Medical Examiner vs. Hospice Deaths: What Families Need to Know Before Direct Cremation in Florida

When a loved one passes, families often feel overwhelmed with decisions. If you’ve chosen direct cremation in Florida, understanding the difference between hospice deaths and those requiring medical examiner involvement is crucial. The process varies significantly, and knowing what to expect can help avoid unexpected delays.

Medical Examiner vs. Hospice Deaths: What Families Need to Know Before Direct Cremation in Florida

At Going Home Cremations, we have over 20 years of experience working with the medical examiners in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Tarpon Springs, and New Port Richey. We know how to navigate the necessary approvals so that the cremation process goes as smoothly as possible. Below, we explain the key differences and what families need to do in each situation.

Hospice Deaths and Direct Cremation in Florida

Steps for Direct Cremation After a Hospice Death:

  1. Doctor Signs the Death Certificate
    Since the death is expected, the attending physician or hospice team completes and signs the death certificate, typically within 24 hours.
  2. No Medical Examiner Involvement
    Because the cause of death is known, the Florida medical examiner does not need to investigate, speeding up the timeline.
  3. Family Contacts a Direct Cremation Provider
    The next step is choosing a licensed direct cremation facility like Going Home Cremations.
  4. Cremation Takes Place
    Once all documents are processed, the cremation can proceed without delay.

How Long Does Cremation Take for Hospice Patients?

Since hospice deaths don’t require an autopsy or medical examiner review, cremation can often be completed within 7-10 days, depending on county processing times.

Hospice Deaths and Direct Cremation in Florida

Medical Examiner Cases: What to Expect Before Direct Cremation

If a death is unexpected, suspicious, or occurs outside of medical supervision, the Florida medical examiner must investigate before cremation can proceed. This includes:

  • Accidents (car crashes, falls, drownings)
  • Sudden deaths with no known medical history
  • Suicides
  • Homicides
  • Unattended deaths (no doctor or hospice present)

Steps for Direct Cremation After a Medical Examiner Case:

  1. Law Enforcement Notifies the Medical Examiner
    The medical examiner determines if an autopsy is required.
  2. Autopsy or External Examination Is Performed
    If an autopsy is required, this can add several days to the timeline.
  3. Medical Examiner Must Approve Cremation
    Florida law requires medical examiner authorization before cremation.
  4. Family Chooses a Direct Cremation Provider
    Going Home Cremations ensures proper documentation is submitted without delays.
  5. Cremation Proceeds Once Approved
    After all necessary paperwork is received, cremation can take place.

How Long Does Cremation Take in a Medical Examiner Case?

  • If no autopsy is required: 7-10 days
  • If an autopsy is performed: 10-21 days

Key Differences Between Hospice and Medical Examiner Cases

Category Hospice Deaths Medical Examiner Cases
Is a doctor present? Yes (Hospice physician) No
Is an autopsy required? No Sometimes
Is medical examiner approval needed? No Yes
Cremation timeline 7-10 days 10-21 days

What Families Should Do Next

  • If your loved one was in hospice, contact Going Home Cremations immediately to begin the process.
  • If the medical examiner is involved, we will work directly with their office to ensure cremation proceeds as soon as legally allowed.

Call Going Home Cremations for Expert Assistance

With over 20 years of experience in Florida, Going Home Cremations understands the cremation process inside and out—including how to work efficiently with medical examiners.

We proudly serve families in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Tarpon Springs, and New Port Richey, ensuring that your loved one’s cremation is handled with care, professionalism, and dignity.

Learn more about our affordable cremation services.