The bill amends various sections of Florida Statutes related to funeral, cemetery, and consumer services. Key provisions include a new prohibition against funeral or cemetery service licensees entering into exclusive contracts with entities providing end-of-life care, as well as revisions to the application procedures for cemetery licenses, which now allow for certain non-contiguous parcels to be considered as part of a unified cemetery property. Additionally, the bill updates the requirements for licensure by endorsement for embalmers and funeral directors, removing some educational prerequisites and allowing for more streamlined processes.

Other significant changes include the authorization for licensees to dispose of human remains if the legally authorized person fails to direct the disposition after a specified period, and adjustments to the notification process for preneed contract cancellations. The bill also revises the timeframe for disposing of unclaimed cremated remains from 120 days to 90 days. Furthermore, it clarifies the insurable interest requirements for personal insurance contracts, specifically regarding prepaid funeral contracts. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
S 598 Filed: 497.263, 497.270, 497.369, 497.374, 497.375, 497.377, 497.459, 497.602, 497.604, 497.607, 627.404
S 598 c1: 497.263, 497.270, 497.369, 497.374, 497.375, 497.377, 497.459, 497.607, 627.404
S 598 c2: 497.263, 497.270, 497.369, 497.374, 497.375, 497.377, 497.459, 497.607, 627.404
S 598 er: 497.263, 497.270, 497.369, 497.374, 497.375, 497.377, 497.459, 497.607, 627.404