Several VA national cemeteries serve Florida. For Orlando-area families, the two closest are Cape Canaveral National Cemetery in Mims (Brevard County) and Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell (Sumter County).
National cemeteries closest to Orlando
| Cemetery | Location | Approximate direction from Orlando |
|---|---|---|
| Cape Canaveral National Cemetery | Mims, Brevard County | East, toward the Space Coast |
| Florida National Cemetery | Bushnell, Sumter County | Northwest |
Other national cemeteries in Florida include Sarasota National Cemetery, Jacksonville National Cemetery, Tallahassee National Cemetery and South Florida VA National Cemetery (Lake Worth). Some older national cemeteries accept only limited burials. Use the VA cemetery locator for current details.
Who is eligible
Generally, veterans discharged under conditions other than dishonorable, service members who die on active duty, and their spouses and certain dependents. Eligibility rules have details and exceptions; the VA makes the final decision.
What burial includes
At no cost to the family: the gravesite or columbarium niche, opening and closing, a grave liner for casketed burial, a government headstone or marker, and perpetual care. Cremated remains are buried or placed with the same honors as casketed remains.
How to schedule a burial
The funeral director usually contacts the National Cemetery Scheduling Office, which confirms eligibility and sets the date. Have the DD214 ready. National cemeteries typically hold a committal service in a shelter rather than at the graveside. Military funeral honors can be arranged; see military funeral honors.
Pre-need eligibility
Veterans and spouses can apply in advance for a determination of eligibility (VA Form 40-10007). It does not reserve a specific gravesite, but it makes the process faster for the family.