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Recent Announcements and News


7/24/2025

RULES COMMITTEE MEETING

The Rules Committee of the Board of Funeral, Cemetery, and Consumer Services will hold an in-person meeting onAugust 19, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.. All persons are invited. The meeting will take place at the Florida Department of Financial Services, Claude Denson Pepper Building, Room G-01, 111 West Madison Street in Tallahassee, FL. A copy of the agenda will be made available seven (7) days before the meeting on the Division's website. A copy may also be obtained at that time by contacting LaTonya Bryant, at LaTonya.Bryant@myfloridacfo.com.

This meeting is a continuation of the Rules Committee’s review of certain rules pursuant to new requirements set out in SB108. There will only be forty-nine (49) rules reviewed and discussed at the meeting, and they are listed below. Persons interested in commenting on those listed rules must submit their written comments (and proposed rule language, if any) by email to Mary Schwantes, Division Director, Division of Funeral, Cemetery, and Consumer Services at Mary.Schwantes@myfloridacfo.com. The deadline for submitting comments is close of business on Monday, August 4, 2025.

Shared Rules – TO REVISIT

(1) 69K-1.005 - Licensure Application Procedures
(2) 69K-5.0021 - Application for Preneed License Branch Office License
(3) 69K-5.0022 - Applications for Transfer of a Preneed License
(4) 69K-5.0025 - Inactive Preneed Licenses
(5) 69K-5.0026 - Preneed License Renewal
(6) 69K-5.011 - Preneed Sales Agent Renewal
(7) 69K-5.012 - Application and Renewal Procedures for Broker of Burial Rights License
(8) 69K-5.0125 - Minium Records to be Maintained by Burial Rights Broker; Inspection of Records
(9) 69K-7.0125 - Alternative Form of Security for Permanent Outer Burial Receptable Manufacturers
(10) 69K-9.001 – Advertising
(11) 69K-10.001 - Preneed Funeral Contract Consumer Protection Trust Fund
(12) 69K-10.002 - Disbursement from the Preneed Funeral Contract Consumer Protection Trust Fund
(13) 69K-12.002 - Procedure for Licensing a Monument Establishment
(14) 69K-12.003 - Procedure for Submission and Approval of Monument Establishment Retail Sales Agreements
(15) 69K-17.0036- Course Required for Initial Licensure
(16) 69K-17.0041 - Continuing Education Provider Requirements
(17) 69K-17.0042 - Approval of Continuing Education Courses
(18) 69K-18.001 - Embalmer Intern Training Program
(19) 69K-18.002 - Funeral Director Intern Training Program
(20) 69K-18.003 - Concurrent Internships
(21) 69K-18.004 - Intern Training Agencies
(22) 69K-20.001 - Report of Cases Embalmed or Bodies Handled
(23) 69K-21.009 - Disinterment Reporting
(24) 69K-22.003 – Fees
(25) 69K-22.007 - Standard Uniform Procedures for Removal of Cremated Remains and Postcremation Procedures
(26) 69K-23.001 - Manner of Application
(27) 69K-23.003 - Renewal of Direct Disposer Licenses
(28) 69K-23.004 - Direct Disposal Establishments
(29) 69K-24.021 - Requirements for Inspection of Removal Services
(30) 69K-24.022 - Inspection Criteria for Removal Services
(31) 69K-24.031 - Requirements for Inspection of Refrigeration Services
(32) 69K-24.032 - Inspection Criteria for Refrigeration Services
(33) 69K-24.040 - Licensure of Centralized Embalming Facilities
(34) 69K-31.001 - Procedure Required
(35) 69K-100.035 - Courses of Study; Criteria; Procedures for College or University to Obtain Approval
 

Board Rules – TO REVISIT

1. 69K-21.007 - Responsibility of Funeral Director in Charge
2. 69K-33.001 - Requirements Regarding Handling and Storing of Human Remains
3. 69K-2.003 - Other Official Board Business
4. 69K-5.0015 - Preneed Licenses
5. 69K-5.0024 - Remittances to the Regulatory Trust Fund
6. 69K-6.001 - Grave Spaces; Definition Limited
7. 69K-6.0015 - Definition of Established Adult Grave Space
8. 69K-6.0016 - Definition of Developed Area
9. 69K-6.002 - Care and Maintenance of Existing Cemetery
10. 69K-6.004 - Safekeeping of Records
11. 69K-6.0051 - Accounts Receivable Records
12. 69K-6.0054 - Written Contracts Required
13. 69K-6.007 - Criteria for Burial; Disinterment; Reinterment
14. 69K-6.008 - Minimum Standards for Interment

15. 69K-6.009 - Identification Tags – Acceptable Materials, Locations, and Methods of Affixing

As a reminder, there is no WIFI available, so it may be beneficial to download any necessary materials to your devices, if possible.


6/12/2025

UPDATED 2025 INFORMATION REGARDING PREPARATIONS FOR HURRICANES AND TROPICAL STORMS

The following information is provided in preparation for hurricanes and tropical storms.  As often happens with these storms, many Florida counties will be impacted with wind, flood, and/or power outage issues.  In anticipation of inclement weather resulting from these storms, we want to remind our licensees of the following. 

1. Hurricane preparation and aftermath information

State, county, and city governments provide a lot of information on preparing for natural disasters, including hurricanes.  One great resource is found at the Department of Financial Services’ website at:  https://www.myfloridacfo.com/Division/Consumers/storm/.  You may also wish to visit https://www.floridadisaster.org/planprepare/ for more information regarding general hurricane preparedness, including emergency planning for businesses at https://www.floridadisaster.org/business/planning-for-businesses/.  These sites also provide helpful information on filing claims and other issues that may arise after a storm.

2. Power outages/storm damage

If you have a refrigeration unit, PLEASE PLAN AHEAD for possible power outage or other issues that might affect your ability to continue to provide refrigeration services.  Consider obtaining a generator to provide power to your refrigeration unit/facility during power outages.  If you have a generator, always check to make sure it is operational before any storm. 

In the event that your facility or unit is damaged or otherwise inoperable due to a hurricane or other natural disaster, please also consider the following options:

  • Contact another local funeral establishment (or other licensed establishment that has a refrigeration unit) to see if it might have space available to assist with your refrigeration needs; or
  • Contact your local county emergency management.  Your county emergency management will coordinate with the state’s emergency management team or others as may be necessary to assist you.  Contact information for the Emergency Management team in each county is found at:  https://www.floridadisaster.org/planprepare/counties/.

3. E-filing of Death Certificate Notices

The Electronic Death Registration System (EDRS) is not expected to be impacted by any storms.  We recognize, however, that your accessibility to the system may be limited due to power outages in your own areas.  You should print several blank copies of death certificate forms (DH512), fetal death forms (DH428), and burial transit permits (DH326) in preparation for possible power outages and downtime. The Bureau of Vital Statistics Helpdesk (1-866-295-5902) has advised that it is available: M - F 8am - 6pm, and Sat 9am - 2pm ET. Their Quality Assurance unit is also available at 904-359-6900 ext. 9020 and you may reach Ken Jones, State Registrar, at 904-359-6900 ext. 1001.

4. Hurricane Follow-up

Following a hurricane, Division staff will call the licensed establishments in the impacted areas to obtain information on any power outage issues, building damage, etc., and determine if there are any needs with which we can assist.  If your establishment has refrigeration/storage space available at that time, please let our staff know so that we can share that information with other licensees in the area which may need that type of assistance.

5. Division of Funeral, Cemetery, and Consumer Services’ Offices

Division office closures will depend upon the path, duration, and impact of any storm.  If you have attempted to reach the Division at its main line (850-413-3039 or toll free in Florida at 1-800-323-2627) without success, please leave a message.  Division staff will return your call as soon as possible following the storm.

Updated 4-10-2025

BOARD OF FUNERAL, CEMETERY AND CONSUMER SERVICES

2025 Meeting Schedule

The JANUARY PUBLIC MEETING of the Board of Funeral, Cemetery, and Consumer Services will be held via VIDEOCONFERENCE on January 2, 2025, at 10:00 AM. The public may participate in this conference by either video using the following link: https://meet.goto.com/LaTonyaBryant/boardvideoconference-january; or by teleconference by calling (872) 240-3412, Access Code: 420-626-693.

The FEBRUARY PUBLIC MEETING of the Board of Funeral, Cemetery, and Consumer Services will be held via VIDEOCONFERENCE on February 6, 2025, at 10:00 AM. The public may participate in this conference by either video using the following link: https://meet.goto.com/LaTonyaBryant/boardvideoconference-february; or by teleconference by calling (571) 317-3122, Access Code: 487-758-165.

The MARCH (IN-PERSON) PUBLIC MEETING of the Board of Funeral, Cemetery, and Consumer Services will be held in-person in at the Department of Revenue CCOC, TALLAHASSEE, FL on March 6, 2025, at 10:00 AM.

The APRIL PUBLIC MEETING of the Board of Funeral, Cemetery, and Consumer Services will be held via VIDEOCONFERENCE on April 3, 2025, at 10:00 AM. The public may participate in this conference by either video using the following link: https://meet.goto.com/LaTonyaBryant/boardvideoconference-april; or by teleconference by calling (872) 240-3212, Access Code: 412-279-285.

The MAY PUBLIC MEETING of the Board of Funeral, Cemetery, and Consumer Services will be held via VIDEOCONFERENCE on May 1, 2025, at 10:00 AM. The public may participate in this conference by either video using the following link: https://meet.goto.com/LaTonyaBryant/boardvideoconference-may; or by teleconference by calling (646) 749-3122, Access Code: 956-182-725.

The MAY (IN-PERSON) PUBLIC MEETING, of the Board of Funeral, Cemetery, and Consumer Services, will be held at the Hammock Beach Golf Resort Palm Coast FL (IFDF Annual Conference) on May 29, 2025, at 10:00 AM.

The JUNE PUBLIC MEETING of the Board of Funeral, Cemetery, and Consumer Services will be held via VIDEOCONFERENCE on June 26, 2025, at 10:00 AM. The public may participate in this conference by either video using the following link: https://meet.goto.com/LaTonyaBryant/boardvideoconference-june; or by teleconference by calling (646) 749-3122, Access Code: 736-666-493.

The AUGUST PUBLIC MEETING of the Board of Funeral, Cemetery, and Consumer Services will be held via VIDEOCONFERENCE on August 7, 2025, at 10:00 AM. The public may participate in this conference by either video using the following link: https://meet.goto.com/LaTonyaBryant/board-videoconference-august2025 or by teleconference by calling (224) 501-3412, Access Code: 859-736-013.

The SEPTEMBER PUBLIC MEETING of the Board of Funeral, Cemetery, and Consumer Services will be held via VIDEOCONFERENCE on September 4, 2025, at 10:00 AM. The public may participate in this conference by either video using the following link: https://meet.goto.com/LaTonyaBryant/board-videoconference-september2025; or by teleconference by calling (224) 501-3412, Access Code: 976-689-685.

The OCTOBER PUBLIC MEETING of the Board of Funeral, Cemetery, and Consumer Services will be held via VIDEOCONFERENCE on October 9, 2025, at 10:00 AM. The public may participate in this conference by either video using the following link: https://meet.goto.com/LaTonyaBryant/board-videoconference-october2025; or by teleconference by calling (224) 501-3412, Access Code: 173-037-973.

The NOVEMBER PUBLIC MEETING of the Board of Funeral, Cemetery, and Consumer Services will be held via VIDEOCONFERENCE on November 6, 2025, at 10:00 AM. The public may participate in this conference by either video using the following link: https://meet.goto.com/LaTonyaBryant/board-videoconference-november2025; or by teleconference by calling (872) 240-3311, Access Code: 369-411-989.

The DECEMBER PUBLIC MEETING of the Board of Funeral, Cemetery, and Consumer Services will be held via VIDEOCONFERENCE on December 4, 2025, at 10:00 AM. The public may participate in this conference by either video using the following link: https://meet.goto.com/LaTonyaBryant/board-videoconference-december2025; or by teleconference by calling (571) 317-3122, Access Code: 742-160-597.

 


Continuing Education Credit Available for Videoconferences

We are excited to announce that we have developed a process for our licensees to obtain CEU credits for attending our Videoconferences. In order to receive credit, licensees must provide their name, license number, meeting date, email address and the phone number you connected to the meeting with. This is very important, as the phone number (or email address if you connected via the web) will be used to confirm your attendance and the length of time you were on the call. Please email ALL of the requested information to LaTonya.Bryant@myfloridacfo.com.


Fingerprinting Procedures

The Division of Funeral, Cemetery, and Consumer Services will no longer be providing or accepting fingerprint cards. If there is not a LiveScan location available in your area, please contact IdentoGO By MorphoTrust USA regarding fingerprinting procedures and to obtain fingerprint cards. Please see the  IdentoGO web site for further instructions.


Continuing Education Providers – Course Rosters

The Division uses the DICE electronic data tracking system to manage continuing education data. This system has been enhanced to allow course providers to enter course completion information directly into DICE, from course rosters, by using the attendee’s social security number or FCCS license number