Estate Planning
Healthcare Surrogate Designations
Choose who speaks for you when you can't speak for yourself. A healthcare surrogate designation is one of the most personal and important documents in your estate plan.
Estate Planning
- Healthcare Surrogate Designations
- Wills and Living Wills
- Revocable Trusts
- Durable Powers of Attorney
- Lady Bird Deeds
What is a Healthcare Surrogate Designation?
A healthcare surrogate designation — also called a healthcare proxy or medical power of attorney in other states — is a legal document in which you designate a trusted person to make healthcare decisions on your behalf if you become unable to do so yourself.
This is different from a living will. A living will expresses your specific wishes about end-of-life treatment. A healthcare surrogate designation appoints a person to make a broader range of medical decisions — from consenting to surgery to choosing between treatment options — whenever you are incapacitated, not just at end of life.
Why This Document Matters
Without a healthcare surrogate designation, Florida law determines who can make medical decisions for you — and it may not be the person you would choose. Hospitals and doctors are required to follow a specific hierarchy of family members, which may not align with your wishes or your family's dynamics.
A healthcare surrogate designation removes that uncertainty. You choose the person. You define the scope of their authority. And you can include guidance about your values and preferences to help your surrogate make decisions that truly reflect who you are.
Choosing Your Healthcare Surrogate
Your healthcare surrogate should be someone you trust completely — someone who knows your values, can handle stress, and will advocate for your wishes even under pressure. It doesn't have to be a family member. It can be a close friend, a trusted advisor, or anyone you believe will honor your wishes. Our attorneys will help you think through this decision and draft a designation that gives your surrogate the authority and guidance they need.
Designate Your Healthcare Surrogate Today
Call (321) 541-6845 or schedule a consultation. This is one of the most important decisions you can make for your family.
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