What to Do When Someone Dies at Home in Florida

A calm, step-by-step guide for families

When someone dies at home, it can feel overwhelming and confusing — especially if this is your first experience. In Florida, there are clear steps, but many families are unsure what is required and what can wait.

This guide explains what to do when someone dies at home in Florida, who to call, what happens next, and clears up one of the most common misunderstandings families face.

Step 1: Take a Moment and Confirm the Situation

If the death was expected and the person was under hospice care, do not call 911. Contact the hospice nurse. They will guide you through the next steps and make the necessary notifications.

If the death was unexpected, unattended, or there is uncertainty, call 911. Emergency services will determine whether the medical examiner needs to be involved.

Families often worry about “doing something wrong.” Simply making the appropriate call is enough to begin the process correctly.

Step 2: Understand an Important Florida Requirement (This Is Where Most Confusion Happens)

In Florida, once death has been officially pronounced, the deceased must be transferred into the care of a licensed funeral home or cremation provider relatively quickly — typically within a few hours.

Families are not expected, and not permitted, to keep the deceased at home overnight or for an extended period of time.

This is one of the most common areas of confusion. Some families have heard stories from other states, older generations, or online sources that suggest otherwise. Florida’s process is different.

What “Taken Into Care” Actually Means

Being “taken into care” does not mean families must immediately:

• Make final decisions
• Hold services
• Proceed with cremation right away

It simply means:

• A licensed provider arrives respectfully
• Your loved one is transferred with dignity
• Legal and health requirements are met
• Families are relieved of physical responsibility

This protects both the family and the deceased.

Why Florida Requires Prompt Transfer

Florida law and public health standards require timely transfer in order to:

• Ensure proper identification
• Meet health and safety standards
• Maintain dignity and respectful care
• Protect families from liability or distress

This is a standard process — whether death occurs at home, under hospice care, or in a facility. It is not a sign of suspicion or wrongdoing.

What Families

Are

 Allowed to Do

Although the deceased must be transferred in a timely manner, families are allowed and encouraged to:

• Spend quiet time saying goodbye
• Gather immediate family members
• Sit with their loved one briefly
• Wait calmly for the provider to arrive

There is no rushing, no emergency behavior required, and no expectation that families handle anything themselves.

Step 3: Call a Licensed Cremation Provider

Once death has been pronounced, the next step is to contact a licensed cremation provider. They will:

• Arrange a respectful transfer
• Handle required Florida paperwork
• Coordinate with hospice or the medical examiner
• Guide you through the next steps at your pace

You do not need to make immediate decisions about urns, services, or memorials at this time.

Step 4: What You Do

Not

 Need to Decide Right Away

Families often feel pressure to:

• Choose an urn immediately
• Notify extended family
• Plan a service
• Make permanent decisions

You do not need to do any of this right away.

In Florida, cremation allows families time and flexibility. Many families choose to:

• Hold a memorial later
• Keep arrangements private
• Take time before deciding what feels right

There is no required emotional timeline.

Step 5: What Happens After Your Loved One Is Taken Into Care

After your loved one is brought into professional care:

• The death certificate is prepared
• Authorizations are completed
• Cremation is scheduled once legally approved
• Ashes are returned according to your wishes

A reputable provider will explain each step clearly and communicate with you throughout the process.

A Gentle Reminder for Families

There is no “perfect” way to handle the first hours after a death. Feeling unsure, emotional, or exhausted is normal. Florida’s process exists so families do not have to manage death alone.

You are not expected to know the law.

You are not expected to handle logistics.

You are not expected to do everything right.

That is what licensed professionals are there for.

When You Need Guidance

If you are facing a death at home in Florida and need calm, respectful guidance, Going Home Cremations is here to help families through each step with dignity and transparency.