Recent Announcements and News

Updated 9-4-26

Rules Committee Meeting

 

Good afternoon,

The Rules Committee of the Board of Funeral, Cemetery, and Consumer Services will hold a public meeting via videoconference on September 25th @ 10 a.m.  All persons are invited. The public may participate by video using the following link: https://meet.goto.com/lbryantparker/rules-committee-meeting-sept-25-2026. You can also dial in using your phone: (224) 501-3412, Access Code: 737-270-293.  A copy of the agenda will be made available seven (7) days before the meeting on the Division's website, or by contacting LaTonya Bryant, at LaTonya.Bryant@myfloridacfo.com.

The purpose of the meeting will be to continue discussion of possible rulemaking on 4 rules impacted by the passage of SB598 – “Funeral, Cemetery, and Consumer Services – 2026,” which became effective on July 1, 2026; and to begin the annual review on 35 rules as required by section 120.5435, Florida Statutes. 

During the most recent Rule Committee meeting, the Committee asked for written comments/proposed language on the following 4 rules which were impacted by the passage of SB598.  These rules will be discussed in detail at the September 25th Rules Committee Meeting. Persons interested in commenting on these 4 listed rules must submit their written comments, to include proposed rule language, by email to Mary Schwantes, Division Director, Division of Funeral, Cemetery, and Consumer Services at Mary.Schwantes@myfloridacfo.com.  The deadline for submitting written comments is close of business on Tuesday, September 15, 2026.

LIST OF RULES ON WHICH PROPOSED LANGUAGE/WRITTEN COMMENT IS DUE BY SEPTEMBER 15, 2026:

  • Rule 69K-18.002, F.A.C. - Funeral Director Intern Training Program
  • Rule 69K-18.003, F.A.C. - Concurrent Internships
  • Rule 69K-25.001, F.A.C. - Licensure by Endorsement; Embalmers
  • Rule 69K-25.002, F.A.C. - Licensure by Endorsement; Funeral Directors

Under section 120.5435, Florida Statutes, the Rules Committee will also begin its annual review of the following 35 rules.  Since this is the initial review of these rules, no written comment on the 35 rules is due at this time.  Public comments on each of these rules will be received during the meeting.

List of Rules on which Annual Review 2026 will be initiated:

Board Rules:

  1. 69K-7.001 - Care and Maintenance Trust Fund Deposits
  2. 69K-7.0012 - Care and Maintenance Trust Fund Withdrawals
  3. 69K-7.002 - Percentage Deposits Required on Turf Tops, Lawn Crypts, Etc.
  4. 69K-7.006 -Wholesale Purchase Price
  5. 69K-7.007 - Merchandise Trust Funds - Status of Accounts
  6. 69K-7.008 - Preneed Trust Funds -Withdrawal of Income Earned Thereon
  7. 69K-7.016 - Duties and Powers of Trustee; Authorized Investments
  8. 69K-7.017 -Trust Fund Deposits; Funeral and Burial Services and Merchandise Preneed Contract Payments
  9. 69K-7.020 -Treatment of Trusts Under Chapters 497 and 639, F.S.
  10. 69K-8.002 - Cancellation of Contracts
  11. 69K-8.003 - Cancellation of Preneed Contracts; Reasonable Time Defined
  12. 69K-8.004 - Preneed Contracts; Miscellaneous Provisions
  13. 69K-8.005 - Preneed Contracts Funded by Life Insurance
  14. 69K-8.006 - Description of Merchandise on Preneed Contracts
  15. 69K-8.007 - Processing Fee
  16. 69K-8.008 - Defaults on Sold or Discounted Installment Sales Contracts or Promissory Notes
  17. 69K-9.002 - Residential Solicitations
  18. 69K-9.003 - Solicitation in Healthcare Facilities
  19. 69K-12.001 - Installation of Monuments
  20. 69K-12.004 - Cancellation of Monument Establishment Retail Sales Agreements and Refunds
  21. 69K-12.005 - Requirements for Monument Establishment Retail Sales Agreements
  22. 69K-12.011 - Annual Inspection Fees for Monument Establishments
  23. 69K-16.0001- State Examination for Funeral Industry Professionals
  24. 69K-16.001 - Examination for Embalmer Applicants
  25. 69K-16.002 - Examination for Funeral Director Applicants
  26. 69K-16.004- Examination for Licensure by Endorsement
  27. 69K-16.005- Reexaminations
  28. 69K-22.004 - Operating Procedures
  29. 69K-24.034 - Operating Procedures for Refrigeration Services
  30. 69K-33.001 - Requirements Regarding Handling and Storing of Human Remains

Shared Rules:

  1. 69K-18.001 - Embalmer Intern Training Program
  2. 69K-18.002 - Funeral Director Intern Training Program
  3. 69K-18.003 - Concurrent Internships
  4. 69K-18.004 - Intern Training Agencies
  5. 69K-24.042 - Inspection Criteria for Centralized Embalming Facilities

 

02-27-26

New:  License Certificates Are Available for Printing

The Division of Funeral, Cemetery, and Consumer Services is proud to announce a new feature in our Licensing Renewal and Continuing Education System.  All entities and individuals newly licensed on or after February 27, 2026, will have the ability to print their own license certificates.  Once a new licensee creates an account and logs into the Licensing Renewal and Continuing Education System found on the Division website, the licensee’s profile page will contain a link that will allow them to print their own full size wall license certificate and/or a wallet size license certificate.  This feature will also be available for all licensees who renew their license on or after February 27, 2026.

The links will be available for 14 days after the approval of the license.  After the 14 days have expired, the links will be grayed out and unavailable.  The licensee will then be required to submit a Duplicate License Request Form along with the appropriate fee in order for the Division to be able to print and mail their license certificate.

If you encounter any problems while using the Licensing Renewal and Continuing Education System, please contact the Department Monday - Friday between the hours of 8:00 am and 5:00 pm at FCCS_LICENSING@MYFLORIDACFO.COM OR 850-413-3039.

Updated 01-09-2026

NOTICE REGARDING 2026 APPOINTMENT PROCESS FOR APPOINTMENT TO
THE BOARD OF FUNERAL, CEMETERY, AND CONSUMER SERVICES

Application Receipt Deadline:  Friday, February 6, 2026

The Board of Funeral, Cemetery, and Consumer Services (the “Board”) is created by section 497.101, Florida Statutes. In partnership with the Florida Department of Financial Services, Division of Funeral, Cemetery, and Consumer Services (the “Division”), the Board regulates the deathcare industry in Florida under Chapter 497, Florida Statutes.  The Board consists of ten persons, one of whom is the designee of the State Health Officer. The requirements for appointment to the Board are specified in section 497.101, Florida Statutes.  Pursuant to this section, Florida’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO) appoints the remaining Board members when a vacancy on the Board occurs.

The current term of appointment of the following five members of the Board expired on September 30, 2025.  The descriptions below, as applied to the five referenced positions, are from section 497.101, Florida Statutes. 

Current Board MemberAbbreviated Position DescriptionSpecific Board Position Criteria
Vincent “Todd” FerreiraCemetery #1A person whose primary occupation is associated with a cemetery company licensed pursuant to chapter 497, Florida Statutes
Janis LiottaConsumer/CPA

A consumer who:

  • is a resident of Florida;
    ·         is licensed as a certified public accountant under chapter 473, Florida Statutes;
  • has never been licensed as a funeral director or an embalmer;
  • is not a principal or an employee of any licensee licensed under chapter 497, Florida Statutes; and
  • does not otherwise have control, as defined in section 497.005, Florida Statutes, over any licensee licensed under chapter 497, Florida Statutes
Jill PeeplesFuneral Director/Establishment #2A person who is licensed as a funeral director under part III of chapter 497, Florida Statutes, and who is associated with a licensed funeral establishment
William “Bill” QuinnFuneral Director/PreneedA person who is a funeral director licensed under part III of chapter 497, Florida Statutes, and who is associated with a licensed funeral establishment which has a valid preneed license issued pursuant to chapter 497, Florida Statutes 
Darrin WilliamsConsumer

A consumer who:

  • is a resident of Florida;
  • has never been licensed as a funeral director or embalmer;
  • is not connected with a cemetery or cemetery company licensed pursuant to chapter 497, Florida Statutes; and
  • is not connected with the death care industry or the practice of embalming, funeral directing, or direct disposition

 

Each Board member whose term expired may seek reappointment. Pursuant to section 497.101, Florida Statutes, however, all applicants for the referenced positions will be considered. 

Persons interested in applying for appointment or reappointment to the Board must follow the application process outlined below.


The deadline for the Division’s receipt of applications is close of business on Friday, February 6, 2026.  To best meet this receipt deadline, the Division recommends that submissions be sent by email to Ms. Bryant in advance of the deadline.

Questions regarding any of the application process should be directed to LaTonya Bryant, Administrative Assistant III, or to Mary Schwantes, Division Director, at 800-323-2627 (within Florida only) or 850-413-3039.

 

Updated 6-26-26

BOARD OF FUNERAL, CEMETERY AND CONSUMER SERVICES

2026 Meeting Schedule

The JANUARY PUBLIC MEETING of the Board of Funeral, Cemetery, and Consumer Services will be https://meet.goto.com/LaTonyaBryant/board-videoconference-january2026; or by teleconference by calling (224) 501-3412, Access Code: 778-533-269.

The FEBRUARY PUBLIC MEETING of the Board of Funeral, Cemetery, and Consumer Services will be held IN-PERSON at the Department of Revenue CCOC, TALLAHASSEE, FL on February 5, 2026, at 10:00 AM.  

The MARCH PUBLIC MEETING of the Board of Funeral, Cemetery, and Consumer Services will be held via VIDEOCONFERENCE on March 5, 2026, at 10:00 AM. The public may participate in this conference by either video using the following link: https://meet.goto.com/LaTonyaBryant/board-videoconference-march2026; or by teleconference by calling (646) 749-3122, Access Code: 356-597-629.

The APRIL PUBLIC MEETING of the Board of Funeral, Cemetery, and Consumer Services will be held via VIDEOCONFERENCE on April 2, 2026, at 10:00 AM. The public may participate in this conference by either video using the following link: https://meet.goto.com/LaTonyaBryant/board-videoconference-april2026; or by teleconference by calling (571) 317-3122, Access Code: 924-300-061.

The MAY PUBLIC MEETING of the Board of Funeral, Cemetery, and Consumer Services will be held via VIDEOCONFERENCE on May 7, 2026, at 10:00 AM. The public may participate in this conference by either video using the following link: https://meet.goto.com/LaTonyaBryant/board-videoconference-may2026; or by teleconference by calling (872) 240-3212, Access Code: 865-104-229.

The JUNE PUBLIC MEETING of the Board of Funeral, Cemetery, and Consumer Services will be held via VIDEOCONFERENCE on June 25, 2026, at 10:00 AM. The public may participate in this conference by either video using the following link: https://meet.goto.com/LaTonyaBryant/board-videoconference-june2026; or by teleconference by calling (312) 757-3121, Access Code: 357-224-085.

The JULY PUBLIC MEETING, of the Board of Funeral, Cemetery, and Consumer Services, will be held IN-PERSON at the Turnberry Isle, Aventura FL (FCCFA Annual Conference) on July 23, 2026, at 1:00 PM.

There will be NO AUGUST MEETING of the Board of Funeral, Cemetery, and Consumer Services.

The SEPTEMBER PUBLIC MEETING of the Board of Funeral, Cemetery, and Consumer Services will be held via VIDEOCONFERENCE on September 3, 2026, at 10:00 AM. The public may participate in this conference by either video using the following link: https://meet.goto.com/lbryantparker/board-videoconference-september-3-2026; or by teleconference by calling (408) 650-3123, Access Code: 600-414-749.

The OCTOBER PUBLIC MEETING of the Board of Funeral, Cemetery, and Consumer Services will be held via VIDEOCONFERENCE on October 8, 2026, at 10:00 AM. The public may participate in this conference by either video using the following link: https://meet.goto.com/lbryantparker/board-videoconference-october-8-2026; or by teleconference by calling (872) 240-3412, Access Code: 302-130-389.

The NOVEMBER PUBLIC MEETING of the Board of Funeral, Cemetery, and Consumer Services will be held via VIDEOCONFERENCE on November 5, 2026, at 10:00 AM. The public may participate in this conference by either video using the following link: https://meet.goto.com/lbryantparker/board-videoconference-november-5-2026; or by teleconference by calling (646) 749-3122, Access Code: 907-341-517.

The DECEMBER PUBLIC MEETING of the Board of Funeral, Cemetery, and Consumer Services will be held via VIDEOCONFERENCE on December 3, 2026, at 10:00 AM. The public may participate in this conference by either video using the following link: https://meet.goto.com/lbryantparker/board-videoconference-december-3-2026; or by teleconference by calling (872) 240-3212, Access Code: 912-503-885.

6/12/2025

UPDATED 2025 INFORMATION REGARDING PREPARATIONS FOR HURRICANES AND TROPICAL STORMS

The following information is provided in preparation for hurricanes and tropical storms.  As often happens with these storms, many Florida counties will be impacted with wind, flood, and/or power outage issues.  In anticipation of inclement weather resulting from these storms, we want to remind our licensees of the following. 

1. Hurricane preparation and aftermath information

State, county, and city governments provide a lot of information on preparing for natural disasters, including hurricanes.  One great resource is found at the Department of Financial Services’ website at:  https://www.myfloridacfo.com/Division/Consumers/storm/.  You may also wish to visit https://www.floridadisaster.org/planprepare/ for more information regarding general hurricane preparedness, including emergency planning for businesses at https://www.floridadisaster.org/business/planning-for-businesses/.  These sites also provide helpful information on filing claims and other issues that may arise after a storm.

2. Power outages/storm damage

If you have a refrigeration unit, PLEASE PLAN AHEAD for possible power outage or other issues that might affect your ability to continue to provide refrigeration services.  Consider obtaining a generator to provide power to your refrigeration unit/facility during power outages.  If you have a generator, always check to make sure it is operational before any storm. 

In the event that your facility or unit is damaged or otherwise inoperable due to a hurricane or other natural disaster, please also consider the following options:

  • Contact another local funeral establishment (or other licensed establishment that has a refrigeration unit) to see if it might have space available to assist with your refrigeration needs; or
  • Contact your local county emergency management.  Your county emergency management will coordinate with the state’s emergency management team or others as may be necessary to assist you.  Contact information for the Emergency Management team in each county is found at:  https://www.floridadisaster.org/planprepare/counties/.

3. E-filing of Death Certificate Notices

The Electronic Death Registration System (EDRS) is not expected to be impacted by any storms.  We recognize, however, that your accessibility to the system may be limited due to power outages in your own areas.  You should print several blank copies of death certificate forms (DH512), fetal death forms (DH428), and burial transit permits (DH326) in preparation for possible power outages and downtime. The Bureau of Vital Statistics Helpdesk (1-866-295-5902) has advised that it is available: M - F 8am - 6pm, and Sat 9am - 2pm ET. Their Quality Assurance unit is also available at 904-359-6900 ext. 9020 and you may reach Ken Jones, State Registrar, at 904-359-6900 ext. 1001.

4. Hurricane Follow-up

Following a hurricane, Division staff will call the licensed establishments in the impacted areas to obtain information on any power outage issues, building damage, etc., and determine if there are any needs with which we can assist.  If your establishment has refrigeration/storage space available at that time, please let our staff know so that we can share that information with other licensees in the area which may need that type of assistance.

5. Division of Funeral, Cemetery, and Consumer Services’ Offices

Division office closures will depend upon the path, duration, and impact of any storm.  If you have attempted to reach the Division at its main line (850-413-3039 or toll free in Florida at 1-800-323-2627) without success, please leave a message.  Division staff will return your call as soon as possible following the storm.

Updated 4-10-2025

BOARD OF FUNERAL, CEMETERY AND CONSUMER SERVICES

2025 Meeting Schedule

The JANUARY PUBLIC MEETING of the Board of Funeral, Cemetery, and Consumer Services will be held via VIDEOCONFERENCE on January 2, 2025, at 10:00 AM. The public may participate in this conference by either video using the following link: https://meet.goto.com/LaTonyaBryant/boardvideoconference-january; or by teleconference by calling (872) 240-3412, Access Code: 420-626-693.

The FEBRUARY PUBLIC MEETING of the Board of Funeral, Cemetery, and Consumer Services will be held via VIDEOCONFERENCE on February 6, 2025, at 10:00 AM. The public may participate in this conference by either video using the following link: https://meet.goto.com/LaTonyaBryant/boardvideoconference-february; or by teleconference by calling (571) 317-3122, Access Code: 487-758-165.

The MARCH (IN-PERSON) PUBLIC MEETING of the Board of Funeral, Cemetery, and Consumer Services will be held in-person in at the Department of Revenue CCOC, TALLAHASSEE, FL on March 6, 2025, at 10:00 AM.

The APRIL PUBLIC MEETING of the Board of Funeral, Cemetery, and Consumer Services will be held via VIDEOCONFERENCE on April 3, 2025, at 10:00 AM. The public may participate in this conference by either video using the following link: https://meet.goto.com/LaTonyaBryant/boardvideoconference-april; or by teleconference by calling (872) 240-3212, Access Code: 412-279-285.

The MAY PUBLIC MEETING of the Board of Funeral, Cemetery, and Consumer Services will be held via VIDEOCONFERENCE on May 1, 2025, at 10:00 AM. The public may participate in this conference by either video using the following link: https://meet.goto.com/LaTonyaBryant/boardvideoconference-may; or by teleconference by calling (646) 749-3122, Access Code: 956-182-725.

The MAY (IN-PERSON) PUBLIC MEETING, of the Board of Funeral, Cemetery, and Consumer Services, will be held at the Hammock Beach Golf Resort Palm Coast FL (IFDF Annual Conference) on May 29, 2025, at 10:00 AM.

The JUNE PUBLIC MEETING of the Board of Funeral, Cemetery, and Consumer Services will be held via VIDEOCONFERENCE on June 26, 2025, at 10:00 AM. The public may participate in this conference by either video using the following link: https://meet.goto.com/LaTonyaBryant/boardvideoconference-june; or by teleconference by calling (646) 749-3122, Access Code: 736-666-493.

The AUGUST PUBLIC MEETING of the Board of Funeral, Cemetery, and Consumer Services will be held via VIDEOCONFERENCE on August 7, 2025, at 10:00 AM. The public may participate in this conference by either video using the following link: https://meet.goto.com/LaTonyaBryant/board-videoconference-august2025 or by teleconference by calling (224) 501-3412, Access Code: 859-736-013.

The SEPTEMBER PUBLIC MEETING of the Board of Funeral, Cemetery, and Consumer Services will be held via VIDEOCONFERENCE on September 4, 2025, at 10:00 AM. The public may participate in this conference by either video using the following link: https://meet.goto.com/LaTonyaBryant/board-videoconference-september2025; or by teleconference by calling (224) 501-3412, Access Code: 976-689-685.

The OCTOBER PUBLIC MEETING of the Board of Funeral, Cemetery, and Consumer Services will be held via VIDEOCONFERENCE on October 9, 2025, at 10:00 AM. The public may participate in this conference by either video using the following link: https://meet.goto.com/LaTonyaBryant/board-videoconference-october2025; or by teleconference by calling (224) 501-3412, Access Code: 173-037-973.

The NOVEMBER PUBLIC MEETING of the Board of Funeral, Cemetery, and Consumer Services will be held via VIDEOCONFERENCE on November 6, 2025, at 10:00 AM. The public may participate in this conference by either video using the following link: https://meet.goto.com/LaTonyaBryant/board-videoconference-november2025; or by teleconference by calling (872) 240-3311, Access Code: 369-411-989.

The DECEMBER PUBLIC MEETING of the Board of Funeral, Cemetery, and Consumer Services will be held via VIDEOCONFERENCE on December 4, 2025, at 10:00 AM. The public may participate in this conference by either video using the following link: https://meet.goto.com/LaTonyaBryant/board-videoconference-december2025; or by teleconference by calling (571) 317-3122, Access Code: 742-160-597.

 

Continuing Education Credit Available for Videoconferences

We are excited to announce that we have developed a process for our licensees to obtain CEU credits for attending our Videoconferences. In order to receive credit, licensees must provide their name, license number, meeting date, email address and the phone number you connected to the meeting with. This is very important, as the phone number (or email address if you connected via the web) will be used to confirm your attendance and the length of time you were on the call. Please email ALL of the requested information to LaTonya.Bryant@myfloridacfo.com.

Fingerprinting Procedures

The Division of Funeral, Cemetery, and Consumer Services will no longer be providing or accepting fingerprint cards. If there is not a LiveScan location available in your area, please contact IdentoGO By MorphoTrust USA regarding fingerprinting procedures and to obtain fingerprint cards. Please see the  IdentoGO web site for further instructions.

Continuing Education Providers – Course Rosters

The Division uses the DICE electronic data tracking system to manage continuing education data. This system has been enhanced to allow course providers to enter course completion information directly into DICE, from course rosters, by using the attendee’s social security number or FCCS license number