Why Every Florida Family Should Have a Healthcare Power of Attorney

Accidents, illness, and medical emergencies can strike when you least expect them. And when they do, one document can make all the difference between confusion and clarity, crisis and confidence.

A Florida healthcare power of attorney gives your loved ones the legal authority to speak on your behalf if you’re unable to make your own medical decisions. It’s a simple but powerful tool that every Florida adult—especially families—should have in place.

Here’s why it matters, what it includes, and how to get started.

What Is a Healthcare Power of Attorney?

A healthcare power of attorney (also known in Florida as a “Designation of Health Care Surrogate”) is a legal document that allows you to name someone to make medical decisions for you if you’re unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to communicate.

This person, known as your healthcare surrogate, can:

• Talk to doctors and specialists

• Review your medical records

• Approve or decline treatments

• Decide on surgery, medication, or hospitalization

• Carry out your healthcare wishes when you cannot

Why Every Florida Adult Needs One

Without a healthcare power of attorney in Florida:

• Your spouse, parent, or child may not have legal authority to make decisions

• Hospitals and doctors may delay treatment or make default choices

• Your family may disagree about what you would have wanted

• You risk being placed under court-appointed guardianship during a crisis

It’s not just seniors who need this document—every adult age 18 or older should have one in place, especially before major travel, surgery, or life transitions.

Healthcare Power of Attorney vs. Living Will: What’s the Difference?

A healthcare power of attorney appoints someone to make decisions on your behalf.A living will tells doctors what to do in specific end-of-life situations (e.g., life support, feeding tubes).

Both are important parts of a complete healthcare directive in Florida—and we typically create them together.

Common Scenarios That Highlight the Need

• Your college-aged child is hospitalized while away at school—and the hospital can’t legally speak to you.

• You’re in an accident and temporarily unconscious, and your family is unsure who should make decisions.

• A loved one with early dementia loses the ability to manage their care—and no surrogate is named.

• Divorced or blended families disagree about care options—and no one has legal authority.

Having this document on file can prevent unnecessary delays, conflict, and heartache.

Who Should You Choose as Your Healthcare Surrogate?

Pick someone who is:

• Calm under pressure

• Able to communicate clearly with doctors

• Willing to follow your instructions—even if they differ from their own opinions

• Geographically accessible, if possible

You can also name a backup surrogate in case your first choice is unavailable or unwilling when needed.

What Happens Without One?

If you become incapacitated and haven’t appointed a surrogate:

• A Florida court may appoint a guardian to make decisions

• This process can be public, expensive, and slow

• You lose control over who manages your care

• It can create family stress and legal disputes

A simple document can prevent all of that.

How Absolute Law Group Helps

We make it easy to create a Florida healthcare power of attorney as part of your comprehensive estate plan. We’ll help you:

• Choose the right surrogate(s)

• Clarify your medical preferences

• Coordinate with other legal documents (will, trust, POA, living will)

• Provide copies for healthcare providers and loved ones

Whether you’re planning for yourself, your parents, or your adult children—we’ll help you do it right.

Protect Your Health—and Your Family’s Peace of Mind

A medical emergency is not the time to be unprepared. With a Florida healthcare power of attorney, you can ensure that your wishes are respected—and your loved ones aren’t left in the dark.

👉 Schedule a consultation with Absolute Law GroupOr call our office to get started on your essential healthcare directives today.

Because peace of mind starts with a plan—and this one could save your life.