Navigating the administrative and legal requirements after a loss in Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Coral Springs, or the surrounding Broward County area requires an understanding of specific local jurisdictional rules. As the central authority for DFS Memorials in South Florida, this hub provides the essential technical data and resources needed to manage final arrangements throughout the county.
County Jurisdictional Contact Data
In Florida, every cremation must be reviewed and authorized by the Medical Examiner of the district where the death occurred. For Broward County, this falls under the jurisdiction of District 17.
Official County Name: Broward County
Medical Examiner Office: Office of Broward County Medical Examiner and Trauma Services
Physical Office Address: 5301 S.W. 31st Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
Main Contact Phone: (954) 357-5200
Release Hours: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM daily (excluding holidays).
Our local providers coordinate directly with the District 17 Medical Examiner to secure the necessary certifications and legal release authorizations before a cremation can proceed.
Permitting and Mandatory Fees
Florida law and Broward County ordinances require a specific review process and permit before a cremation can be performed.
Cremation Approval Fee: Broward County assesses a service fee for each cremation approval issued by the Medical Examiner. This fee is currently approximately $52.43 (subject to annual CPI adjustments).
48-Hour Rule: In accordance with Florida Statute 497.607, a cremation cannot be performed until at least 48 hours have elapsed from the official time of death.
Storage Fees: The Medical Examiner may charge storage fees (approximately $200.00) if remains are not removed promptly after authorization.
