What to Do When a Loved One Dies at Home in Florida: A Step-by-Step Guide
Losing a loved one is never easy, and when the death occurs at home, it can be especially overwhelming. In Florida, there are specific steps you must take to ensure everything is handled legally, respectfully, and efficiently. Whether the death was expected or sudden, knowing what to do can help ease the burden during a difficult time.
At Going Home Cremations, we specialize in direct cremation services across Florida, including Tampa Bay, Sarasota, Port Charlotte, and Fort Myers. This guide will walk you through the process of what to do when someone dies at home, and how our team can support you every step of the way.
Step 1: Determine If the Death Was Expected or Unexpected
The first thing to consider is whether your loved one’s passing was anticipated due to illness or unexpected.
- Expected Death: If your loved one was under hospice care, the process is more straightforward. The hospice nurse will typically handle the pronouncement of death and guide you through the next steps.
- Unexpected Death: If the death was sudden or the person was not under medical supervision, you must call 911 immediately. Emergency responders will arrive to confirm the death and notify the Medical Examiner’s Office, as required by Florida law.
Step 2: Contact the Appropriate Authorities
📞 Call 911 or Hospice
- 911: If the person was not under hospice care, call 911. Paramedics will assess the situation and may involve law enforcement or the Medical Examiner.
- Hospice: If the person was receiving hospice care, call the hospice nurse. They will pronounce the death and help you begin the cremation process.
📝 Medical Examiner Involvement
In Florida, the Medical Examiner must be notified if the death was unexpected, involved trauma, or occurred without a physician present. They may conduct an investigation or autopsy before releasing the body for cremation.
You can learn more about Florida’s Medical Examiner system here.
Step 3: Choose a Licensed Cremation Provider
Once the death is confirmed and the Medical Examiner has released the body, you’ll need to contact a licensed cremation provider. Going Home Cremations offers affordable direct cremation services without the need for a traditional funeral or memorial service.
Why Choose Direct Cremation?
- Cost-effective: No embalming, viewing, or funeral service required.
- Simple and respectful: Focuses on the essentials.
- Flexible memorial options: Families can plan personal tributes later.
👉 Explore our cremation services
Step 4: Gather Required Documentation
To proceed with cremation in Florida, you’ll need to provide:
- Death Certificate: Usually completed by the attending physician or hospice nurse.
- Cremation Authorization Form: Signed by the next of kin.
- Medical Examiner’s Approval: Required before cremation can take place.
At Going Home Cremations, we assist families in completing and submitting all necessary paperwork. We also offer online arrangements to make the process easier.
📄 Start cremation arrangements online
Step 5: Decide What to Do With the Ashes
After cremation, families have several options for handling the ashes:
⚱️ Keep the Ashes in an Urn
Many families choose to keep the ashes in a decorative urn at home or in a columbarium. We offer a selection of affordable urns to suit your preferences.
🛍️ Browse our urns and keepsakes
🌊 Scatter the Ashes
Florida law allows ashes to be scattered in many locations, including:
- The Gulf of Mexico
- State parks (with permission)
- Private property (with owner consent)
For more details, read our guide on scattering ashes in Florida.
✈️ Travel or Ship the Ashes
If you need to transport ashes out of state or internationally, we can help. There are specific TSA regulations and shipping guidelines to follow.
Learn more about traveling with cremated remains from the TSA website.
Step 6: Plan a Personal Memorial (Optional)
While direct cremation facilities do not host memorial services, families often choose to hold their own ceremonies. These can be:
- At home with close family and friends
- At a favorite location of the deceased
- Virtual memorials via Zoom or social media
- Scattering ceremonies at sea or in nature
These personalized tributes allow families to honor their loved one in meaningful ways, on their own terms.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Can I arrange cremation online?
Yes. Going Home Cremations offers a secure online arrangement system where you can complete forms, choose services, and make payments from home.
❓ How long does the cremation process take?
Typically, cremation in Florida takes 7–10 business days, depending on the Medical Examiner’s approval and paperwork processing.
❓ What is the cost of direct cremation?
Direct cremation is the most affordable option. At Going Home Cremations, our pricing is transparent and includes everything you need.
How Going Home Cremations Supports You
We understand how difficult it is to lose a loved one. Our compassionate team is available 24/7 to guide you through every step of the cremation process. We handle the logistics so you can focus on healing and honoring your loved one.
Our Services Include:
- Immediate transportation of your loved one
- Filing all necessary legal documents
- Coordination with the Medical Examiner
- Affordable direct cremation packages
- Ashes delivery or pickup options
📞 Call us anytime at (800) 490-5260
📍 Serving Tampa Bay, Sarasota, Port Charlotte, Fort Myers, and surrounding areas.
Final Thoughts
When a loved one dies at home, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed. But you don’t have to navigate this alone. By following the steps outlined above and partnering with a trusted provider like Going Home Cremations, you can ensure your loved one is cared for with dignity and respect.
We’re here to help—day or night.
👉 Contact us now for immediate assistance.
