Knowing the general order of events can make the days after a death feel more manageable. Every situation is different, and the funeral director will guide the timing.
Hours: pronouncement and the funeral home
- The death is officially pronounced by hospice, hospital or facility staff, or by responders after a 911 call.
- If the death falls under the medical examiner’s jurisdiction, the medical examiner reviews it first. See unexpected death in Florida.
- The family chooses a funeral home, which brings the person into its care.
Days 1 to 3: arrangements
- The family meets the funeral director and reviews the General Price List.
- The family decides on burial or cremation and the type of service.
- The funeral home gathers information for the death certificate and obtains the physician’s or medical examiner’s certification.
- For cremation, the legally authorized person signs the cremation authorization and the funeral home requests medical examiner approval. Florida generally requires a 48-hour wait after death before cremation.
Days 3 to 14: the service and final disposition
- Viewing or visitation, if chosen.
- Funeral, memorial or graveside service.
- Burial, entombment, or cremation. Cremated remains are returned to the family, often within one to two weeks depending on permits and scheduling. See how long cremation takes in Florida.
- Certified death certificates become available once the certificate is filed and the cause of death is certified.
Weeks and months afterward
- Notify Social Security (the funeral home often reports the death), banks, insurers, pension providers, employers and credit bureaus.
- File life insurance claims.
- If there is a will or an estate, the personal representative may need to open probate.
- Order a headstone or marker; cemeteries often have rules on timing and size.
- Consider grief support. See grief resources.