Life Estate
Ownership of property measured by the duration of a person's life, after which it passes to a remainderman or reverts to the grantor.
A life estate gives the holder full use of the property for the duration of a measuring life, usually their own. When that life ends, the property passes to a named remainderman or reverts to the original grantor. The life tenant has the right to use and enjoy the property but cannot damage or diminish its value.
The life tenant must maintain the property, pay property taxes, and avoid waste. Failing to pay property taxes is considered waste.
On the exam
Exam trap
Tested in
Property Rights (8% of the exam)
From definition to recall
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This definition is Florida real estate exam-prep education, not legal, tax, or professional advice. Verify current rules against the official source before relying on them for a real transaction. Back to the full glossary.