TIPS FOR CONSUMERS

Caskets

A casket, or coffin, is often the most expensive funeral item you will purchase. A casket, however, is not required for a direct cremation or immediate burial. Caskets vary extensively in price and style. Generally sold for their visual appeal, caskets are made of metal, wood, fiberglass or plastic.

Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers

The Board and the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation regulate funeral directors and embalmers, pursuant to Chapter 470, Florida Statutes (1995). The board can be reached by calling (904) 488-8690. To check licensing status call the Department at (904) 487-1395. To file a complaint, call the Department at (800) 342-7940.

Burial Vaults and Grave Liners

Cemeteries often require a burial vault or a grave liner to enclose the casket in a grave. The vault or liner is used to prevent the ground from caving in as the casket deteriorates. Burial vaults are considerably more expensive than liners.

Board of Funeral and Cemetery Services

The Board and the Florida Department of Banking and Finance regulate cemeteries and cemetery companies, pursuant to Chapter 497, Florida Statutes (1995). The Board and the Department may be contacted at (904) 487-2583 and (800) 848-3792.

Preservative and Protective Claims

The Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) Funeral Rule and the above-mentioned statutes prohibit funeral providers from making false or deceptive durability claims. Insupportable claims regarding a products ability to resist water, dirt or other substances are prohibited.

Pre-Planning Funerals

You may choose to prearrange a funeral instead of waiting until a later date. If so, make sure to inquire about all types of merchandise and services available to you. Also, scrutinize any claims made by the manufacturers of funeral products and ask for substantiation.

Disclosure of Information and Itemization Required

You should also be aware that the FTC Funeral Rule and the above-mentioned statutes require funeral directors and cemeteries to provide you with detailed retail price information over the phone, if requested. This will assist you in comparing prices. In addition, prior to the selection of any merchandise, you are entitled to a detailed written itemization of the retail prices for all items regularly offered for sale. Lastly, you should be presented with a written agreement/contract, for your retention, upon your final selection of funeral and burial merchandise and services. Make sure that you are clearly advised of your cancellation and refund rights.

Additional Information

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services may be contacted in the event that you desire to file a complaint against a particular company, or if you want to know if other complaints have been files against a particular company. They can be reached at (904) 488-2221 and (800) 435- 7352.

You may also choose to check with your nearest FTC office. If the company is out-of-state, you may wish to call the appropriate agencies and authorities in the state where the company maintains its headquarters. The Funeral Service Consumer Assistance Program in Des Plaines, Illinois, is available to assist consumers and funeral directors in resolving disagreements about funeral service contracts. They may be reached at (800) 662-7666. To learn more about the FTC's Funeral Rule, write to: Funerals: A Consumer Guide, Public Reference, FTC, Washington, DC 20580. Also, the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) publishes Funeral Goods and Services and Pre-Paying Your Funeral? To request free copies of both publications, write to: AARP Fulfillment, 601 E Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20049.

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 Source: Originally developed by the Florida Attorney General's Office