Choosing a burial at sea service in Florida is one of the most important decisions a grieving family can make. With so many options available — from large commercial operators to small independent captains — it can be difficult to know who to trust with such a sacred responsibility. This guide walks you through everything you need to know to make the right choice for your family.
What Is a Burial at Sea Service?
A burial at sea service — also called an ash scattering ceremony or ocean memorial — involves scattering a loved one's cremated remains (ashes) into the ocean. Under federal EPA regulations and Florida state law, ashes must be scattered at least 3 nautical miles offshore. A licensed captain transports the family (or handles the ceremony privately) and ensures all legal requirements are met. Ashes at Sea Florida is fully EPA-compliant and operates out of New Smyrna Beach, serving all of Central Florida.
Attended vs. Non-Attended Burial at Sea — Which Is Right for You?
The first decision most families face is whether to choose an attended or non-attended service. An attended burial at sea allows up to 6 family members and friends to be present on the boat during the ceremony. This is the most popular option for families who want to say a personal goodbye, scatter flowers and rose petals, play music, and share the moment together. Our attended service is $550 for up to 3 guests, with $50 per additional guest. A non-attended burial at sea is performed privately by Captain Brad on your behalf. This option is ideal for families who live out of state, prefer a simpler farewell, or are working within a tighter budget. Our non-attended service is $425. Captain Brad provides GPS coordinates and photos of the ceremony for both service types.
5 Questions to Ask Any Burial at Sea Provider in Florida
Before booking any burial at sea service, ask these five critical questions: (1) Are you EPA-compliant and do you scatter ashes at least 3 nautical miles offshore? Any reputable provider will confirm this immediately. (2) Are you a licensed captain? In Florida, the captain must hold a valid USCG (U.S. Coast Guard) license to operate a vessel for hire. Captain Brad is fully licensed. (3) Do you provide GPS coordinates? Knowing exactly where your loved one's ashes were scattered is a meaningful keepsake. Ashes at Sea Florida provides exact latitude and longitude coordinates for every ceremony. (4) What is included in the price? Ask about certificates, flowers, photos, and any additional fees. We believe in transparent, all-inclusive pricing with no hidden costs. (5) Can I read your reviews? Ashes at Sea Florida has a perfect 5-star rating on Google with verified reviews from real families across Central Florida.
Why Families Choose Ashes at Sea Florida
Captain Brad has guided hundreds of families through one of life's most difficult moments with compassion, professionalism, and genuine care. Based in New Smyrna Beach, we serve families from Orlando, Daytona Beach, Kissimmee, Melbourne, Palm Coast, Port Orange, Ormond Beach, Edgewater, Titusville, Cocoa Beach, Sanford, Lake Mary, Altamonte Springs, Clermont, Leesburg, Ocala, Gainesville, St. Cloud, and all of Volusia, Brevard, Orange, Seminole, and Osceola counties. Our departure point at 2455 Boat Ramp Drive, New Smyrna Beach, is approximately 1 hour from downtown Orlando — making us the most conveniently located burial at sea service for Central Florida families.
What to Bring to a Burial at Sea Ceremony
For an attended service, families are welcome to bring biodegradable flowers and rose petals to scatter alongside the ashes, a Bluetooth device to play music or a meaningful song, photos or a small framed picture of your loved one, a written poem, prayer, or personal words to share, and any biodegradable mementos. Non-biodegradable items should remain on the boat. Captain Brad will guide you through every step so you feel prepared and at ease.
How to Book a Burial at Sea in Florida
Booking with Ashes at Sea Florida is simple. Visit our booking page at ashes-at-sea-florida.com/booking, select your preferred date and service type, and pay a $100 deposit to secure your reservation. The remaining balance is due on the day of the ceremony. You can also call Captain Brad directly at (386) 401-9900 — he personally answers every call and is happy to answer any questions you have. We recommend booking at least 1–2 weeks in advance, especially during peak spring and fall seasons.
Burial at Sea Florida — Serving All of Central Florida
Ashes at Sea Florida is proud to be Central Florida's most trusted burial at sea and ash scattering service. Whether you are in New Smyrna Beach, Daytona Beach, Orlando, Kissimmee, Melbourne, Palm Coast, or anywhere in between, we are here to help your family honor your loved one with a peaceful, meaningful, and legally compliant ocean memorial. Call us today at (386) 401-9900 or book online. We are honored to serve you.