What to Do When Someone Dies in Florida: A Complete Family Guide
From the first difficult hours through final arrangements, death certificates, notifying agencies, and finding support — every step, plainly explained.
When someone you love dies, the weight of grief is immediate. But within hours, families are also expected to navigate a complicated series of decisions and tasks — many of them unfamiliar, some with real legal or financial consequences, and almost none of them easy to think about while you are also grieving.
This guide is written by the licensed funeral directors at AM Cremation & Funeral Care in Palmetto, FL. Our goal is simple: to walk Florida families through every step of the process as clearly and compassionately as we can, so you know exactly what needs to happen, when, and why — and so nothing catches you off guard.
Whether your loved one died at home, in a hospital, in a care facility, or unexpectedly, this guide covers it all. Take what you need. Share it with family members who are helping. And if you need us, we are available 24 hours a day at (941) 212-1093.
If you are making immediate arrangements for a loved one, call us at (941) 212-1093 — available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including holidays. You do not need to have decisions made before you call. We will guide you through every step.
1. The First Hours After Death
What you do in the hours immediately following a death depends on the circumstances. Here is how to respond in the most common situations:
If the death occurs at home (with hospice care)
If your loved one was under hospice care, call your hospice nurse first — not 911. The hospice nurse will come to pronounce the death, complete the required paperwork, and contact the appropriate parties. They will also coordinate with the funeral home you have pre-selected or help you choose one. This is the most common scenario for expected deaths at home in Florida, and the hospice team is there specifically to guide you through it.
If the death occurs at home (without hospice)
If there was no hospice involvement and the death was expected (due to illness or advanced age), call 911. Police and/or EMS will respond. An officer will make the official determination, and in some cases the Manatee or Sarasota County Medical Examiner's office may be involved, particularly if the death was unattended or the person had not seen a physician recently. Do not move the body before authorities arrive.
If the death was sudden, unexpected, or traumatic, call 911 immediately. The Medical Examiner's office will be notified and may take custody of the body temporarily to determine cause of death. This is a normal legal process and does not mean anything went wrong.
If the death occurs at a hospital or care facility
If your loved one dies in a hospital, skilled nursing facility, or assisted living community, the staff will pronounce the death and handle the immediate notifications. You will be asked to identify a funeral home within a reasonable timeframe — typically a few hours to one business day. The facility will contact the funeral home directly once you provide a name and phone number.
Many hospitals and care facilities also require a next of kin authorization to release before they will allow the funeral home to transport your loved one. This is a standard form — nothing to be concerned about. In most cases your funeral home will handle this for you: they will send the release form to the next of kin for signature, and once signed it is faxed directly to the facility so the transfer can proceed. If you are at the hospital when this comes up, simply let the staff know which funeral home you have chosen and we will take it from there.
What you do not need to do immediately
You do not need to make any final decisions in the first hours. You do not need to know exactly which cremation or burial option you want. You do not need to have the finances sorted out. The one thing that must happen relatively quickly is selecting a funeral home so that your loved one can be transported to their care. Everything else can be addressed in the days that follow.
Florida does not mandate a specific window for completing funeral arrangements, but there are practical reasons to act within 24–48 hours. The funeral home will keep your loved one in refrigerated care while you finalize decisions — there is no pressure, but prompt contact allows the process to begin.
2. Who to Call First
Beyond emergency services (if needed), there is a short list of people and organizations to notify in the first 24 hours:
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A licensed funeral home
This is the most time-sensitive call. The funeral home will transport your loved one into their care, guide you through the required legal paperwork, and help you understand your options. In Manatee and Sarasota counties, call AM Cremation & Funeral Care at (941) 212-1093 — we are available around the clock.
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Immediate family members
Notify close family as soon as possible. Designate one person to make calls so information is consistent and you are not repeating yourself repeatedly during an already difficult time.
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The deceased's employer (if applicable)
If your loved one was still working, their employer HR department should be notified — this affects payroll, benefits continuation, and life insurance through the employer.
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An attorney or estate executor (if pre-designated)
If your loved one had a will and named an executor, or worked with an estate attorney, it is worth a call within the first day or two. Time-sensitive decisions may need to be made regarding assets or business interests.
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Close friends and faith community
These notifications can be spaced out over the first few days. If your loved one was part of a religious community, their clergy may also be able to offer immediate support and guidance.
For a complete guide to handling the first 24 hours when a death occurs at home, see our detailed post: What to Do When Someone Dies at Home in Florida.
3. Making Funeral Arrangements
Once your loved one is in the care of a funeral home, you will work with them to make the formal arrangements. This typically happens within 24–72 hours of the death. Here is what to expect:
Gathering important documents
The funeral home will need certain information and documents to complete the death certificate and required permits. Try to locate the following:
- The deceased's full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, and place of birth
- Their current residence address
- Their current marital status (single, married, widowed, divorced, or separated) and spouse's name if applicable
- Their highest level of education and occupation (for the death certificate)
- Parents' names (including mother's maiden name)
- Military discharge papers (DD-214) if the deceased was a veteran
- Pre-arranged funeral or cremation paperwork, if any exists
- A recent photo for the obituary
Choosing between cremation and burial
If no pre-arrangements were made, this is often the most significant decision a family must make. Both are legally permitted in Florida, but it is important to understand that cremation cannot happen immediately — Florida law establishes several requirements that must be met before cremation can take place:
- 48-hour mandatory holding period — Under Florida Statute 872.03, cremation cannot occur until at least 48 hours have passed from the time of death
- Cause of death certification — The attending or pronouncing physician must complete and sign the cause of death on the death certificate before any further steps can proceed
- Medical Examiner review and approval — Under Florida Statute 406.11, the Medical Examiner must review and issue a cremation approval before disposition can occur
- Burial transit permit — The state must issue a burial transit permit containing the Medical Examiner's approval code, as required under Florida Statute 382.006
- Cremation authorization form — Under Florida Statute 497.386, the funeral home must have a signed cremation authorization from the legal next of kin before cremation can proceed
Your funeral home manages all of these steps on your behalf — you will not need to navigate these agencies directly. Understanding the process simply helps set realistic expectations on timing. At AM Cremation & Funeral Care, cremation generally occurs within 7–12 business days of death once all required approvals are in place.
Key differences in cost, long-term considerations, and what each option involves are covered in our guide: Direct Cremation vs. Traditional Funeral: What's Right for Your Family?
At AM Cremation & Funeral Care, cremation options start at $945 for our Simple Cremation package. Full pricing is available on our General Price List.
Planning a memorial or service
A memorial service can be held before or after cremation, at a church, funeral home, park, or any meaningful location. With cremation, there is no time pressure — families often wait days or even weeks to gather people together. A service does not need to be elaborate or expensive to be meaningful. Our team can help you think through options that fit your family's wishes and budget.
If your loved one served in the U.S. military, they may be entitled to burial benefits, a Presidential Memorial Certificate, military honors at the service, and interment in a Florida national cemetery — at no cost to the family. See our full guide: Cremation for Veterans in Florida: Benefits, Cemeteries & Military Honors.
4. Death Certificates: How Many You Need & How to Get Them
The death certificate is the foundational legal document everything else depends on. Your funeral home will file the death certificate with the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics on your behalf and obtain certified copies for you.
How many certified copies do you need?
Most Florida families need between 6 and 10 certified copies. Plan on needing one for each of the following:
- Each bank or financial institution where the deceased had individual accounts
- Each life insurance policy
- Social Security Administration
- The Veterans Administration (if applicable)
- Each vehicle or real estate title that needs to be transferred
- Retirement accounts (IRA, 401(k), pension)
- Probate court (if opening an estate)
- The deceased's employer (for final paycheck and benefits)
The cost of certified copies varies by county — Manatee County charges $8 per copy, Sarasota County charges $10 per copy, and surrounding counties vary. At AM Cremation & Funeral Care we charge a flat $12 per certified copy regardless of county, which covers our handling and processing. It is always more cost-effective to order extra copies upfront than to reorder later. Our Premium Cremation Package includes 6 certified copies as part of the service.
The death certificate timeline
In Florida, the death certificate is typically registered within 7–12 business days of the death — which aligns closely with the cremation timeline, since the burial transit permit required for cremation cannot be issued until the death record is registered with the state. Your funeral home will keep you updated throughout this process and will let you know as soon as certified copies are ready.
In cases involving the Medical Examiner, approval for cremation can occasionally be granted before the death record is fully registered — however this is not guaranteed and families should not plan around this possibility. We will always let you know if an earlier approval becomes available.
We consistently advise families to order 8–10 certified copies, even if it seems like more than necessary. The cost of reordering is the same per copy, but the time and effort of returning to this task weeks later — when you are exhausted and trying to move forward — is something we want to spare you from.
5. Notifying Government Agencies
After the death certificate is filed, you will need to notify several government agencies. Some of these have time-sensitive implications — particularly Social Security.
Social Security Administration
Florida uses an electronic death record system that automatically notifies the Social Security Administration of a death — but only when the name, Social Security number, sex, and date of birth on the death certificate all match SSA records exactly and receive a passed status. In the vast majority of cases this happens without any action required from the family.
If the deceased's Social Security number was unknown at the time the death certificate was filed, automatic notification will not occur. In that situation the funeral home will need to mail Form SSA-721 (Statement of Death by Funeral Director) to the local SSA office, and the family should make an appointment at their local Social Security office and bring a certified copy of the death certificate to ensure the account is properly closed.
Important: Any Social Security payments received for the month in which death occurred — or any month after — must be returned. If payments are made by direct deposit, do not spend or transfer these funds. Contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 if you have questions about returning payments.
A surviving spouse age 60 or older, or a surviving spouse of any age caring for a child under 16, may be eligible for survivor benefits. Dependent children under 18 may also qualify. The one-time $255 death benefit is available to a surviving spouse who was living with the deceased, or to eligible children — it must be applied for; it is not paid automatically.
Medicare and Medicaid
If your loved one was enrolled in Medicare, it should be automatically terminated once Social Security is notified. If they were on Medicaid through the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA), notify them separately. In some cases, Medicaid may have a claim against the estate (Medicaid Estate Recovery) — your estate attorney can advise you on this.
Veterans Administration (VA)
If the deceased was a veteran receiving VA benefits or healthcare, the VA must be notified separately. Call 1-800-827-1000. Surviving spouses and dependents may be eligible for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) or other survivor benefits. See our veterans benefits guide for a full breakdown.
Florida Department of Highway Safety (DMV)
The deceased's Florida driver's license should be surrendered to the DMV to prevent identity theft. Vehicle titles will need to be transferred — this typically requires a certified death certificate and, if going through probate, additional documentation.
U.S. Postal Service
Submit a change-of-address or mail forwarding request at your local post office to redirect the deceased's mail. This helps ensure important financial statements, tax documents, and legal notices are not lost.
Voter Registration
Notify the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections (or the relevant county office) to cancel voter registration. This is a small but important step that prevents confusion in future elections.
6. Banks, Life Insurance & Financial Accounts
Financial tasks tend to pile up in the weeks following a death. Here is how to approach the most common ones:
Bank accounts
Contact each bank or credit union where the deceased held accounts. You will need a certified death certificate for each institution. Joint accounts with a right of survivorship pass directly to the surviving account holder without probate. Individual accounts may need to go through the estate process before funds can be distributed.
Ask each bank about any payable-on-death (POD) designations — these allow named beneficiaries to claim funds directly without probate, using a death certificate and valid ID.
Life insurance
Contact each life insurance company directly to initiate the claims process. Life insurance companies require a certified death certificate that includes the cause of death — a copy without cause of death will not be accepted for a life insurance claim. Most companies also require a completed claim form. Policies typically pay within 30–60 days of a complete claim submission. If you are unsure whether your loved one had a policy, check bank statements for premium payments, or contact their employer's HR department for any group coverage.
If your loved one did not have life insurance and funds are limited, our Simple Cremation package starting at $945 is designed for exactly this situation. We can discuss payment arrangements with families who need flexibility.
Retirement accounts (IRA, 401k, pension)
Retirement accounts with named beneficiaries pass outside of probate. Contact the plan administrator (the brokerage, employer, or financial institution) directly. Named beneficiaries typically have options for how they receive the funds — a financial advisor can help with tax implications of different distribution choices.
Credit cards and debt
Notify each credit card company of the death and close individual accounts. In Florida, surviving spouses are generally not personally liable for debts that were solely in the deceased's name, but creditors may make claims against the estate. Joint account holders do remain responsible for joint debts. An estate attorney can advise you if there are significant debts or creditor concerns.
Identity theft of deceased individuals is a growing problem. Consider placing a deceased alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) by sending a copy of the death certificate to each. You can also contact the Social Security Administration to ensure the deceased's SSN is flagged in the Death Master File.
7. The Estate & Legal Matters
The complexity of settling an estate depends heavily on what your loved one owned, how it was titled, and whether they had a will. Here is a plain-language overview for Florida families:
Does the estate need to go through probate?
Not always. In Florida, assets that pass outside of probate include: jointly held property with right of survivorship, accounts with named beneficiaries (POD, TOD, IRA, life insurance), assets held in a revocable living trust, and homestead property in some circumstances. If your loved one owned property solely in their own name without a beneficiary designation, that asset likely requires probate.
If there is a will
A will must be filed with the probate court in the county where the deceased lived — in this area, that is Manatee County Probate Court or Sarasota County Circuit Court. The executor named in the will opens the estate, notifies creditors, pays valid debts, and distributes assets according to the will's terms. This process typically takes 6–12 months for a straightforward estate.
If there is no will
Florida's intestate succession laws determine who inherits. Generally, assets pass to a surviving spouse first, then children, then other relatives in a defined order. An estate attorney can guide you through the process, which still requires probate court involvement.
Small estate options
Florida offers a simplified process called Summary Administration for estates valued under $75,000 (excluding homestead property) or when the deceased has been dead for more than 2 years. This is faster and less expensive than formal probate. An estate attorney can advise you on whether your situation qualifies.
If your loved one owned real estate in their name alone, had significant debts, ran a business, or if family members disagree about the distribution of assets — hiring a Florida-licensed estate attorney is strongly recommended. Many offer free initial consultations. This guide cannot substitute for legal advice on your specific situation.
8. Practical Tasks & Accounts to Close
Beyond the major legal and financial matters, there is a long list of smaller but important tasks to work through in the weeks following a death. These can be delegated to family members who want to help but are not sure how.
Utilities and household accounts
If the deceased lived alone, contact each utility provider (electric, gas, water, internet, phone) to cancel or transfer service. Keep essential utilities active until the home is cleared or sold — accounts can be transferred to the estate or the name of the person managing the property.
Subscriptions and digital accounts
Cancel or close: streaming services (Netflix, Spotify, Apple TV+), magazine or newspaper subscriptions, gym memberships, Amazon Prime, and any other recurring charges. Review the deceased's bank statements or credit card statements from the past 2–3 months to catch everything. For email and social media accounts, each platform has its own memorialization or deactivation process — Facebook and Google allow designated legacy contacts or account recovery by next of kin.
Health insurance
If the deceased was the primary subscriber on a family health insurance plan, notify the insurance company immediately. Surviving dependents may be eligible for COBRA continuation coverage, which allows them to remain on the same plan for up to 36 months by paying the full premium. This notification is time-sensitive — typically a 60-day window to elect COBRA from the qualifying event.
The home
If the deceased owned or rented their home, decisions will need to be made about the property. For rentals, notify the landlord and review the lease terms regarding early termination. For owned property, ensure homeowner's insurance remains in force during the estate process, as some policies have provisions about vacant dwellings.
Writing the obituary
An obituary is not legally required, but it serves an important purpose — notifying the community, providing a record of your loved one's life, and directing friends to service information. It does not need to be long or elaborate. For a compassionate, step-by-step guide, see our post: How to Write an Obituary (coming soon to our blog).
9. Grief Support & Resources
Everything in this guide is about tasks — the practical machinery of death administration in Florida. But beneath all of it is a person in grief, and that matters more than any checklist.
There is no right way to grieve. There is no timeline. And you do not have to do any of this alone.
Local grief support in Manatee & Sarasota counties
- Tidewell Hospice Grief Support — grief counseling and support groups open to the community, not only to former Tidewell patients. Based in Sarasota with services throughout the region. (tidewell.org)
- Suncoast Hospice / Empath Health — bereavement services, support groups, and individual counseling for those who have experienced a loss. (empathhealth.org)
- Centerstone Florida — mental health services including grief counseling in Manatee and Sarasota counties.
- Manatee County 211 — call or text 211 to be connected with local grief resources, support groups, and community services.
National resources
- GriefShare (griefshare.org) — a nationwide network of grief recovery groups with many local chapters in Southwest Florida.
- The Compassionate Friends — specifically for parents, grandparents, and siblings who have lost a child.
- SAMHSA National Helpline — 1-800-662-4357, free, confidential 24/7 help for mental health and substance use concerns, including grief-related struggles.
Give yourself grace
The weeks and months after a death can bring unexpected waves of grief, even after you've handled all the logistics. This is normal. Many people find that the grief becomes more pronounced once the busyness of arrangements and administration settles down. Be patient with yourself and with the people you love.
At AM Cremation & Funeral Care, we consider our relationship with families to extend beyond the arrangements we help them make. If you have questions — even weeks after the service — we are here.
10. Complete Florida Family Checklist
Use this table as your master reference. Tasks are organized by urgency — not every task applies to every family, but most will apply to yours.
| Task | Timing | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Call hospice nurse or 911 (depending on circumstances) | Immediate | Do not move the body before authorities or hospice nurse arrives |
| Contact a funeral home | Within hours | AM Cremation: (941) 212-1093 — available 24/7 |
| Notify immediate family | First 24 hrs | Designate one person to coordinate calls |
| Locate important documents | First 24 hrs | SSN, DOB, DD-214 for veterans, pre-arrangement paperwork |
| Make funeral or cremation arrangements | 24–72 hrs | Funeral home will guide you through this process |
| Order certified death certificates | Days 3–7 | Order 8–10 copies; $12–$15 each from FL Vital Statistics |
| Notify employer (if applicable) | Days 1–3 | Affects payroll, benefits, and any employer life insurance |
| Contact Social Security Administration | First week | 1-800-772-1213; return any payments for month of death |
| Notify VA (if veteran) | First week | 1-800-827-1000; ask about survivor benefits |
| Contact life insurance companies | First 2 weeks | Need certified death certificate for each policy |
| Notify each bank and financial institution | First 2 weeks | Check for POD/TOD designations that pass outside probate |
| Contact retirement account administrators | First 2 weeks | Named beneficiaries can claim directly; consult a financial advisor |
| Forward mail (USPS) | First 2 weeks | Submit change of address at local post office |
| Cancel voter registration | Within 30 days | Contact Manatee or Sarasota County Supervisor of Elections |
| Surrender Florida driver's license | Within 30 days | Prevents identity theft; visit any DMV office |
| Transfer vehicle titles | Within 30 days | Requires certified death certificate; may require probate for sole-owner vehicles |
| Notify health insurance provider | Within 30 days | Surviving dependents: 60-day window to elect COBRA coverage |
| Cancel subscriptions and digital accounts | First 60 days | Review bank/credit card statements for recurring charges |
| Consult estate attorney (if needed) | First 2 weeks | Recommended if real estate, business interests, or significant debts are involved |
| File will with probate court (if applicable) | Within 10 days | Florida law requires wills to be deposited with the court promptly |
| Place deceased alert with credit bureaus | First 60 days | Equifax, Experian, TransUnion — prevents identity theft |
| Notify Medicare / Medicaid (if applicable) | First 2 weeks | Medicaid may have an estate recovery claim; consult an attorney |
| Handle home / rental property | Within 30–60 days | Maintain insurance coverage; notify landlord if rented |
| Write and publish obituary | First week | Not legally required but important for community notification |
| Seek grief support if needed | Ongoing | Tidewell, Empath Health, GriefShare — see Section 9 |
We Are Here When You Need Us
As a small, family-owned funeral home, we want you to know exactly when and how to reach us — so you always get the right person at the right time.
- Immediate removal & care from place of death
- At-need arrangement guidance
- Pricing questions
- Existing case updates
- Pre-planning consultations
- General inquiries
