Mother's landlords won't release deposits

I live in Florida as did my mother and she recently passed away with her will naming me executor. My mother's "estate" is less than $2000. She had a last months deposit and security deposit of $1600.00 total with her apartment landlord. They are stating they won't release this money to her "estate" unless it goes to probate. My mother was on Section 8 housing, disability, and medicaid and they know this.

I have paid for her funeral and moving expenses and cannot afford to seek an attorney to pursue this. Is this something that can be handled in small claims court?

If this situation qualifies, I believe you may be able to file an "informal administration" at the probate office of her county-without an attorney.

http://www.uslegalforms.com/lawdigest/small-estates.php/FL/FL-ET30.htm