Florida State Statutes

Study Notes

Florida Funeral, Cemetery and Consumer Services Act

Known as Chapter 497, it regulates preneed sales and cemetery practices in Florida.
Emphasizes public welfare and safety in funeral arrangements and establishes qualifications for involved professionals.

Key Definitions

Grave Space: A designated area in a cemetery for human remains interment.
Casket: Rigid container for encasement of human remains, typically made from wood or metal.
Direct Disposer: Licensed individual responsible for direct cremation.

Cemetery and Burial Concepts

Cemetery: Land or structure designated for permanent human remains, including mausoleums and columbarium.
Burial Rights: Authorization to use specific cemetery space for interments.
Belowground Crypts: Preplaced earth-covered chambers for interment, also known as lawncrypts.

Industry Regulations

Board of Funeral, Cemetery and Consumer Services: Established within the Department of Financial Services, overseeing the industry with appointed members and specific qualifications required.
Preneed Contract: Pre-arrangement agreements made for future funeral services and merchandise.

Funerary Practices

Final Disposition: Conclusively handling a deceased body through burial, cremation, or delivery for dissection.
Cremation: Process that reduces a body to ashes; involves the use of a cremation chamber.

Merchandise and Services

Burial Merchandise: Items sold for final disposition, including caskets and memorials.
Cremation Container: Casket or alternative container for transporting remains to cremation.
Outer Burial Container: Enclosure for casket placement, providing structural support and protection.

Specific Terminology

Columbarium: Structure for inurnment of cremated remains above ground.
Ossuary: Receptacle for communal cremated remains without individual urns.
Niche: Compartment for permanent placement of a cremation urn within a columbarium.

Administrative Framework

Department of Financial Services: Governing body responsible for licensure and regulation of funeral and cemetery services.
Licensee: Individuals or entities holding valid licenses as per Chapter 497 requirements.

Consumer Protection

Legally Authorized Person: Individuals prioritized for making funeral arrangement decisions, including spouse and adult children.
At Need Solicitation: Uninvited sales contact concerning burial services after death.

Additional Notes

Embalmer: Licensed professional who conducts embalming services.
Care and Maintenance: Ongoing process to keep cemetery grounds dignified and well-maintained.
Disinterment: The act of removing a body from a burial site for various reasons.

Description

Test your knowledge on Florida Statutes Chapter 497, which covers regulations related to funeral and cemetery services. These flashcards focus on key terms and definitions that are essential for understanding the laws governing preneed sales and funeral arrangements in Florida.