Thursday, May 10, 2018

There Are Rules And Regulations When It Comes 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.

You are allowed to scatter remains on federal public lands. If there is a national park in Florida, for instance, that is special to you, it's okay to have your ashes scattered there. You can't do it without permission though. You will have to go through the appropriate governmental agency. They will tell you that all trails, waterways, and roads are off limits.

The ocean is a popular place to have remains scattered. This is permissible almost everywhere as long as you abide by the laws. You should not mistake this to mean that you are free to scatter remains in any body of water. You cannot spread ashes in public lakes, streams, rivers or any tributary connected to them. Floridians get a lot of their fresh drinking water from these sources.

Federal law allows individuals to bury remains in the ocean as long as they are three or more miles from the shoreline. The manner of transportation doesn't really matter. Boats, helicopters and planes are most commonly used. If your family desires, they can conduct the service themselves. They can also opt to retain the services of a business that specializes in ocean burials and can offer customized package deals.

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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