Cremation licensing
Florida law (Chapter 497, F.S.) requires all pet cremation facilities to register with the Department of Business & Professional Regulation (DBPR), Division of Funeral, Cemetery & Consumer Services. Operators must maintain a documented chain-of-custody for each animal received and follow defined record-keeping protocols.
You can verify any provider's license status through the DBPR public license search. Reputable providers will display their license number prominently.
Aquamation legality
Aquamation, formally known as alkaline hydrolysis, has been legal for pets in Florida since 2017. Only operators with a dedicated alkaline hydrolysis permit may offer the service. Approximately 28% of Florida cremation providers currently offer aquamation.
Backyard burial rules
Florida allows pet burial on private property in most unincorporated counties, subject to standard depth and setback requirements (typically 3 feet deep, 100 feet from any well or water source). Within city limits, local ordinances apply — several Florida municipalities, including Miami, Orlando, and Tampa, prohibit backyard pet burial entirely.
Ash scattering
Pet ashes may be scattered on private property with the owner's permission, on most state lands with no permit required, and at sea at least 3 nautical miles from shore. EPA regulations require notification within 30 days for sea scattering.
State parks generally allow scattering with permission; check with the individual park ranger.
Consumer protections
Florida pet cremation customers have the right to:
- Receive a written, itemized price list before authorizing service
- Witness the cremation if requested in advance
- Receive a written certificate of cremation
- File complaints with DBPR for service violations