If you are considering using the services of a funeral bureau, you have a number of options. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Bureau. The Bureau investigates complaints from third parties and will take appropriate action if there is a legitimate basis. The Bureau will also contact the State Attorney General if there is a grave hazard or negligent funeral establishment. The Bureau will also give the funeral establishment an opportunity to respond to any concerns.
Before choosing a funeral establishment, make sure to ask for an itemized statement that includes all goods and services provided. In addition, the establishment cannot make false claims regarding the body’s preservation or charge for protective clothing. The establishment must also provide a complete list of the items selected, their prices, and the total dollar amount. The funeral establishment bill will also include the obituary, and any ancillary overhead. This statement should provide you with a full picture of the services offered and the costs associated with them.
The Bureau also provides the public with a cemetery directory. The Bureau is responsible for overseeing the process of selecting a cemetery. Funeral prices vary widely, but the average is around three to five thousand dollars. Direct cremations and burials are often cheaper than traditional funeral services. Some funeral homes offer package pricing. In addition, they can also accept the remains of a deceased person who has already died, and they can help with the arrangements. They also offer a directory of local funeral homes, and may help you choose a cemetery.
Funeral service licensing requirements vary by state, and they can differ for funeral directors and embalmers. The ICFSEB is the national academic accreditation agency for funeral service programs and a nonprofit voluntary association that provides regulatory support and examination services to state funeral boards. Contact the state board for specific licensing requirements. Make sure you register with the state board before enrolling in a funeral school. The fee for taking the exam may be higher than the minimum for an individual to take a funeral course.
Consumers can file a complaint with the state if they are unhappy with the service provided. Most complaints about cemeteries are resolved quickly, but those that are more serious may be investigated. If the complaint is about a cemetery in a state other than your own, you should contact the managing organization. You may also pursue complaints against a retail casket vendor through your local district attorney. There are also other avenues to pursue your complaint, such as contacting a private attorney.
When choosing a funeral establishment, make sure you ask about pricing and the amount of service you will need. Some establishments will charge a minimum service fee, while others will have an immediate burial option. The basic service of a funeral director and staff will be included, as will a proportion of the cemetery’s overhead costs. Also, ask about whether the cemetery maintains a high standard of care for its cemeteries. If you are not comfortable with a particular funeral establishment, take your business elsewhere.
The Florida Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers oversees and regulates the activities of funeral establishments. The board also investigates complaints and takes appropriate action against licensees who do not meet standards. The Board’s mission is to protect consumers and ensure public health. In addition, the Board inspects funeral homes and crematoria, and provides certification to those establishments that meet its standards. A funeral director is a member of the Florida Funeral Directors Association.
The death certificate and statement of death are required legally. Local ordinances may prohibit burials within the city limits, and the zoning authority may have laws that restrict the burial location. An embalmed body must be transported by common carriers, and the laws of the destination state may apply. Some cemeteries have restrictions on the casket or outer burial container, while cremation typically requires a canvas pouch or cardboard box. The Registrar will issue certified copies of death certificates.