(1) The anatomical board shall keep in storage all human remains that it receives for at least 48 hours before allowing their use for medical education or research. Human remains may be embalmed when received. The anatomical board may, for any reason, refuse to accept unclaimed remains or the remains of an indigent person.
(2) At any time before their use for medical education or research, human remains delivered to the anatomical board may be claimed by a legally authorized person. The anatomical board shall release the remains to the legally authorized person after payment of the anatomical board’s expenses incurred for transporting, embalming, and storing the remains.
(3)(a) A board of county commissioners may by resolution or ordinance, in accordance with applicable laws and rules, prescribe policies and procedures for the burial or cremation of the entire unclaimed remains of an indigent person whose death occurred, or whose remains were found, in the county.
(b) A person licensed under chapter 497 is not liable for any damages resulting from cremating or burying such human remains at the written direction of the board of county commissioners or its designee.
History.—s. 8, ch. 28163, 1953; ss. 15, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 1, ch. 72-40; s. 1, ch. 77-174; s. 2, ch. 91-168; s. 2, ch. 96-251; s. 12, ch. 98-268; s. 142, ch. 2004-301; s. 8, ch. 2013-138.
Note.—Former s. 245.07.
Structure Florida Statutes
Chapter 406 - Medical Examiners; Disposition of Human Remains
Part II - Disposition of Human Remains (Ss. 406.49-406.61)
406.50 - Unclaimed remains; disposition, procedure.
406.51 - Final disposition of unclaimed deceased veterans; contract requirements.
406.53 - Unclaimed remains of indigent person; exemption from notice to the anatomical board.
406.55 - Contracts for delivery of human remains after death prohibited.
406.56 - Acceptance of human remains under will.
406.57 - Distribution of human remains.
406.58 - Fees; authority to accept additional funds; annual audit.
406.59 - Institutions receiving human remains.
406.60 - Disposition of human remains after use.
406.61 - Selling, buying, or conveying human remains outside state prohibited; exceptions; penalty.