Quick answer
Rules depend on the place and managing authority. Most importantly, the EPA's burial-at-sea general permit covers human remains only and does not authorize pet remains. Ask the landowner or managing agency—and EPA Region 4 for ocean questions—before scattering.
Where you can scatter in Florida
Your own property
Check firstCheck local rules plus any lease, deed, HOA, drainage, well, waterway, or environmental restriction. Ownership by itself is not a complete site-specific answer.
The ocean
Ask EPAThe EPA says its MPRSA general permit does not authorize pet or other non-human remains. Contact EPA Region 4 and the relevant state or local authority before planning ocean placement.
Florida beaches
Managing agencyIdentify whether the beach is managed by a city, county, state park, national park, or another entity. Ask that agency for current written guidance; public access does not itself establish permission.
State and national parks
Check firstFlorida State Parks says scattering is restricted to places where it will not affect natural or cultural resources. National Park Service rules are park-specific; Everglades lists scattering of ashes as an activity requiring a permit. Confirm with the exact park.
Public parks and waterways
VariesAsk the city, county, water-management authority, or other managing entity. Do not place material into a waterway or sensitive area based only on a general internet summary.
Someone else's private property
Permission requiredYou need the landowner's permission to scatter on private property you don't own. This includes farms, ranches, and any land your pet may have visited. Most people are accommodating when asked respectfully.
Ocean placement — do not assume the human-remains permit applies
EPA's current burial-at-sea page says the MPRSA general permit is for human remains and does not authorize pet remains. Before planning anything at sea:
- →Contact EPA Region 4 and describe the proposed placement of pet remains.
- →Ask the state or local authority responsible for the departure point and waterway.
- →Ask a boat operator for written confirmation of the authorization it relies on; a commercial offering is not itself legal proof.
- →Do not add containers, flowers, wreaths, or other material unless the responsible authority confirms it is allowed.
Alternatives to scattering
Not every family wants to scatter. Other common choices after cremation:
Keep in an urn at home
A memorial urn on a shelf, mantel, or garden.
Consider burial
First verify current local, property, utility, water, and veterinarian guidance.
Cremation jewelry
A small amount of ashes sealed inside a pendant or ring.
Memorial garden stone
Ashes mixed into a cast stone or glass keepsake.
Bio urn / memorial tree
Ashes used to grow a tree or plant in a biodegradable urn.
Pet cemetery plot
Bury the ashes in a dedicated pet memorial garden.
The memorial shop links to urns and keepsakes from third-party sellers. Confirm current product details and seller terms in our Memorial Shop.
Protect the location
Site conditions and resource protections vary. Florida State Parks restricts scattering to locations where natural and cultural resources will not be affected. Ask the responsible manager for a suitable location instead of assuming a quantity is harmless.
Primary sources checked September 12, 2026
- U.S. EPA — Burial at Sea
- Florida State Parks — visitor FAQs
- Everglades National Park — Superintendent's Compendium
This is general information, not legal advice. Recheck the responsible agency before acting.
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