Many families wonder whether it's legal to scatter ashes on Florida beaches or in the ocean. The short answer is: scattering ashes directly on a Florida beach is generally not permitted, but scattering ashes at sea — at least 3 nautical miles offshore — is completely legal.
Federal EPA regulations under the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act govern the scattering of cremated remains in ocean waters. The key requirement is that ashes must be scattered at least 3 nautical miles from the nearest shoreline. Ashes at Sea Florida is fully compliant with all EPA and Florida state regulations.
Scattering ashes on a Florida beach — on the sand or in the surf zone — is a different matter. Most Florida beaches are public land managed by state or local authorities, and scattering ashes there is generally not permitted without special authorization. Some families do so discreetly, but it is not legally sanctioned.
Scattering ashes in Florida's inland waterways, rivers, or bays is also subject to regulations and is generally not recommended without checking with local authorities.
The cleanest, most legally certain option is a burial at sea at least 3 nautical miles offshore — which is exactly what Ashes at Sea Florida provides. Captain Brad ensures every ceremony meets all federal and state requirements.
After the ceremony, you'll receive the exact GPS coordinates of the scattering location, and the EPA requires that families notify the agency within 30 days of the ceremony. Captain Brad can provide guidance on this notification requirement.
For questions about the legal requirements for scattering ashes in Florida, or to book a ceremony, call Captain Brad at (386) 401-9900.