The bill amends Section 704.08 of the Florida Statutes to enhance access to abandoned cemeteries located on private property. It establishes that relatives and descendants of individuals buried in these cemeteries have an easement for ingress and egress for visiting, maintenance, research, and searches. If a cemetery is abandoned or not maintained, these relatives can request maintenance from the landowner, and if the owner fails to comply, they are granted the right to maintain the cemetery themselves.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that if credible evidence indicates the presence of an abandoned cemetery on or near private land, the state must be granted an easement for ingress and egress. This easement allows the state to maintain the cemetery and conduct research and non-invasive searches, provided that reasonable notice is given to the landowner. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
S 1248 Filed: 704.08