Digital Assets & Passwords in Florida Estate Plans

Modern life means modern legacies. From email to social media, streaming accounts to cryptocurrency wallets, our lives are increasingly tied to digital property. Yet most people never stop to think how—or if—these assets will be managed after they pass away. Florida digital assets estate planning has become an essential part of protecting not just financial property but also memories, communications, and identities.

In 2025, a Florida estate plan without digital asset provisions is incomplete. By addressing these accounts and passwords now, you ensure your family avoids frustration, delays, or even total loss of access.

What Counts as Digital Assets?

Digital assets cover much more than just cryptocurrency. In a comprehensive Florida digital assets estate planning review, consider:

• Email accounts (Gmail, Outlook, etc.)

• Social media profiles (Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn)

• Streaming & subscription accounts (Netflix, Spotify, Amazon Prime)

• Banking and investment portals (online-only accounts, brokerage logins)

• Cryptocurrency wallets and exchanges

• Cloud storage and photo archives (Google Drive, iCloud, Dropbox)

• Domain names or digital businesses (e-commerce, blogs, digital storefronts)

Each of these assets can hold financial or sentimental value. Without proper planning, they may be lost forever.

Why Passwords Matter

Most digital assets are locked behind usernames and passwords, with two-factor authentication adding another hurdle. Without your guidance, even a valid executor may struggle—or fail—to gain access. That’s why Florida digital assets estate planning must include clear instructions and secure storage for logins.

Options include:

• A password manager that allows you to share emergency access with a trusted person.

• A sealed list of key accounts and credentials kept in a safe location.

• Legal documents authorizing fiduciaries to access and manage accounts under Florida’s adoption of the Revised Uniform Fiduciary Access to Digital Assets Act (RUFADAA).

Legal Authority in Florida

Florida law recognizes digital assets as part of estate administration, but providers often require explicit authorization. Without it, your executor may be denied access due to privacy laws or platform restrictions.

By formally naming a “digital executor” or including digital powers in your estate plan, you ensure your family can manage, close, or transfer accounts. This is especially critical for cryptocurrency—where losing a private key can mean losing the entire asset permanently.

Steps for Digital Asset Estate Planning

1. Take InventoryWrite down or digitally record all accounts, apps, and online assets you own.

2. Categorize by ValueSeparate accounts into financial (crypto, banks), sentimental (photos, emails), and practical (subscriptions, utilities).

3. Choose Access ToolsUse a password manager or secure storage system to maintain access.

4. Authorize Access in DocumentsUpdate your Will, Trust, or Power of Attorney to include digital asset provisions. Florida-specific language ensures executors have legal standing.

5. Name a Digital FiduciaryAssign a trusted individual to handle digital matters. This could be your primary executor or someone with technical know-how.

6. Review & Update AnnuallyTechnology changes quickly. Regular updates keep your digital estate plan current.

Florida-Specific Considerations

• RUFADAA Adoption: Florida law now gives executors and trustees a framework to request access to digital assets. But service providers often need explicit written permission in estate documents.

• Two-Factor Authentication: If your accounts require text or app-based codes, your fiduciary will need access to your devices as well. Make sure this is included in your instructions.

• Crypto & NFTs: Florida residents are increasingly investing in digital currencies and NFTs. These require secure key storage and instructions for transfer.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Only telling someone your password: Without legal authority, providers may still deny access.

• Ignoring sentimental accounts: Family photos or social media accounts often mean more than financial accounts.

• Failing to plan for crypto: Billions of dollars in cryptocurrency are permanently lost each year due to missing private keys.

• Not updating: Passwords and platforms change constantly. A plan that worked three years ago may already be outdated.

Final Thoughts

Florida digital assets estate planning is no longer optional. By securing your passwords, authorizing fiduciaries, and creating a clear plan, you protect your family from digital roadblocks and ensure your legacy—financial and personal—lives on.

Call to Action

At Absolute Law Group, we help families integrate Florida digital assets estate planning into their Wills, Trusts, and Powers of Attorney. From cryptocurrency wallets to online photos, we’ll build a secure plan that protects your assets and your loved ones. Contact us today to get started.