Navigating the administrative and legal requirements after a loss in Tampa, Brandon, Plant City, or the surrounding Hillsborough County area requires an understanding of specific local jurisdictional rules. As the central authority for DFS Memorials in the Tampa Bay region, this hub provides the essential technical data and resources needed to manage final arrangements throughout the county.
Hillsborough 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 Hillsborough County, this falls under the jurisdiction of District 13.
Official County Name: Hillsborough County
Medical Examiner Office: District 13 Medical Examiner’s Office
Physical Office Address: 401 S. Morgan St, Tampa, FL 33602
Main Contact Phone: (813) 272-5050
Our local providers coordinate directly with the District 13 ME to secure the necessary physician certifications and legal release authorizations required before cremation can proceed.
2. Permitting and Mandatory Fees
Florida law and Hillsborough County ordinances require a specific review process and permit before a cremation can be performed.
Cremation Permit Fee: The current mandatory fee for Medical Examiner approval in District 13 is $50.00.
Method of Payment: These fees are typically handled electronically by the funeral provider through the state’s electronic death registration system (EDRS).
48-Hour Rule: In accordance with Florida State Law, a cremation cannot be performed until at least 48 hours have elapsed from the official time of death.
