This bill amends various sections of Florida Statutes concerning funeral, cemetery, and consumer services, introducing several key provisions aimed at enhancing consumer protections and streamlining regulations. Notably, it prohibits funeral or cemetery service licensees from entering into exclusive contracts with end-of-life care providers and establishes a cap on total liability for damages in civil actions against licensed individuals or companies, set at $200,000. The bill also revises application procedures for cemetery licenses, updates educational and testing requirements for embalmers and funeral directors, and allows licensed facilities to dispose of human remains if the legally authorized person fails to direct the disposition. Additionally, it modifies the notification process for canceling preneed contracts and clarifies requirements for the disposal of cremated remains.

Further amendments include the prohibition of new applications for direct disposal establishments after July 1, 2026, while allowing existing licensees to continue their operations. The bill sets new requirements for direct disposal establishments, such as maintaining a minimum contiguous interior space and ensuring proper refrigeration for deceased bodies. It also recognizes military-issued credentials for licensure and mandates that direct disposers display their licenses prominently. The bill updates the disposal methods for unclaimed cremated remains and modifies conditions for executing insurance contracts, introducing the term "prepaid funeral contract" and clarifying insurable interests for minors. 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