Florida has the fourth-highest population in the United States. As one of the biggest destinations for retirees, it also happens to have a high average age. That also means it has an above-average age percentage of deaths. But for those planning a burial in Florida, there are some South Florida burial options to consider.
There are several questions you should answer before contacting a funeral home, like The Gardens of Boca Raton – Cemetery & Chapel. Is a burial or a cremation what you are looking for? Would you like the funeral service to be something traditional or something more creative and contemporary? For those looking at South Florida to plan a funeral service and burial to take place, there are some things you and your family must consider.
In the state of Florida, death registration with the local vital record office should happen within 5 days and before the body is buried or otherwise cremated. In most cases, the funeral home, the cremation organization, or whoever is in charge of the deceased person’s remains prepared the death certificate.
Make sure you request several copies of the death certificate, you may need them in the future to claim benefits, payable accounts, veteran benefits, etc.
In Florida, anyone can request a death certificate that does not include the cause of death. Unless the death dated over 50 years ago, only the following people can order a death certificate:
There are no state laws that prohibit burial on private property. However, most bodies are buried in established cemeteries locations. Florida law allows families to establish cemeteries if they’re less than two acres and burial rights are not offered for sale. However, before burying a body on a private area, check county and city zoning ordinances.
Different states have different cremation laws. In Florida, cremation is only possible after the coroner has issued a cremation permit, and a “Cremation Authorization Form” is filled out and signed by the next of kin. One thing to remember is that there is a 48-hour waiting period after death before cremation can occur. The paperwork and other arrangements take about three days.
No law in Florida requires families to purchase a casket for a burial or cremation. However, some cemeteries have specific rules that need a particular type of container for burials. For cremations, federal law requires funeral homes and crematories to inform you that you may use an alternative container and provide such containers. These alternative containers are often made of unfinished wood, fiberboard, cardboard, or pressed wood.
At the moment, there are no laws in Florida that prohibit you from keeping or scattering your loved one’s ashes. Niches, graves, crypts, or an urn at home are usually used to store ashes. If you wish to scatter the ashes, you have multiple options:
All veterans of the United States military service are entitled to a U.S. flag, a free cemetery plot and a grave marker. However, a copy of the veteran’s DD214 discharge papers will be required to acquire those veteran benefits.
You’ll often find that funeral homes also give discounts for funerals for veterans. Make sure to ask your funeral director.
Check with VA cemeteries near you to see if there are burial plots available, or if they only have space for cremated remains.
While the state of Florida doesn’t require embalming, bodies must be refrigerated within 24 hours of death, or it must be embalmed. Many funeral homes will encourage embalming, especially if you are planning a viewing or a public service. But, it is not legally required by the state.
Conducting your legal funeral services in Florida is possible. Coordinate with a home funeral while using local county authorities to help file the death certification. This way you can obtain a burial or cremation permit.
You can apply for a family burial plot on your property. To apply for a family burial plot, you need less than two acres of land, without rights to sell burial spaces. Contacting the Florida Department of Environmental Protection is the best way to proceed with this.
Natural burials, without embalming, implies the body must be buried in a biodegradable container in a designated burial site.
Right in the heart of peaceful Boca Raton lies The Gardens of Boca Raton, a serene and tranquil memorial park designed to give visitors a unique experience and connection with their departed loved ones. Its visitors argue they do not feel as if they are visiting a cemetery.
Its indoor and outdoor mausoleums reflect a classic style that celebrates life and commemorates those resting here, making sure their legacy is treasured forever. The sunshine reflecting off the lake, and the thoughtfully designed indoor mausoleums with glimpses of natural light coming through the windows instantly create an atmosphere of peacefulness.
While Florida burial options limit what you can do, the state’s laws are meant to protect its citizens, which is why it’s important to talk to a funeral home, like The Gardens of Boca Raton – Cemetery & Chapel, to find out the best way to show respect to your loved one.
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