Guardian Advocate Training

To become a guardian advocate in Florida you must take a circuit approved training course.  This training course explains the responsibilities that come with being a guardian advocate.  

A guardian advocate acts as a decision-making partner for the adult with developmental disabilities.  The guardian advocate is given certain decision-making rights, while the others remain with the ward.

It is important to understand how decision making rights are divided in your specific case.  The training course will help you become an effective guardian advocate and better understand these issues.
How to find a training course
Each county has their own list of approved training courses you can take.  Unfortunately, there is not a complete list of providers available from the state. You will need to ask your county clerk for the list of approved training courses in your area.

It is up to you to contact a provider to sign up for and attend a training course.  You can contact your county clerk from their county resource page to get a list of training courses in your area.
When does the training course have to be taken?
  • After appointment - Most counties let you to take the training course after the petition packet has been filed and the guardian advocate appointment has been made.  In this case the training course must be completed within 4 months of the appointment.  You will need to file your certificate of completion with the clerk.
 
  • Before filing your petition - Some counties will require you to complete the training course prior to filing the petition packet. In this case you will need to file the certificate of completion at the same time as the packet.

Please contact your county clerk from their resource page to determine which scenario applies in your case.  The process can also differ within a single county depending on the office contacted.
Guardianship Training and Support Services
Guardianship Training and Support Services offers a guardian advocate training course on their website.  The course modules are offered as webinars and do not require in person attendance.  ​Their guardian advocate course costs $129.

  • Their guardian advocate course is fully approved for use in Broward, Lee, and Brevard counties.  If you filed in one of these counties you can use their course without additional court approval.
 
  • Their courses have also been used in more than 26 other counties.  If you live in another county there is a good chance you can use their course, but you will need to get approval from the court first.​

Next: File Your Petition