund or any tax.

7. Acquire, purchase, exchange, buy or sell options to buy or sell and convey real or personal property, tangible or intangible, or any interest therein, on such terms and conditions as my agent shall deem proper. Execute and deliver, in my name and on my behalf, conveyances of real or personal property including, but not limited to my homestead, for any consideration to my spouse, children and/or their issue, of any such real or personal property owned by me at any time, including the execution of promissory notes and deeds of trust and including instruments necessary to purchase real or personal property in my name, as well as the execution or release of such deeds of trust or other security agreements as may be necessary or proper in the exercise of the rights and powers herein granted;

8. HEALTH CARE: Execute in my name and on my behalf such medical insurance forms, including but not limited to Medicare and Medicaid claim forms, and other medical, hospitalization or health insurance forms as may be requested or required on my behalf, including admittance and release forms and authorizations for treatment of any kind; and to make any and all health care decisions for me if I be unable to give informed consent with respect to any given health care decision; and shall have all those powers and rights which are provided by Florida Law and to make any and all health care decisions for me, including, but not limited to those set forth in Chapter 765, Florida Statutes.

9. Operate any business or corporation on my behalf in the same capacity as I would have with the same powers and authority possessed by me at that time, including but not limited to exercising stock options and voting all of my shares of stock in said corporation or corporations without the necessity of a proxy and the right to appoint proxies therefore, and possessing all powers that I possess as granted to me by the Bylaws of said corporation or corporations, to incorporate, reorganize, merge, consolidate, recapitalize, sell, liquidate or dissolve any business; elect or employ officers, directors and agents; carry out the provisions of any agreement for the sale of any business interest or the stock therein;

10. Commence, prosecute, discontinue or defend all actions or other legal proceedings or remedies touching my affairs or estate or any part thereof as may be deemed necessary by my agent; and to adjust, sell, compromise, settle, and agree for the same, and to execute and deliver for me, on my behalf, and in my name, all endorsements, releases, receipts, or other sufficient discharges for the same;

11. Borrow any sum or sums of money on such terms and with security, whether real or personal property, as my agent may deem necessary, and to execute all promissory notes, deeds of trust and other instruments which may prove necessary or proper; to borrow against margin accounts on stock and other investments and pledge assets therefore;

12. Engage, employ and dismiss any agents, servants, advisors, including accountants, attorneys or other persons in and about the performance of these duties as my agent shall deem necessary and grant such persons discretionary power;

13. Receive and receipt for any distribution from any trust under which I am the beneficiary and to withdraw on my behalf any funds or assets held in any trust operating for my benefit, by assignment, conveyance or otherwise;

14. Hold, purchase or invest in my name in "wasting assets" such as life estates or life interests in property and "unproductive assets" such as reminder interests in property if deemed advisable by my agent;

15. This instrument is to be construed and interpreted as a general durable power of attorney. The enumeration of specific powers herein is not intended to, nor does it, limit or restrict the general powers herein granted to my agent. This instrument is executed and delivered in the State of Florida, and the laws of the State of Florida shall govern all questions as to validity of this power and the construction of its provisions;

16. Third parties may rely upon the representations of the agents as to all matters relating to any power granted to them hereunder, and no person who may act in reliance upon the representations of the agent or the authority granted to it shall incur any liability to the principal or his estate as result of permitting the agent to exercise any power.

The following powers are specifically granted to my attorney-in-fact (principal must initial any powers wished to be granted below):

(a) Create an inter vivos trust;

(b) With respect to a trust created by or on behalf of the principal, amend, modify, revoke, or terminate the trust, but only if the trust instrument explicitly provides for amendment, modification, revocation, or termination by the settlor's agent;

(c) Make a gift, subject to subsection (4) of Florida Statutes 709.2202;

(d) Create or change rights of survivorship;

(e) Create or change a beneficiary designation;

(f) Waive the principal's right to be a beneficiary of a joint and survivor annuity, including a survivor benefit under a retirement plan;

(g) Disclaim property and powers of appointment;

(h) Authority to conduct investment transactions as provided in section 709.2208(2), Florida Statutes.

(i) Authority to conduct banking transactions as provided in section 709.2208(1), Florida Statutes.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the attorney in fact may not:

1. Perform duties under a contract that requires the exercise of personal services of the principal;

2. Make any affidavit as to the personal knowledge of the principal;

3. Vote in any public election on behalf of the principal;

4. Execute or revoke any will or codicil for the principal;

5. Create, amend, modify, or revoke any document or other disposition effective at the principal's death or transfer assets to an existing trust created by the principal unless expressly authorized by the power of attorney; or

6. Exercise powers and authority granted to the principal as trustee or as court-appointed fiduciary.

I direct that the above-related powers and authority of my said agent shall be so exercisable and effective regardless of the fact that I may be mentally or physically incapacitated or incapable of understanding or unable to express myself or act in my own behalf at the time of any action on my behalf by said agent. Such incapacity, whether mental or physical, that I may exhibit shall not in any way interfere with the authority of my agent herein to act fully on my behalf according to the terms hereof. In other words, this Power of Attorney shall not be affected by the subsequent disability, incompetence or incapacity of the principal.

And I do hereby undertake to ratify and confirm, all and singular, the acts heretofore performed and to be hereinafter performed by my said agents, acting in my name and on my behalf.

INSPECTION AND DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION RELATING TO MY PHYSICAL OR MENTAL HEALTH:

A. General Grant of Power and Authority. Subject to any limitations in this Directive, my agent has the power and authority to do all of the following: (1) Request, review and receive any information, verbal or written, regarding my physical or mental health including, but not limited to, medical and hospital records; (2) Execute on my behalf any releases or other documents that may be required in order to obtain this information; (3) Consent to the disclosure of this information; and (4) Consent to the donation of any of my organs for medical purposes.

B. HIPAA Release Authority. My agent shall be treated as I would be with respect to my rights regarding the use and disclosure of my individually identifiable health information or other medical records. This release authority applies to any information governed by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), 42 U.S.C. 1320d and 45 CFR 160 through 164. I authorize any physician, health care professional, dentist, health plan, hospital, clinic, laboratory, pharmacy, or other covered health care provider, any insurance company, and the Medical Information Bureau, Inc. or other health care clearinghouse that has provided treatment or services to me, or that has paid for or is seeking payment from me for such services, to give, disclose and release to my agent, without restriction, all of my individually identifiable health information and medical records regarding any past, present or future medical or mental health condition, including all information relating to the diagnosis of HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted diseases, mental illness, and drug or alcohol abuse. The authority given my agent shall supersede any other agreement that I may have made with my health care providers to restrict access to or disclosure of my individually identifiable health information. The authority given my agent has no expiration date and shall expire only in the event that I revoke the authority in writing and deliver it to my health care provider.

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NOTICE TO PERSON EXECUTING THIS DOCUMENT

This is an important legal document. Before executing this document, you should know these important facts:

This document gives the person you designate as the attorney-in-fact (your agent) the power to make health care decisions for you. This power exists only as to those health care decisions to which you are unable to give informed consent. The attorney-in-fact must act consistently with your desires as stated in this document or otherwise made known.

Except as you otherwise specify in this document, this document gives your agents the power to consent to your doctor not giving treatment or stopping treatment necessary to keep you alive. This durable power of attorney is not affected by subsequent incapacity of the principal except as provided in s. 709.2108, Florida Statutes.

The attorney in fact must be a natural person who is 18 years or older and is of sound mind, or a financial institution, as defined in chapter 655, Florida Statutes, with trust powers, and having a place of business in the State of Florida and be authorized to conduct trust business in the State of Florida. A not-for-profit corporation, organized for charitable or religious purposes in this state, which has qualified as a court-appointed guardian prior to January 1, 1996, and which is a tax-exempt organization under 26 U.S.C. s. 501(c) (3), may also act as an attorney in fact. Notwithstanding any contrary clause in the written power of attorney, no assets of the principal may be used for the benefit of the corporate attorney in fact, or its officers or directors.

Notwithstanding this document, you have the right to make medical and other health care decisions for yourself so long as you can give informed consent with respect to the particular decision. In addition, no treatment may be given to you over your objection, and health care necessary to keep you alive may not be stopped or withheld if you object at the time.

The document gives your agents authority to consent, to refuse to consent or to withdraw consent to any care, treatment, service or procedure to maintain, diagnose or treat a physical or mental condition. This power is subject to any statement of your desires and any limitations that you include in this document. You may state in this document any types of treatment that you do not desire. In additions, a court can take away the power of your agents to make health care decisions for you if your agents (a) authorizes anything that is illegal, (b) acts contrary to your known desires, or (c) where your desires are not known, does anything that is clearly contrary to your best interests.

You have the right to revoke the authority of your agents by notifying your agents or your treating doctor, hospital or other health care provider in writing of the revocation.

Your agents have the right to examine your medical records and to consent to this disclosure unless you limit this right in this document.

Unless you otherwise specify in this document, this document gives your agents the power after you die to (a) authorize an autopsy, (b) donate your body or parts thereof for transplant or for educational, therapeutic or scientific purposes, and (c) direct the disposition of your remains.

If there is anything in this document that you do not understand, you should ask your lawyer to explain it to you.

IN WITNESS WHEREFORE, I have executed this General Durable Power of Attorney consisting of pages this the day of , 20 .

Signature of Principal

Type/Print Name

City, County, State of Residence

ATTESTATION

The hereinafter named Witnesses, each declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of Florida that the principal is personally known to us, that the principal signed and acknowledged this durable power of attorney in our presence, that the principal appears to be of sound mind and under no duress, fraud or undue influence, that we are not the person appointed as attorney-in-fact by this document, and that we are not a health care provider, nor an employee of a health care provider or facility. We are not related to the principal by blood, marriage or adoption, and to the best of our knowledge, are not entitled to any part of the estate of the principal upon the death of the principal under a will now existing or by operation of law.

Witness our signatures, this the day of of , 20 .

WITNESSES:

State of Florida, County of

The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me this By who is/are personally known to me or has produced as identification.

Commission No.

My Commission expires:

Notary Public

Type or Print Name

Enter text

What a General Durable Power of Attorney Is

A General Durable Power of Attorney is a legal document that grants one or more agents broad authority to act on behalf of the principal in financial, business, and legal matters, and remains effective after the principal becomes incapacitated. It typically covers banking, tax filings, asset management, contracts, and third-party interactions. The document can be durable (survives incapacity) or non-durable (terminates on incapacity); this template is drafted as durable. Proper execution, notarization, and delivery to institutions are necessary for recognition by banks, government agencies, and courts.

Why a Durable Power of Attorney Matters

A General Durable Power of Attorney provides continuity for financial and legal decision-making if you cannot act, reduces delays in bill payments and tax compliance, and allows an appointed agent to manage property and business affairs without court guardianship.

Why a Durable Power of Attorney Matters

Who Typically Uses This Document

Individuals who own assets, run businesses, or expect possible incapacity use a durable POA to designate trusted agents and avoid court-appointed conservatorships.

  • Elder adults planning for possible incapacity, naming agents for finances and property management.
  • Business owners delegating day-to-day financial authority to managers or partners during absence.
  • Individuals appointing an agent to handle tax, banking, and benefit matters while traveling or incapacitated.

Common Signers and Roles

Principal

The person creating the General Durable Power of Attorney who grants authority. The principal must have capacity at execution and should sign and, where required, appear before a notary.

Agent

An adult designated to act for the principal. Agents owe fiduciary duties and must act in the principal's best interests; successor agents may be named if the primary agent cannot serve.

Core Elements to Include in a Professional POA

A complete General Durable Power of Attorney contains clear grant language, durability clause, agent powers, successor designations, effective date, and execution blocks for signatures, witnesses, and notary.

Grant of Authority

Specify the broad powers conferred, for example banking, real estate transactions, tax filings, and business operations, with any limitations or exclusions clearly stated to avoid ambiguity.

Durability Clause

Include explicit durable language such as 'This power of attorney shall not be affected by subsequent disability or incapacity' to ensure authority continues if the principal becomes incapacitated.

Successor Agents

Name alternate or successor agents with an order of priority and any conditions for substitution to ensure continuity if the primary agent is unwilling or unable to serve.

Effective Date

State whether the document is effective immediately, on a specified future date, or upon a specified triggering event such as physician certification of incapacity.

Limitations and Conditions

Document any specific limits on agent powers such as excluding gifts, transfers to the agent, or sale of certain assets to prevent unintended authority scope.

Execution Formalities

Provide signature blocks, notary acknowledgment, and witness lines where required by state law to satisfy institutional acceptance and probate scrutiny.

Step-by-Step: Filling Out the POA

Follow these sequential steps to complete and execute a compliant General Durable Power of Attorney.

  • 01
    Prepare names: Enter principal and agent details accurately.
  • 02
    Define powers: Check or list specific authorities granted.
  • 03
    Choose timing: Select immediate or springing effective date.
  • 04
    Execute formally: Sign with required notarization and witnesses.

Customizing the Document for Online Use

Configure the template fields, authentication, and routing logic before sending the POA for signature using an eSignature workflow.

Field Configuration
Principal Name Field Auto-fill from user profile
Agent Contact Block Make required with validation
Effective Date Selector Use MM/DD/YYYY picker
Notary Acknowledgment Show when notarization required

Where to Send and How It Reaches Signers

A typical distribution route sends the document to the principal, then to the agent, and finally to any witnesses or a notary, with audit trail capture at each step.

  • Upload: Sender uploads the POA document
  • Assign: Assign roles: principal, agent, witness
  • Authenticate: Signer verifies identity per settings
  • Notarize: Notary executes acknowledgement

Digital Signing Considerations

Confirm the platform supports required signer authentication, notarization workflows, and produces a tamper-evident audit trail before eSubmitting the POA.

  • Authentication: Email, SMS, or KBA options
  • Notarization Support: Remote or in-person options
  • Audit Trail: IP, timestamp, action log

Essential Information Fields to Collect

Principal Name: Full legal name
Agent Name: Full legal name
Contact Details: Address and phone
Effective Date: MM/DD/YYYY
Scope: Powers listed
Notary Block: Acknowledgment lines

Consequences of an Incorrect or Invalid POA

Bank Refusal: Access denied
Tax Issues: Filing delays
Court Intervention: Guardianship possible
Financial Loss: Unauthorized transfers risk
Liability: Agent may face suit
Contract Voidance: Third-party rejection

Common Preparation Errors to Avoid

  • Using informal or vague power language that fails to specify authority limits and triggers rejection by financial institutions.
  • Failing to notarize or obtain required witnesses under state law, causing the document to be unenforceable when presented.
  • Entering incorrect names, dates, or addresses which can delay acceptance or trigger identity verification failures.
  • Omitting successor agent designations or failing to address incapacity triggers, leaving gaps if the primary agent cannot serve.

Timing Considerations and Practical Deadlines

Certain timing steps affect when the POA becomes effective and how quickly institutions will accept it; follow these common timing milestones.

Execution Date:

Sign and notarize on the effective date chosen

Delivery to Agent:

Provide a dated copy to the agent immediately after execution

Provide to Banks:

Deliver certified copy to financial institutions for acceptance

Record for Real Estate:

Record at county recorder when agent will convey property

Revocation Notice:

Deliver written revocation to agent and third parties promptly

Practical Tips for Accurate and Efficient Completion

Follow these best practices to increase acceptance rates and reduce the need for corrections or attorney intervention.

Confirm Identity and Names
Verify the principal and agent names match government-issued IDs exactly, and confirm contact details. Institutions commonly refuse powers when names vary or when initials replace full names; matching IDs reduces delays and additional verification steps.
Specify Clear Authority
List specific powers and any exclusions rather than relying on broad language alone. Clear, itemized authority prevents institutional refusal and protects the principal from unintended transfers or gift authority that could be disputed later.
Use Proper Execution Formalities
Sign in front of the notary and obtain required witness signatures where state law mandates them. Proper execution and a notary acknowledgment or remote notarization session increase the likelihood that banks and registries will accept the POA without additional proof.
Distribute Certified Copies
After execution, provide certified or notarized copies to the agent, financial institutions, and any relevant third parties. Early distribution prevents service interruptions and minimizes the risk that creditors or institutions will refuse action due to lack of documentation.

Comparing eSignature Vendors for Executing a POA

Basic vendor capabilities and pricing vary; signNow appears first for direct comparison of starting price, trial availability, and key compliance features relevant to POA execution.

signNow DocuSign Adobe Sign PandaDoc HelloSign
Starting Price $8/user/mo $15/user/mo $14/user/mo $19/user/mo $15/user/mo
Free Trial Yes, 7-day trial Varies Varies Varies Varies
Bulk Send Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes Yes Yes No No

Frequently Asked Questions About the Durable POA

Answers to common execution, validity, and post-execution questions help prevent mistakes and clarify next steps for principals and agents.


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