Storage, preservation, and transportation of human remains; disposal permitted after 90 days where no direction provided.

(1) A person may not store or maintain human remains at any establishment or facility except an establishment or facility licensed under this chapter or a health care facility, medical examiner’s facility, morgue, or cemetery holding facility.

(2) A dead human body may not be held in any place or in transit over 24 hours after death or pending final disposition unless the body is maintained under refrigeration at a temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below or is embalmed or otherwise preserved in a manner approved by the licensing authority in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.

(3) A dead human body transported by common carrier or any agency or individual authorized to carry dead human bodies must be placed in a carrying container adequate to prevent the seepage of fluids and escape of offensive odors. A dead human body may be transported only when accompanied by a properly completed burial-transit permit issued in accordance with the provisions of chapter 382.

(4) The licensing authority shall establish by rule the minimal standards of acceptable and prevailing practices for the handling and storing of dead human bodies, provided that all human remains transported or stored must be completely covered and at all times treated with dignity and respect.

(5) In the event of an emergency situation, including the abandonment of any establishments or facilities licensed under this chapter or any medical examiner’s facility, morgue, or cemetery holding facility, the department may enter and secure such establishment, facility, or morgue during or outside of normal business hours and remove human remains and cremated remains from the establishment, facility, or morgue. For purposes of this subsection, the department shall determine if a facility is abandoned and if there is an emergency situation. A licensee or licensed facility that accepts transfer of human remains and cremated remains from the department pursuant to this subsection may not be held liable for the condition of any human remains or cremated remains at the time of transfer.

(6) If any human remains have been in the lawful possession of any licensee or licensed facility for 90 days or more, and the legally authorized person of the decedent fails, neglects, or refuses to direct the disposition, the licensee or licensed facility may dispose of the human remains.

(7) A person who violates subsection (1) or subsection (3) commits a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.

(8) A person who violates subsection (2) or subsection (4) commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.