Military families live with realities most civilians never have to think about—sudden deployments, frequent moves, unpredictable schedules, and the unique everyday risks that come with serving our country. Those constant changes make protecting your family especially important, and a simple, one-page template rarely covers everything your household actually requires.

Here is what service members and military families with connections to Central Florida should know about preparing an estate plan that addresses their circumstances and helps protect their loved ones, wherever their next set of orders takes them.

With so many online document platforms and downloadable templates available today, it’s incredibly tempting to treat estate planning as a quick weekend DIY project. While clicking through an online form might seem like an easy way to save time and money, the reality under the surface is more complicated.

Estate planning isn't just about filling in blank spaces on a piece of paper. It’s about making sure your choices are properly documented, legally effective, and coordinated so your family can carry out your wishes when they need them most. Here are three important risks Florida families should understand before relying on a DIY estate planning package.

2026 FEDERAL ESTATE TAX UPDATE

Federal estate tax law changed in 2025. Under the law enacted as Public Law 119-21, the federal basic exclusion amount increased to $15 million per person for 2026. For married couples, the combined amount may reach approximately $30 million, depending on how assets are owned, prior taxable gifts, and whether portability is properly elected when needed. The amount is scheduled to adjust for inflation after 2026. These changes make it important to understand how your existing estate plan works under current law.

Federal estate tax law has undergone an important change. What was once expected to be a significant reduction in the federal estate tax exemption after 2025 has been addressed by new legislation. While this change provides greater certainty for many families, it does not mean estate planning is no longer important. Your assets, family circumstances, and long-term goals still deserve careful consideration.

When creating a comprehensive will, one of the most consequential decisions you will make is naming your executor (called a Personal Representative under Florida law)—the individual legally responsible for wrapping up your worldly affairs, protecting your assets, and carrying out your final wishes.

Too many people treat this choice as an afterthought, naming a family member simply out of habit or birth order. However, serving in this role isn't just a symbolic family honor. It is a demanding, legally binding job that involves court deadlines, financial paperwork, and emotional complexity. Choosing someone who is not prepared for the responsibility can lead to family tension, delays, and costly mistakes.

Estate planning used to be viewed as simple: meet with an attorney, sign a will, and consider the job done. But families, finances, and planning needs have become more complex. Today, many Florida families use revocable living trusts alongside traditional wills as part of a coordinated estate plan. Understanding the differences can help you decide which approach may be appropriate for your family.

Most people view life insurance through a single, narrow lens: income replacement. We think of it as a basic safety net designed to pay off the mortgage or cover monthly bills if a primary earner passes away. And while that is undeniably important, it barely scratches the surface of what life insurance can achieve.

When integrated into a comprehensive estate plan, life insurance can become an important liquidity and financial planning tool. It can provide funds for loved ones, help address expenses after a death, and support a carefully designed inheritance plan. Its value, however, depends on the policy terms, ownership, beneficiary designations, and how it fits with the rest of your estate plan.