What to Do When Someone Dies in Florida

When someone dies in Florida, you must notify the authorities, obtain a death certificate, and arrange for care of the body within specific timeframes. Florida requires death registration within 5 days and has unique procedures for coroner involvement and body transportation that differ from other states.

Losing someone is never easy, and handling the practical requirements during grief can feel overwhelming. This guide walks you through Florida’s specific procedures so you know exactly what steps to take and when.

Immediate Steps: The First Hour

Your first actions depend on where the death occurred. If the person died in a hospital, nursing home, or hospice facility, the staff will handle the initial procedures and guide you through next steps.

If the death happened at home, call 911 immediately. In Florida, you cannot assume a death has occurred without medical professional confirmation, even if the person was under hospice care. Emergency responders will determine whether to involve the medical examiner.

Do not move the body or disturb the scene. Florida law requires that deaths outside of medical facilities be investigated to determine the cause and manner of death.

Medical Examiner and Coroner Requirements

Florida uses a mixed system of medical examiners and coroners depending on the county. The medical examiner or coroner must investigate deaths that occur:

• Outside of a hospital or medical facility
• Within 24 hours of hospital admission
• During surgery or medical procedures
• From suspected violence, accident, or suicide
• When the cause is unknown or suspicious

If an investigation is required, the body cannot be moved until the medical examiner releases it. This process typically takes 1-3 days but can extend longer for complex cases requiring autopsy.

Getting the Death Certificate in Florida

Death certificates in Florida are issued by the Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics. The funeral director usually handles the initial filing, but you will need certified copies for legal and financial purposes.

Florida requires death registration within 5 days of the death. The attending physician must complete the medical portion of the certificate, which can sometimes cause delays if the doctor is unavailable.

You can order certified copies online through the Florida Department of Health VitalChek system, by mail, or in person. Certified copies cost $5 each for Florida residents and $10 each for non-residents.

Choosing a Funeral Home and Body Transportation

Florida does not require you to use a funeral home, but most families choose professional services for convenience and legal compliance. Licensed funeral directors handle transportation, preparation, and filing requirements.

If you decide to handle arrangements yourself, you must obtain a transit permit from the local vital statistics office before moving the body. Florida allows families to transport deceased relatives in private vehicles if properly prepared.

The body must be buried, cremated, or otherwise disposed of within a reasonable time. While Florida does not specify an exact timeframe, most counties expect disposition within 10-14 days unless special circumstances require delay.

Burial and Cemetery Requirements

Florida allows burial on private property with proper permits and health department approval. The burial site must be at least 150 feet from any water well and follow local zoning ordinances.

For cemetery burial, contact the cemetery directly to arrange plot purchase and burial services. Many Florida cemeteries have specific rules about burial vaults, headstones, and visiting hours.

If you choose a natural burial, several Florida cemeteries offer green burial options that minimize environmental impact while complying with state health regulations.

Cremation Procedures in Florida

Florida requires a 48-hour waiting period before cremation, though this can be waived by the medical examiner in certain circumstances. You must obtain a cremation permit from the local vital statistics office.

If the deceased did not leave written cremation authorization, Florida law requires consent from the next of kin in this order: surviving spouse, adult children (majority agreement), parents, siblings (majority agreement), or other relatives.

Crematories must provide you with a receipt and identification procedures to ensure proper handling of remains. You can witness the cremation if desired, though not all facilities offer this option.

Financial and Legal Notifications

Florida has specific requirements for notifying various agencies and institutions after a death. Start with these essential notifications within the first week:

• Social Security Administration (report immediately to stop payments)
• Department of Motor Vehicles (surrender driver’s license)
• Voter registration office
• Banks and financial institutions
• Insurance companies (life, health, auto, homeowner’s)
• Employer and benefits administrators

If the deceased was receiving benefits like veterans’ benefits, Medicaid, or Medicare, notify those agencies promptly to avoid overpayment issues that could complicate estate settlement.

Source: Florida Department of Health Bureau of Vital Statistics

Probate and Estate Considerations

Florida has streamlined probate procedures for smaller estates. If the estate value is under $75,000 and meets certain criteria, you may qualify for summary administration, which is faster and less expensive than formal probate.

Florida is not a community property state, so surviving spouses do not automatically inherit all marital property. The distribution depends on whether the deceased left a will and what other family members survive.

If real estate is involved, Florida’s homestead exemption may protect the family home from creditors and provide special inheritance rights for surviving spouses and minor children.

Special Circumstances in Florida

Florida’s unique geography and demographics create some special considerations. If the death occurred on a boat in Florida waters, the Coast Guard may need to be involved along with local authorities.

For deaths involving non-residents (common given Florida’s tourism and winter resident population), additional coordination may be required with other states for transportation and documentation.

Hurricane season can complicate death procedures if infrastructure is damaged. Florida emergency management protocols include provisions for temporary body storage and expedited death certificate processing during declared emergencies.

Resources and Support

The Florida Department of Health maintains detailed guidelines for death procedures on their website. County health departments can provide specific local requirements and assist with permit applications.

Many Florida counties offer grief support services through health departments, libraries, or community organizations. Religious organizations and hospice agencies also frequently provide bereavement resources.

For complex situations involving multiple states, contested estates, or unusual circumstances, consider consulting with a Florida attorney who specializes in probate and estate matters.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to report a death in Florida?

Florida requires death registration within 5 days of the death. However, you should report the death immediately by calling 911 if it occurs outside a medical facility, or notify the facility staff if it occurs in a hospital or care facility.

Can I transport a body myself in Florida?

Yes, Florida allows family members to transport a deceased person in a private vehicle if you obtain proper permits and follow health department guidelines. You must get a transit permit from the local vital statistics office before transportation.

How much does a death certificate cost in Florida?

Certified death certificates cost $5 each for Florida residents and $10 each for non-residents. You can order them online through VitalChek, by mail, or in person at vital statistics offices.

What happens if someone dies in Florida without a will?

Florida’s intestate succession laws determine how property is distributed. Generally, the surviving spouse receives a portion and children share the remainder, but the exact distribution depends on family structure and whether property is separate or marital.

Do I need a lawyer to handle an estate in Florida?

Not always. Small estates under $75,000 may qualify for summary administration, which can often be handled without an attorney. However, complex estates, contested matters, or situations involving significant assets typically benefit from legal guidance.

Understanding what to do when someone dies varies by state, and Florida’s specific requirements ensure proper documentation and legal compliance. While the process may seem overwhelming, following these steps systematically helps ensure you meet all obligations while focusing on your family’s needs.

For additional guidance, review our comprehensive step-by-step checklist when someone dies and learn more about how to get a death certificate for ongoing estate and benefits matters.

This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, medical, or financial advice. Always consult qualified professionals for guidance specific to your situation.