Dealing with the death of a loved one is not an easy situation. During this difficult time, appropriate funeral services can bring grieving to family members and friends while also acknowledging the decedent’s lifetime achievements.
Which licenses do funeral services need to operate in Florida? Read on to find out.Ā
Funeral Services Licensing in Florida – As Provided by Law
Chapter 497 of the Florida Statutes encompasses the legal provisions to regulate funeral services. In Florida, the licensing body responsible for this segment is the Board of Funeral, Cemetery, and Consumer Services, which is a branch of the Florida Department of Financial Services.
An applicant must file the necessary forms and submit them to the Board before providing any types of funeral services.
Before issuing a license, Florida Statutes Ā§497.141 (3) specifies that “the department shall conduct such investigation of the applicant and the application as the department deems necessary or advisable to establish the correctness of matters stated in the application and to determine whether the applicable licensing criteria are met and shall make recommendations in those regards to the board.”
What Licenses Do Funeral Services Require in Florida? – In Detail
Funeral Establishment License
The first step is to apply for a funeral establishment license with the Division of Funeral, Cemetery, and Consumer Services. This license is used to identify the individuals in charge of the applicant’s business, as provided by Fla. Stat. Ā§497.141(12)(d).
- The application forms require detailed information, including:Ā
- The applicant’s name (the name in which the license will be issued)Ā
- The type of applicant (e.g., LLC, corporation, partnership)Ā
- Names, birth dates, and functional titles of all principals in the company (i.e., officers, managers, managing members, partners, general partners, limited partners, managing partners, directors, all stockholders controlling more than 10 % of the voting stock, and all other persons who can exercise control over the applicant)Ā
- Social Security Number (SSN) (If the applicant is a person)Ā
- Employer Identification Number (EIN) (If the applicant is a legal entity)Ā
If the establishment aims to contract any funeral services out (e.g., refrigeration, store, or transportation of bodies), the applicant must submit a copy of the contract with the application.
Cinerator Facility License
A cinerator facility is a specific facility where the decedents’ bodies are subject to cremation. The applicant must file a specific form for Elections of Procedures for Removal of Cremated Remains and go through the required inspection before approval of licensure.
Similar to funeral establishments licensing, a copy of all applicable contracts must be submitted for any funeral services contracted out of the applicant’s company.
Direct Disposal Establishment License
The term “direct disposal” refers to funeral services that take place immediately after the decedent’s death. In such cases, the deceased’s body is removed from the place of death and conducted to cremation or burial.
As provided by rule 69K-23.004, “at least thirty days before the beginning of the operation, a direct disposal establishment owner shall apply to the Department on a form provided by the Department for approval.”
Before approving the application, the Department will inspect the applicant’s establishment to ensure the premises and equipment meets all the legal requirements. Any contract made with funeral service providers out of the company must be part of the application document package.
Do You Want to Get a Funeral Services License in Florida? – Immediately Contact Jurado & Associates, P.A.
Funeral services licensing law is a complex matter that requires expert guidance from a well-versed lawyer. Contact Jurado & Associates, P.A. by calling (305) 921-0976 or emailing [email protected] to find a solution tailored for your case.Ā