Is Spreading Ashes Legal?
When people choose cremation, they tend to have a preference for having their ashes scattered over a place of their choosing. For many, this act helps to bring peace and closure to a loved one’s passing. It can symbolize their return to nature, or the release of their spirit to heaven. If you yourself are considering doing this and are looking into cremation services near Lake Nona, FL area, first make sure that you understand the laws and regulations. While there is no specific law for scattering ashes in the United States, there are certain national, state and local rules that you should be aware of. Included below are only a few.
Most National Parks Allow Ashes To Be Spread
If you plan to spread your loved one’s ashes over a park in the United States, most national parks will allow it. However, you cannot spread the ashes anywhere, as there are strict regulations. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- You should request permission from the chief park ranger first.
- A permit is usually required.
- Ashes should be spread away from trails or other developed areas.
- Environmentally or archeologically sensitive areas may be off-limits.
You should be fine as long as you avoid sensitive or heavily populated areas, but it is important to ask permission.
Ask Permission Before Spreading Ashes on Private Property
You are allowed to spread ashes anywhere on your own property, but if someone else owns the land, you need to ask them for permission first. Either written or verbal permission will do, but you may find it’s a good idea to have a record of the agreement. If the property owner says declines, find another location. If you attempt to secretly spread the ashes anyway, this is illegal and considered trespassing. You could face fines or even jail time.
Spreading Ashes at Sea is Allowed
While it is legal to spread ashes at sea, anything put into the water must easily decompose. According to the EPA, the burial of human remains at sea, cremated or not, is permitted. However, there are several laws and regulations that you need to follow:
- Any type of remains, including ashes, can only be placed in the ocean three or more nautical miles from land.
- Ashes may be scattered from a boat or plane.
- Only biodegradable urns can be used.
- You can release flowers or wreaths into the water, but they must decompose with ease.
- A permit is not required, but you must report the burial to the EPA within 30 days.
- Pet ashes cannot be spread at sea without a special permit.
You May or May Not be Allowed to Spread Ashes in a Graveyard
You must first find out if the graveyard is public or private property. If the cemetery is on private property, you will have to ask permission. If the graveyard is public, ask the city or town that manages the property if there are any laws or regulations for spreading ashes that forbid the practice. Some towns have banned it. If you plan to spread the ashes on a grave or in a crypt, first make sure that you talk to the deceased’s immediate family if you can.
Before you make any plans for spreading ashes, it is vital to understand the legality of the practice in your area. Among the cremation services available in the Lake Nona, FL area, Osceola Memory Gardens is highly recommended. Their general office can be reached at (407) 847-0765 or you can visit them at 1717 Old Boggy Creek Rd Kissimmee, FL 34744. For further contact information on their other facilities, please visit their website at https://www.osceolamemgds.com/.
