What You Need To Know Before Scattering Ashes In Florida

By Deborah Cox


Not everybody wants to be buried in the ground. Some feel it's environmentally irresponsible unless the casket is made out of material that will decompose. Others have places that were special in their lives, and want their remains commemorated there. It is usually a place where there is no traditional burial site, like the ocean. If you are deciding how you want your remains disposed of in the Sunshine State, you have to know the rules and regulations for scattering ashes in Florida.

In Florida it's against the law to scatter remains on public land. This means you can't spread the ashes in front of monuments, in the middle of town squares, or in public parks. If you aren't sure whether or not a spot falls under this law, you should consider how it is used. If it's open to the public, you can't spread remains there.

Federal public lands in the state are a different story. If you loved a particular national park, you can request to have your remains scattered there, and the request will probably be granted. Your family will have to get permission from the appropriate governmental agency though. They won't be able to spread the remains near trails, roads, or waterways.

The ocean is a favorite place to have remains scattered. If this is what you want, it's a fairly routine process. This isn't true for all bodies of water however. You aren't allowed to scatter remains in public waterways in the Sunshine State. This includes rivers and their tributaries, lakes, streams, and ponds. The state uses these resources to provide its citizens with fresh drinking water.

You are allowed to disperse remains in the ocean as long as you follow the guidelines put in place by the federal government. It requires you to go at least three miles out before you scatter the remains. There is not really any limitation on the type of conveyance from which your family scatters your remains. Boats, helicopters, and planes are all fine.

In the Sunshine State it's legal to scatter remains on private property. That means if you can arrange to have your remains scattered in your backyard if you want to. You can choose a theater, sports arena, or park, as long as it's private. The regulations do state that you have to be discreet about it and keep the sensitivities of others in mind.

Scattering remains can be more difficult than it sounds. You need to keep several things in mind. Most people are surprised by the volume of ashes. They can cover a lot of ground. When you scatter, make sure everyone is upwind of you. You should swing the pot or urn from below your waist. Be sure to take the urn or box with you when you leave.

If you have strong feelings about you burial, you need to let people know. It can take some time to contact the proper agencies and get authorization. The more you find out about what's allowed and what's not, before you go, the easier it will be for your loved ones.




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