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 this state you cannot spread remains on public land. Public parks, monuments, and town squares are among those places considered out of bounds. If you're not sure if an area is restricted, you need to consider whether it's open to the public. If it is, then you will have to choose another location.

You may scatter remains on federal public land though. If you have great memories of a national park located in the state and want to be memorialized there, you will be allowed to. Your family will have to get permission before the ceremony. They will have to contact the appropriate governmental agency for guidance. One thing they will learn is that roads, trails, and waterways are off limits.

The ocean is a favorite place to have remains scattered. If this is what you want, it's a fairly routine process. This isn't true for all bodies of water however. You aren't allowed to scatter remains in public waterways in the Sunshine State. This includes rivers and their tributaries, lakes, streams, and ponds. The state uses these resources to provide its citizens with fresh drinking water.

The federal government allows ocean interment as long as you are at least three miles from the shore. Officials permit individuals to scatter the remains from boats, airplanes, and helicopters. You can have your friends and family arrange to perform the burial themselves or hire a service. There are a number of commercial businesses that have ceremonial packages to choose from.

In Florida, you can scatter remains on private property that you own. You can scatter them on someone else's property when you have written permission. If you want to be scattered over your backyard, you can be. You can have the ceremony at a private park, in a private theater, or at a private sports arena. The law does state however, that your family is required to be discreet and keep in mind the sensitivity of others.

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 opinions about what you want to happen to your body once you are gone, you need to let your family know. Leaving specific instructions is best. You can make sure in advance that your family won't have any problems with the location you choose.




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