Scattering Ashes in Florida: Top Locations for a Meaningful Farewell

Florida is home to over 22 million people, and it is famously host to an aging population. Retirees from throughout the United States flock to Florida every year looking for warmer weather and a relaxed retirement. This means that it’s also a popular place for people to choose as their final resting place.

If your loved one has requested that their ashes be scattered in Florida, there are plenty of scenic options to choose from. Florida also has slightly more flexible rules than some other places in the USA, which means you might be able to scatter your loved one's ashes in a unique and memorable way.

In this guide, we’re looking at some of the most popular spots to scatter ashes, some that you will want to avoid, and a few rules and guidelines you should be aware of during the planning process. It’s always best to follow the rules when it comes to scattering ashes, or you could find that your special occasion is ruined by law enforcement, park officials, or well-meaning members of the public.

Neptune Memorial Reef

Every list of cremation spots in Florida starts with the Neptune Memorial Reef. This underwater memorial is located off the coast of Key Biscayne in Florida. It is an artificial reef construction of memorial urns. While you wouldn't be scattering the ashes, you could purchase a plot on the site and have your loved one’s remains added to this incredible underwater landmark. Visiting their grave would therefore mean getting comfortable with some scuba diving equipment. 

The Everglades

Perhaps the most well-known location in Florida, the Everglades National Park is a stunning and varied landscape that is ideal for your loved one’s final resting place. If you know that your loved one enjoyed exploring this incredible wetland during their life, why not choose this as their final resting place? You might need to hire a tour guide to help you to navigate. You’ll also need to obtain a permit and follow some instructions when you scatter your ashes.

Biscayne National Park

This stunning stretch of land in the Northern Florida Keys is only accessible by boat, which makes it the ideal tranquil location to say goodbye and scatter the ashes of a loved one. You’ll find coral reefs, mangrove forests, and small islands ready for exploring. As with all national parks, you will need to obtain a permit and make sure you follow the directions. When scattering ashes, it’s important to make sure they aren’t all left in one spot, as this can cause ecological damage.

Key West

The southernmost tip of Florida is just 90 miles from Cuba and offers incredible vistas of sandy white beaches and clear blue seas. It’s the ideal spot to head to if you want to scatter the ashes at sea. Whether your loved one was a fan of Hemingway or just loved the fishing in Florida, there are plenty of reasons they might want to be laid to rest in this beautiful place. 

It also makes a perfect place to return to periodically to honor their memory. If you decide to scatter the ashes at sea, you will need to inform your boat charter company of your plans. The ashes must be scattered at least 3 nautical miles from the shore, and you will also need to inform the EPA within 30 days of the event happening. 

Scattering by plane

Another unique perk of living in Florida is that you can choose to scatter the ashes from a plane. This could be above the Everglades or over the ocean; it’s your choice. Scattering the ashes from a plane is an ideal choice if you are honoring a pilot or someone who loved to fly. You will need to be careful not to drop the urn, as this could cause injury to people or damage property below. If you don’t feel confident, you could even pay for an ashes scattering service.

Places to avoid

The majority of places you can think of to scatter ashes in Florida are perfectly legal, provided you follow the rules and regulations. This could mean obtaining a permit or informing the EPA of your plans to scatter ashes. However, there are some places where people wrongly believe that you can scatter ashes, and it is actually strictly prohibited.

Disney World

The number one place that people want to scatter ashes and cannot is Disney World. It is illegal to scatter ashes in Disney World, and anyone caught doing this will be removed from the park. 

What is more upsetting is that they have a specific code for when someone takes ashes into the park and attempts to scatter them. This triggers a cleanup operation, which will result in your loved one’s ashes being hoovered up and disposed of. This isn’t the goodbye that anyone wants for their loved one.

It’s not worth the risk of trying to get away with it since the park is so densely populated and closely monitored. While your loved one may have dreamed of making Disney World their final resting place, it simply isn’t possible due to the park rules.

On Private Land

There is no automatic right to be able to scatter ashes on private land. If you aren’t sure who owns the land, whether it is private land, a state park, or a national park, it’s essential to check.

If the land is a state or national park, you’ll need to obtain a permit before scattering the ashes. Even if you plan to be in a remote spot, it’s always best to follow the rules, or you could end up dealing with law enforcement on a day that is supposed to be a joyful celebration of life.

Final thoughts on scattering ashes in Florida

Florida is a beautiful location with varied landscapes and plenty of unique spots to scatter the ashes of a loved one. From the ocean to the sky, it’s one of the most lenient places in the United States for scattering ashes. You could also choose to bury the ashes in a remote spot, provided you follow the relevant rules for your chosen location.

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