Selling an Inherited House in Hillsborough County, FL
Inherited a house in Hillsborough County? Here’s how to sell it — selling during probate, your options (as-is cash sale vs. listing), the stepped-up tax basis, and realistic timelines.
Updated July 2, 2026 · 6 min read
Quick answer
Can you sell before probate is finished?
In most cases, yes. After the court appoints a personal representative with authority to sell, the home can be sold before the estate closes. Depending on the will and circumstances, the sale may need court approval or the consent of the other beneficiaries. If the property was in a living trust, it may avoid probate entirely and the successor trustee can sell directly.
Taxes on an inherited house in Florida
Two pieces of good news for Florida heirs:
- Stepped-up basis. Your cost basis resets to the home’s fair market value on the date of death. Sell near that value and there’s little or no capital gain.
- No state income tax. Florida doesn’t tax income, and there’s no state inheritance or estate tax. (Federal estate tax only affects very large estates.)
Always confirm the numbers with a tax professional before you sell.
Your options for selling
Sell as-is to a cash buyer / investor
Fastest and lowest-effort: no repairs, no cleanout, no showings, and a close in days or weeks. Best when the home needs work, when heirs live out of state, or when you want a clean, certain sale. You typically trade some price for speed and convenience.
List with a real estate agent
Usually nets the highest price, but takes longer and often requires cleaning, repairs, and staging — plus agent commissions. Best when the home is in good shape and time isn’t pressing.
Steps to sell an inherited Hillsborough County home
- Confirm how title is held (will, trust, or joint ownership) and whether probate is required.
- Get the personal representative appointed if the estate must go through probate.
- Establish the date-of-death value (an appraisal helps document the stepped-up basis).
- Choose your path — as-is cash sale or agent listing.
- Clear liens, unpaid property taxes, and any code issues before closing.
Related reading: How Probate Works in Florida and How to Search Hillsborough County Probate Records.
This guide is general information for real estate investors and property owners, not legal, tax, or financial advice. Court procedures, fees, and statutes change — verify current details with the Hillsborough County Clerk of Circuit Court or a licensed Florida attorney before acting.
Frequently asked questions
Can I sell an inherited house before probate is complete in Florida?
Often yes. Once the court appoints a personal representative with authority to sell, the property can typically be sold before the estate fully closes — though some sales need court approval or beneficiary consent.
Do I pay capital gains tax on an inherited house in Florida?
Inherited property generally receives a “stepped-up” cost basis equal to its fair market value on the date of death, which can greatly reduce or eliminate capital gains tax if you sell soon after. Florida has no state income tax. Confirm your situation with a tax professional.
What is the fastest way to sell an inherited house in Hillsborough County?
Selling as-is to a cash buyer or real estate investor is usually fastest — no repairs, cleanouts, or long listing timelines. Listing with an agent may net more money but takes longer and often requires prepping the home.
How many estate-owned properties are there in Hillsborough County?
REI Radar tracks probate, trust, and estate-held properties across Hillsborough County and updates the list weekly from public records. See the live count on the Probate Properties page.