What To Do When Someone Dies in Orlando

If someone close to you has just died, we are sorry. This page walks through the first steps calmly. You do not have to decide everything today.

If you think the person may still be alive, or the death was sudden, violent or unexplained, call 911 now.

What Do I Do Now?

Choose where the death happened to see the next steps that apply.

Where did the death occur?

At home, under hospice care At home, expected, not under hospice In a hospital In a hospice facility In a nursing home or assisted living facility Out of state (or away from Orlando) Unexpected or unclear circumstances

Show next steps

General information only. This is not medical or legal advice. In an emergency, or if a death may involve an accident, violence or other unusual circumstances, contact 911 or local law enforcement.

The first few hours

1. Have the death pronounced. A death must be officially confirmed. In a hospital, hospice facility or nursing home, staff take care of this. At home under hospice care, call the hospice agency, not 911. Otherwise, call 911.
2. Take a moment. When a death is expected and has been pronounced, there is usually no need to rush. Many families take time to sit with their loved one and call relatives.
3. Choose a funeral home. The funeral home brings your loved one into its care and explains your options. If the person had a pre-need contract, call the funeral home named in it.
4. Tell close family members and decide who will make decisions. Florida law sets out who has the legal right to control final arrangements; see who can make funeral arrangements in Florida.

The first few days

• Meet with the funeral director. Ask for the General Price List before you choose anything. You have the right to choose only the goods and services you want. See your rights when planning a funeral.
• Decide on burial or cremation, and whether to hold a viewing, a funeral, a memorial service or a graveside service. Use the funeral cost calculator to see realistic ranges.
• Gather information for the death certificate. The funeral home files the death certificate and can order certified copies for you. See documents a funeral home may need and Florida death certificates.
• If the person was a veteran, find the discharge papers (DD214) and ask about military funeral honors. See veterans funeral benefits.
• Secure the home, vehicles and valuables, and arrange care for pets.

Guides for specific situations

• Someone died at home in Florida
• Someone died in a hospital
• Someone died in hospice care
• An unexpected death in Florida
• The first 24 hours after a death
• What happens after someone dies?

Paperwork and legal questions

• How to get a death certificate in Florida
• Who can make funeral arrangements in Florida?
• Documents a funeral home may need
• Legal requirements for a funeral in Orlando
• Do I have to embalm my loved one?

A personal checklist

Once the first calls are made, a written list helps. The funeral planning checklist builds one for your situation that you can print or copy.

This page is not medical advice. In an emergency, or if you are unsure whether someone has died, call 911. Editorial policy.