How to Choose the Right Person for Your Power of Attorney in Florida

November 6, 2025

How to Choose the Right Person for Your Power of Attorney in Florida

Choosing someone to act on your behalf through a power of attorney (POA) is one of the most personal and important decisions you’ll make in your lifetime. This person will be entrusted with managing your affairs—whether financial, medical, or both—if you ever become unable to make those decisions yourself.


At The Law Office of Anne Sunne Freeman, we help Florida residents understand the responsibilities that come with naming a power of attorney and guide them through the process with care and clarity. With over 13 years of experience serving clients throughout Palm Harbor and the Tampa Bay area, Attorney Anne Sunne Freeman provides personalized estate planning services designed to give you peace of mind for the future.


📞 Call 727-461-3100 today to schedule a free consultation.


Understanding the Role of a Power of Attorney

A power of attorney is a legal document that grants another person—known as your “agent” or “attorney-in-fact”—the authority to act on your behalf in specific areas of life.


There are two main types of POAs under Florida law:


  • Durable Power of Attorney: Allows your chosen person to make financial or property decisions even if you become incapacitated.
  • Health Care Power of Attorney (Health Care Surrogate): Allows someone to make medical decisions when you are unable to communicate your wishes.


Having both documents ensures that every important aspect of your wellbeing and estate is covered by someone you trust.


Qualities to Look for in a Power of Attorney

Selecting the right person for this role is not about choosing who is closest to you—it’s about choosing who is most capable. Here are some key qualities to consider:


1. Trustworthiness

Your agent will handle sensitive matters, from managing bank accounts to making medical decisions. Choose someone who has consistently demonstrated honesty, integrity, and sound judgment.

2. Responsibility and Organization

This person may need to pay bills, manage investments, or communicate with healthcare providers. A reliable and detail-oriented individual is best suited for these responsibilities.

3. Emotional Readiness

If serious medical or financial decisions must be made, your agent should be calm under pressure and able to make choices based on your wishes—not emotion or outside influence.

4. Location and Availability

While a power of attorney can live anywhere, it’s often easier if they are located nearby in Florida, especially for medical or time-sensitive situations.

5. Understanding of Your Values

The person you choose should understand your beliefs, priorities, and preferences. They should be willing to uphold those values even when decisions are difficult.


Can You Choose More Than One Power of Attorney?

Yes. Some people name co-agents or successor agents to ensure continuity if one person becomes unavailable. However, co-agents should only be appointed if they can cooperate effectively, as disagreements may delay important decisions.


Attorney Anne Sunne Freeman can help you evaluate whether one or multiple designations make the most sense for your estate plan.


The Importance of a Well-Drafted Power of Attorney

In Florida, powers of attorney must follow specific legal standards to be valid and enforceable. “Do-it-yourself” forms found online often fail to meet these requirements, which can create confusion or rejection when the document is needed most.


Working with an experienced Palm Harbor estate planning attorney ensures your POA is properly executed, witnessed, and tailored to your needs. The document can also be customized to include:


  • Financial management powers
  • Real estate or investment transactions
  • Health care directives under HIPAA
  • Digital access or online account permissions


Why Work With The Law Office of Anne Sunne Freeman

Our firm provides comprehensive, compassionate guidance in all areas of estate planning, including:


  • Drafting and updating powers of attorney
  • Preparing wills, living wills, and trusts
  • Planning for guardianship or incapacity
  • Helping families manage transitions smoothly and confidently


When you choose The Law Office of Anne Sunne Freeman, you gain a trusted advocate dedicated to protecting your wishes, your loved ones, and your legacy.


Schedule a Free Consultation Today

If you’re ready to name your power of attorney or update your estate plan, don’t wait until it’s too late to put the right legal protections in place.

Contact The Law Office of Anne Sunne Freeman today to discuss your options and start planning with confidence.

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