Do I need to contact a funeral home right away?
Updated · Orlando Funeral Guide editorial team
Usually yes — but only after the death has been pronounced and, if required, the medical examiner has released your loved one. The funeral home you choose moves your loved one into its care and starts the legal paperwork. Most other decisions can wait a day or two.
Why the funeral home is called early
In Florida, the funeral director who first takes custody of the body:
- files the death certificate electronically with the state, within 5 days after the death and before burial or cremation;
- obtains the burial-transit permit needed before burial, cremation, or transport;
- arranges transfer from the home, hospital, facility, or medical examiner.
A hospital or nursing facility will also ask which funeral home to call, because it can only hold remains for a limited time.
When to wait before calling
- Hospice deaths: call the hospice agency first. The nurse confirms the death, and then you or the nurse call the funeral home.
- Unexpected deaths: call 911 first. The medical examiner may need to examine your loved one before a funeral home can take them into its care. What to do when the medical examiner is involved
What you can decide later
Making the first call doesn’t commit you to a package. You can take time to decide:
- burial, cremation, or another option
- whether to have a viewing, funeral, memorial service, or none
- casket, urn, cemetery, flowers, and obituary
Comparing funeral homes without pressure
- Call and ask for prices. The FTC Funeral Rule requires funeral homes to give price information over the phone.
- Ask for the General Price List when you meet in person. You’re entitled to keep it.
- Buy only what you want. Apart from the basic services fee, you can choose items individually.
- Get an itemized statement of everything you selected before you sign.
Our funeral comparison worksheet helps you line up prices from several providers. You can also browse Orlando-area funeral homes.
If arrangements were made in advance
Look for a pre-need contract or a letter of wishes. Call the funeral home named in the contract and have the contract number ready. Florida regulates pre-need contracts through the Department of Financial Services. See Planning ahead.
Frequently asked questions
Can a funeral home tell me prices over the phone?
Yes. Under the FTC Funeral Rule, funeral providers must give accurate price information over the phone when asked. They don't have to mail you a price list, but you must receive a General Price List to keep when you discuss arrangements in person.
Can I change funeral homes after one has picked up my loved one?
Generally yes, although you may owe the first funeral home for services already provided, such as transfer and care. Ask for the charges in writing.
Is embalming required in Florida?
The FTC Funeral Rule requires funeral homes to tell you that embalming is not required by law except in certain special cases, and they may not embalm for a fee without your permission. Some choices, such as a public viewing, may lead a funeral home to require it.
Need immediate funeral assistance?
Postell's Mortuary · 407-295-3857 · staff available 24 hours
Featured sponsoring partner. You can call any licensed funeral home you choose; see the Orlando funeral home directory.
Sources
- Section 382.008, Florida Statutes — funeral director files the death certificate within 5 days
- Section 382.006, Florida Statutes — burial-transit permit obtained by the funeral director
- Federal Trade Commission — Complying with the Funeral Rule (telephone price disclosures, GPL)
- Federal Trade Commission — Shopping for funeral services
Content last reviewed . Fees and procedures change; always confirm with the official source. See our editorial standards.