Homepage Attorney-Approved Living Will Document Free Living Will Template for the State of Florida

Form Breakdown

Fact Name Description
Purpose A Florida Living Will allows individuals to express their wishes regarding medical treatment in the event they become unable to communicate their preferences.
Governing Law The Florida Living Will is governed by Florida Statutes, Chapter 765, which outlines the requirements and procedures for advance directives.
Requirements To create a valid Living Will in Florida, the document must be signed by the individual and witnessed by two adults who are not related to the individual or beneficiaries.
Revocation An individual can revoke their Living Will at any time, either verbally or in writing, as long as they are competent to do so.

Sample - Florida Living Will Form

Florida Living Will Template

This Living Will is created in accordance with Florida state laws, specifically the Florida Statutes, Chapter 765. This document provides guidance about your health care preferences in case you are unable to communicate your wishes.

Patient Information:

  • Name: ____________________________
  • Date of Birth: ____________________
  • Address: __________________________
  • City: _____________________________
  • State: __________ ZIP Code: ________

Declaration:

I, the undersigned, wish to declare my wishes regarding medical treatment in the event I become incapacitated and unable to communicate my decisions. This Living Will reflects my desires for medical treatment based on my personal values.

Health Care Preferences:

  • If I am diagnosed with a terminal condition or persistent vegetative state, I do not want life-prolonging procedures to be used.
  • I wish to receive pain relief and comfort care, even if it may hasten my death.
  • I would like artificial nutrition and hydration to be withheld if my condition meets the above criteria.

Designated Health Surrogate:

I designate the following individual as my health surrogate to make health care decisions on my behalf:

  • Name: ____________________________
  • Phone Number: ___________________
  • Relationship: _____________________

Signatures:

This Living Will must be signed and dated by me and witnessed by two individuals who are not related to me, do not inherit from me, and are not my health care providers.

Signature of Patient: ____________________________ Date: ________________

Witness #1:

Name: ____________________________ Signature: _____________________

Witness #2:

Name: ____________________________ Signature: _____________________

It is advisable to review this document regularly and make changes when necessary to ensure your wishes are respected.

Common mistakes

Completing a Florida Living Will form is an important step in ensuring that your healthcare wishes are respected. However, many individuals make common mistakes that can lead to confusion or complications later on. Understanding these pitfalls can help you create a more effective document.

One frequent error is not being specific about medical conditions. When individuals state their preferences, they may use vague language. It's crucial to clearly outline the types of medical situations in which you would want your Living Will to take effect. This clarity helps healthcare providers make decisions that align with your values.

Another mistake is failing to appoint a healthcare surrogate. While a Living Will outlines your wishes, it does not designate someone to make decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so. Including a healthcare surrogate ensures that there is a trusted person to advocate for your preferences in medical situations.

People often overlook the importance of signing and dating the document correctly. A Living Will must be signed in the presence of two witnesses or a notary public to be valid. If the signature is missing or improperly dated, the document may not hold up when needed.

Additionally, not reviewing the form periodically can lead to outdated wishes. Life circumstances change, and so do personal beliefs about healthcare. Regularly reviewing your Living Will ensures that it accurately reflects your current preferences.

Some individuals make the mistake of using outdated forms. Laws and regulations can change, so it is essential to use the most current version of the Florida Living Will form. Using an outdated document could lead to legal challenges or misunderstandings about your wishes.

Another common oversight is not discussing your wishes with family members. A Living Will is only effective if your loved ones understand your preferences. Open conversations can prevent confusion and conflict during difficult times.

People may also forget to consider the implications of their choices. For instance, stating that you do not want life-sustaining treatment in certain situations can have significant consequences. It is vital to fully understand what these choices mean and how they may impact your quality of life.

Finally, neglecting to keep copies of the Living Will can create issues when the document is needed. Make sure to provide copies to your healthcare surrogate, family members, and your healthcare providers. This ensures that your wishes are easily accessible when necessary.