Funeral Services (A.S.) (2161)

Funeral directors interview the family members of the deceased to facilitate and assist with the arrangements for the funeral services. Services include coordination with clergy members or other persons who will officiate, the logistics of funerals, preparing obituary notices and having them placed in newspapers, arranging for pallbearers and clergy, scheduling with the cemetery the opening and closing of a grave, decorating and preparing the sites of all services, and providing for the transportation of the remains, mourners, and flowers between sites. They also direct preparation and shipment of remains for out-of-state burial. Embalming is a sanitary, cosmetic, and preservative process through which the body is prepared for interment. Funeral directors also handle the paperwork involved with the person’s death.

Upon completion of coursework, Florida State College at Jacksonville does not guarantee employment or salary in a given field of study. Any jobs or salaries mentioned are given as examples of potential employment not a representation of guaranteed income. Graduates may need to seek employment outside the local area.

Licensure in the State of Florida is regulated by the Florida Division of Cemetery and Consumer Services. Florida Law requires that a student graduate from an accredited ABFSE Funeral Services program (A.A. or A.S. degree or higher) and must apply for licensure as a Funeral Director Intern, or as a dual licensed Funeral Director/Embalmer intern. (Note: All applications are reviewed by the Division and referred to the State Board for approval or disapproval.)

Applications for internship can be found at the Divisions website or by calling 1-800-323-2627 for more information on which forms to use. The internship must be served at a funeral establishment that is licensed by the State of Florida as a training facility.

Funeral services students who have successfully completed 75% or more of their funeral services education and are currently enrolled to complete their program may also apply for an internship (with verification from their college). Intern applications are required by the state to submit fingerprints and to go through a criminal background check. Any criminal conviction(s) must be disclosed on the application. A criminal conviction may impede an individual’s approval by the Division or Board at their discretion.

Applicants may take their National Board Examinations any time after completion of the Funeral Services program (with College approval). Before the completion of their internship, individuals must have taken and passed all sections of the National Board Examinations with a score of 75% or better on each section and have passed the Florida Laws and Rules Examination with a score of 75% or better and complete their one-year internship to be eligible to apply for licensure as a Florida Funeral Director or Funeral/Director Embalmer as well as meet all criteria as put forth in Florida Statute 497 Part III (497.365 to 497.393). Exam study materials are available from the Florida Division of Cemetery and Consumer Services. (Note: Students are recommended to purchase a copy of the study guide directly from the Division.)

If you are considering employment in a state other than Florida, click here to ensure the program curriculum meets the requirements to sit for licensure or certification testing in that state.