What to do when someone dies at home in Florida

Experiencing the death of a loved one in Florida can be an overwhelming ordeal. This guide outlines essential actions to ensure safety, secure a pronouncement of death, and handle necessary arrangements. It also offers advice on managing practical matters and finding support during this difficult time.

Immediate Actions: Ensuring Safety and Pronouncement of Death

1. Assess for Safety: If the death is unexpected or you suspect foul play, ensure the immediate area is safe and contact emergency services (911) immediately.
2. Pronouncement of Death: A formal pronouncement of death is required. Contact one of the following:

• The Deceased's Doctor or Hospice Provider: If the death was expected due to illness, or the deceased was under hospice care.
• Emergency Services (911): If the death was unexpected or the deceased was not under a doctor's care. A medical professional, such as a paramedic or medical examiner, will attend.

Specifics for Hospice Care in Florida

If the deceased was receiving home-based hospice care:

• Contact the Hospice Team: They will guide you through what to expect, arrange for a nurse to visit and pronounce the death, and assist with contacting a funeral home if desired.

Next Steps After Pronouncement of Death

1) Contact a Funeral Home

• Pre-Arrangements: If the deceased had pre-planned funeral arrangements, the designated funeral home will be specified in the plan.
• Choosing a Funeral Home: If there are no pre-arrangements, select a reputable funeral home in your area. Search online, get referrals, or check resources like the Florida Cemetery, Cremation, and Funeral Association (FCCFA) (https://www.thefccfa.com/).

2) Arranging Transportation

• The funeral home will respectfully transport the deceased from your home to their facility.

3) Obtaining the Death Certificate

• The funeral home normally works with the doctor or medical examiner to obtain the official death certificate from the Florida Department of Health.
• You'll need multiple copies of the death certificate for settling affairs. The funeral director can advise on how many to order.

Practical Matters in the Coming Days

• Notifying Others: Inform family, friends, employers, and any relevant organizations about the passing. The funeral home can assist with obituaries.
• Sorting Through Affairs: Gather important documents like the will, insurance policies, financial records, and contact information for accounts.
• Accessing Support Systems: Reach out to your support network, grief counselors, or faith-based communities for emotional support.

Important Considerations

• No State-Mandated Reporting Period: Florida does not specify a fixed deadline for death registration. The funeral director coordinates this.
• Government Benefits: Explore eligibility for funeral assistance or survivor benefits through Veterans Affairs (if applicable) or by contacting Social Security.
• Estate Matters: Consult an estate lawyer if necessary for assistance with wills, probate, and managing the deceased's assets.
• Prioritize Self-Care: Give yourself ample time to grieve. Don't hesitate to ask for emotional support or practical help from those around you.

Important Resources

• Florida Department of Health - Bureau of Vital Statistics:(https://www.floridahealth.gov/certificates/certificates/)
• Florida Cemetery, Cremation, and Funeral Association (FCCFA): (https://www.thefccfa.com/).
• Social Security Administration: Information on survivor benefits (https://www.ssa.gov/)

Remember:

Losing a loved one is deeply painful. While attending to these practical matters is important, remember to prioritize emotional support during this time. Allow yourself space and compassion as you navigate the grieving process.