Key Takeaways
- The FTC Funeral Rule is a federal law. It protects families in every state, including Florida.
- Every funeral home must give you a written price list. You can take it home. No purchase required.
- You can buy the urn or casket anywhere — the funeral home must accept it with no extra fee.
- The funeral home must state in writing that no law requires embalming.
- You never have to buy a package. You can pick items one by one.
A Federal Law, Not a Florida Law
The FTC Funeral Rule comes from the Federal Trade Commission. It is federal law. That matters: it guards you in Florida the same as in every other state. No funeral home can opt out of it.
Your Rights, in Plain Words
- A written price list. Ask for the General Price List. They must hand it over. Take it home. Compare it with others.
- Buy items one by one. You do not have to buy a package. Pick only what you want.
- Bring your own urn or casket.They must accept it. No extra fee. No pushback allowed.
- No embalming requirement. They must state in writing that the law does not require it. Skip it for direct cremation.
- Prices by phone. If you call, they must give you price information over the phone too.
Know Your Rights. Now Cover the Cost.
Rights keep the bill honest. A small plan makes sure the bill gets paid. One call, plain answers.
What to Say if They Push Back
Most funeral homes follow the rule. If one does not, keep it simple:
- For the price list: "Please give me your General Price List. I will take it home."
- For your own urn: "We will provide the urn ourselves."
- For embalming: "We do not want embalming. Please show me the law that requires it."
Naming the FTC Funeral Rule often ends the talk. If a funeral home keeps pushing, pick a different provider — and you can report the funeral home to the FTC.
Use Your Rights to Compare
With price lists in hand, compare cremation prices side by side. That is how you find the honest price — not the package price. Then write your wishes down so your family never has to guess.
Sources & Further Reading
- Federal Trade Commission — Funeral Rule (federal law): ftc.gov
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Funeral Rule a Florida law or a federal law?
Federal. It comes from the Federal Trade Commission and applies in every state, including Florida.
Can a funeral home refuse to give me a price list?
No. They must give you the General Price List in writing. You can take it home without buying anything.
What if a funeral home will not accept my urn?
The federal rule bans that. They must accept it with no extra fee. Name the FTC Funeral Rule. If they still refuse, choose another provider and consider reporting them.
Does the rule cover cremation, or only burials?
Both. The rule covers funeral goods and services, including direct cremation.