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Florida Funeral Service — Requirements & Free Practice

US-FL · License preparation

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Licenses, application pathways and examination requirements

Each license and applicant pathway has its own requirements and exemptions. Choosing practice questions does not determine your eligibility.

Centralized Embalming Facility License

Business licensure for centralized embalming facility; professional licences of employees/person in charge are separate applicant conditions.

Licensing authority: Florida Board of Funeral, Cemetery, and Consumer Services / Department of Financial Services · Application information

Initial business/facility licensure
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
File prescribed application and fees; disclose owners, principals, criminal/adverse history and fingerprints as required.
Inspection
Pass the applicable prelicensure inspection and meet the facility, equipment, local-permit and operating standards.
Location
Each licensed business location is separately licensed.
Person In Charge
Identify the required licensed professional or manager; an existing professional licence is an applicant condition, not an examination leaf of the business licence.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Relicensure or approval after change in ownership/control
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
File prescribed application and fees; disclose owners, principals, criminal/adverse history and fingerprints as required.
Change
Promptly report change in ownership/control; obtain approval or relicensure, inspection and pay applicable fees.
Inspection
Pass the applicable prelicensure inspection and meet the facility, equipment, local-permit and operating standards.
Location
Each licensed business location is separately licensed.
Person In Charge
Identify the required licensed professional or manager; an existing professional licence is an applicant condition, not an examination leaf of the business licence.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Relicensure or approval after change in business location
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
File prescribed application and fees; disclose owners, principals, criminal/adverse history and fingerprints as required.
Change
Report relocation and obtain required relicensure/inspection before operations at new location.
Inspection
Pass the applicable prelicensure inspection and meet the facility, equipment, local-permit and operating standards.
Location
Each licensed business location is separately licensed.
Person In Charge
Identify the required licensed professional or manager; an existing professional licence is an applicant condition, not an examination leaf of the business licence.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Biennial business/facility licence renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
File prescribed application and fees; disclose owners, principals, criminal/adverse history and fingerprints as required.
Inspection
Pass the applicable prelicensure inspection and meet the facility, equipment, local-permit and operating standards.
Location
Each licensed business location is separately licensed.
Person In Charge
Identify the required licensed professional or manager; an existing professional licence is an applicant condition, not an examination leaf of the business licence.
Renewal
Renew biennially with required fees, inspection and applicable reporting.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Cinerator Facility License

Business licensure for cinerator facility; professional licences of employees/person in charge are separate applicant conditions.

Licensing authority: Florida Board of Funeral, Cemetery, and Consumer Services / Department of Financial Services · Application information

Initial business/facility licensure
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
File prescribed application and fees; disclose owners, principals, criminal/adverse history and fingerprints as required.
Inspection
Pass the applicable prelicensure inspection and meet the facility, equipment, local-permit and operating standards.
Location
Each licensed business location is separately licensed.
Person In Charge
Identify the required licensed professional or manager; an existing professional licence is an applicant condition, not an examination leaf of the business licence.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Relicensure or approval after change in ownership/control
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
File prescribed application and fees; disclose owners, principals, criminal/adverse history and fingerprints as required.
Change
Promptly report change in ownership/control; obtain approval or relicensure, inspection and pay applicable fees.
Inspection
Pass the applicable prelicensure inspection and meet the facility, equipment, local-permit and operating standards.
Location
Each licensed business location is separately licensed.
Person In Charge
Identify the required licensed professional or manager; an existing professional licence is an applicant condition, not an examination leaf of the business licence.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial business licence on probationary terms
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
File prescribed application and fees; disclose owners, principals, criminal/adverse history and fingerprints as required.
Board Discretion
Borderline qualification may receive probationary licence only without unreasonable public risk; Board may impose monitoring, reporting and operating restrictions up to 24 months.
Inspection
Pass the applicable prelicensure inspection and meet the facility, equipment, local-permit and operating standards.
Location
Each licensed business location is separately licensed.
Person In Charge
Identify the required licensed professional or manager; an existing professional licence is an applicant condition, not an examination leaf of the business licence.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Removal of probationary status after Board determination
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board Review
Within 24 months Board removes probationary status or determines unfitness and initiates revocation. This is a licensure determination, not a professional examination.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Biennial business/facility licence renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
File prescribed application and fees; disclose owners, principals, criminal/adverse history and fingerprints as required.
Inspection
Pass the applicable prelicensure inspection and meet the facility, equipment, local-permit and operating standards.
Location
Each licensed business location is separately licensed.
Person In Charge
Identify the required licensed professional or manager; an existing professional licence is an applicant condition, not an examination leaf of the business licence.
Renewal
Renew biennially with required fees, inspection and applicable reporting.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Funeral Director and Embalmer (Combination License)

Individual professional licence for funeral director and embalmer (combination license).

Licensing authority: Florida Board of Funeral, Cemetery, and Consumer Services / Department of Financial Services · Application information

Restore delinquent licence within the available cycle
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Complete active/inactive renewal application, pay status, delinquency and processing fees, and meet continuing education if active status elected.
Period
Apply within the applicable licensure cycle before the licence becomes null.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

  • chapter-17.doc

    Rule 69K-17.0027 — complete delinquency restoration criteria

Combination licence by endorsement — equivalent
Florida Law & Rules Exam
Board National Score Request
The Board combination endorsement instructions state: C. Have the Division provided with an official copy of the National Board Scores from the International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards (479-442-7076), showing a 75% or higher on both the Arts and Sciences section. The statute controls; this request remains an applicant condition.
Character
Disclose criminal and adverse licensing history; submit fingerprints; Board must determine good character and trustworthiness.
Communicable Disease
Complete a Board-approved communicable-disease course; Board instructions specify two hours.
Law Score
Pass Florida Law & Rules Exam at 75% or more; Rule 69K-16.0001(4) accepts a passing score only within 24 months before the pending application is received.
Qualifications
Qualify for both separate endorsement licences under §§ 497.369 and 497.374; preserve their applicant qualification alternatives and review of licensure history.
Statutory Exemption
Section 497.376(3), effective July 1, 2026, excludes education or testing other than the specified laws-and-rules examinations. Both cross-references resolve to the one Florida Law & Rules Exam.
Combination licence by endorsement — five years
Florida Law & Rules Exam
Board National Score Request
The Board combination endorsement instructions state: C. Have the Division provided with an official copy of the National Board Scores from the International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards (479-442-7076), showing a 75% or higher on both the Arts and Sciences section. The statute controls; this request remains an applicant condition.
Character
Disclose criminal and adverse licensing history; submit fingerprints; Board must determine good character and trustworthiness.
Communicable Disease
Complete a Board-approved communicable-disease course; Board instructions specify two hours.
Law Score
Pass Florida Law & Rules Exam at 75% or more; Rule 69K-16.0001(4) accepts a passing score only within 24 months before the pending application is received.
Qualifications
Five years of full-time licensed practice and active good-standing funeral-director and embalmer licences.
Statutory Exemption
Section 497.376(3), effective July 1, 2026, excludes education or testing other than the specified laws-and-rules examinations. Both cross-references resolve to the one Florida Law & Rules Exam.
Licensure by internship and examination
Age
At least 18 years old and a high-school graduate or equivalent.
Application
File the prescribed application and pay applicable fees; statutory military fee exemptions apply.
Character
Disclose criminal and adverse licensing history; submit fingerprints; Board must determine good character and trustworthiness.
Communicable Disease
Complete a Board-approved communicable-disease course; Board instructions specify two hours.
Education
Meet the degree and approved mortuary-science or funeral-service-arts course alternatives in § 497.373(1)(d); combination licence also meets embalmer qualifications.
Internship
Complete one year of substantially full-time approved supervised internship; combination internships may be concurrent. All supervisor reports must be received before permanent licensure.
Law Score
Pass Florida Law & Rules Exam at 75% or more; Rule 69K-16.0001(4) accepts a passing score only within 24 months before the pending application is received.
National Scores
Score at least 75% on each listed National Board examination.
Election or renewal of inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
At licence renewal file complete inactive-status application and pay required inactive fees.
Practice
No professional practice under inactive status.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure based on military issued credentials and experience
Alternative Other State Exam
Rule 69K-25.0025 accepts the relevant other-state licensing examination instead of the named NBE examination; this is an applicant condition, not a Florida examination leaf.
Education
Meet the applicable degree/course requirements in Rule 69K-25.0025 for the profession; direct disposers submit a high-school diploma/GED and college-level mortuary law and ethics courses.
Embalmer License
For embalmer or combination military licensure, provide an existing embalmer licence in another United States state.
Law Score
Pass Florida Law & Rules Exam at 75% or more; Rule 69K-16.0001(4) accepts a passing score only within 24 months before the pending application is received.
Military Duties
Military member or veteran whose appointed duties were mortician or mortuary specialist; submit military-issued credentials and proof of duties and military status.
National Score
For the named NBE alternatives, submit proof of a score of at least 75%.
New licensure after delinquent licence becomes null
Age
At least 18 years old and a high-school graduate or equivalent.
Application
File the prescribed application and pay applicable fees; statutory military fee exemptions apply.
Character
Disclose criminal and adverse licensing history; submit fingerprints; Board must determine good character and trustworthiness.
Communicable Disease
Complete a Board-approved communicable-disease course; Board instructions specify two hours.
Education
Meet the degree and approved mortuary-science or funeral-service-arts course alternatives in § 497.373(1)(d); combination licence also meets embalmer qualifications.
Internship
Complete one year of substantially full-time approved supervised internship; combination internships may be concurrent. All supervisor reports must be received before permanent licensure.
Law Score
Pass Florida Law & Rules Exam at 75% or more; Rule 69K-16.0001(4) accepts a passing score only within 24 months before the pending application is received.
National Scores
Score at least 75% on each listed National Board examination.
Prior Status
Prior delinquent licence became null after the statutory cycle; § 497.365(6) requires a new application meeting all new-licensure requirements. Endorsement remains available when its independent conditions are met.
Reactivation after no more than four years inactive
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Education
Complete required continuing education for all inactive/delinquent periods and applicable profession-specific subjects.
Fees
Pay applicable active, reactivation and processing fees and submit complete application.
Inactive Period
No more than two consecutive biennial cycles inactive.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Biennial active licence renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Six hours for direct disposers; twelve hours for embalmers, funeral directors and combination licensees, including at least one communicable-disease hour; applicable initial-cycle and statutory age/Board waivers preserved.
Military Exemptions
Section 497.168 and Rule 69K-25.0025(4) preserve active-duty and qualifying absent-spouse renewal exemptions.
Renewal
Apply biennially and pay applicable renewal/unlicensed-activity fees.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Combination Funeral Director and Embalmer Intern

Supervised training licence for combination funeral director and embalmer intern.

Licensing authority: Florida Board of Funeral, Cemetery, and Consumer Services / Department of Financial Services · Application information

Internship renewal while awaiting permanent licensure examination results
Eligibility
Completed all permanent-licensure requirements and awaiting licensure examination results; renewal is by Board approval, with the same one-year limits and no prior study renewal.
Exam Timing
The current examinations taken toward permanent licensure are retained even though results, rather than another sitting, are pending.
Supervision
Continue supervised internship; statutory combination renewal and older embalmer-portion limitation are subject to the governing statute.
Continue internship under general supervision after examination
Florida Law & Rules Exam
Education
Complete the applicable approved course or degree before shifting to general supervision.
Law Score
Pass Florida Law & Rules Exam at 75% or more; Rule 69K-16.0001(4) accepts a passing score only within 24 months before the pending application is received.
Regulatory Restriction
Rule 69K-18.002(8)(b) limits the funeral-director shift to interns originally admitted through the student pathway; § 497.375(1)(d) supplies the controlling statutory criteria.
Supervisor Certification
After six months of direct supervision, funeral director in charge certifies competence to complete internship under general supervision.
Initial internship — graduate
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Character
Disclose criminal and adverse licensing history; submit fingerprints; Board must determine good character and trustworthiness.
Communicable Disease
Complete a Board-approved communicable-disease course; Board instructions specify two hours.
Education
Completed the applicable approved mortuary-science or funeral-service-arts education.
Supervision
Direct supervision by appropriately licensed professionals at the named approved training establishment; name supervisor and establishment in application.
Term
One year, with statutory extensions or renewals; quarterly reports are required.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Internship renewal because of illness, injury or substantial hardship
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Duration
One additional year; renewal application before expiration and not before the tenth month.
Hardship
Failure to complete internship due to illness, personal injury or substantial hardship beyond reasonable control; Board approval required.
Prior Renewal
Funeral director who renewed to continue coursework cannot also renew under the hardship provision. Combination embalmer portion is separately limited by Rule 69K-18.003(3)(d).
Supervision
Continue the existing direct or approved general supervision.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial internship — student
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Character
Disclose criminal and adverse licensing history; submit fingerprints; Board must determine good character and trustworthiness.
Communicable Disease
Complete a Board-approved communicable-disease course; Board instructions specify two hours.
Conflicting Older Rule
The January 26, 2025 internship rules retain older educational conditions. The July 1, 2026 statute controls: § 497.375 no longer requires the removed law/ethics course prerequisite; § 497.377 allows its current alternative degree/enrolment qualifications.
Education
Funeral-director intern: associate degree or higher in any field and enrolled in approved mortuary-science or funeral-service-arts study. Combination intern: § 497.377(2)(a) permits an associate degree or higher in any field OR current enrolment in ABFSE-accredited mortuary-science study.
Supervision
Direct supervision by appropriately licensed professionals at the named approved training establishment; name supervisor and establishment in application.
Term
One year, with statutory extensions or renewals; quarterly reports are required.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Limited Funeral Director and Embalmer License for Times of Critical Need

Retired professional licence restricted to emergency service.

Licensing authority: department of financial services, division of funeral, cemetery and consumer services · Application information

Limited emergency licence for retired professional
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Prescribed application and notarized affidavit agreeing to limited practice restrictions.
Emergency
Effective only during Governor or federal declared emergency and lawful extensions; work for Chapter 497 licensed entity.
Prior Licensure
At least ten years licensed in the relevant profession in a United States jurisdiction; retired from practice.
Restrictions
No preneed sales; subject to disciplinary review and applicable supervision and practice rules.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Funeral Director and Embalmer — Provisional License

Supervised provisional form pending permanent professional licensure.

Licensing authority: department of financial services · Application information

Initial provisional licence after internship
Duration
Six months, renewable once for six months.
Exam Timing
The licence permits supervised work while awaiting or trying to pass the Florida examination; passing it is not a prerequisite to the initial temporary/provisional grant.
Internship
Required one-year internship completed.
Law Score
Pass Florida Law & Rules Exam at 75% or more; Rule 69K-16.0001(4) accepts a passing score only within 24 months before the pending application is received.
National Score
Pending permanent examination application carries the NBE examinations listed for that profession.
Pending Application
Already applied for permanent licensure by internship and examination and approved to take Florida Law & Rules Exam.
Practice
Work in a licensed funeral establishment under a fully licensed supervisor in the same profession.
One time supervised licence renewal
Florida Law & Rules Exam
Duration
Six months, renewable once for six months.
Exam Timing
The licence permits supervised work while awaiting or trying to pass the Florida examination; passing it is not a prerequisite to the initial temporary/provisional grant.
Internship
Required one-year internship completed.
Law Score
Pass Florida Law & Rules Exam at 75% or more; Rule 69K-16.0001(4) accepts a passing score only within 24 months before the pending application is received.
National Score
Pending permanent examination application carries the NBE examinations listed for that profession.
Pending Application
Already applied for permanent licensure by internship and examination and approved to take Florida Law & Rules Exam.
Practice
Work in a licensed funeral establishment under a fully licensed supervisor in the same profession.
Renewal
Only one renewal; applicant continues under supervision while trying to pass the pending Florida Law & Rules Exam. Existing national-exam eligibility is carried by the permanent-application conditions, not newly imposed by this renewal.

Funeral Director and Embalmer — Temporary License

Supervised temporary form pending permanent professional licensure.

Licensing authority: Department of Financial Services · Application information

Temporary licence pending endorsement — equivalent
Florida Law & Rules Exam
Duration
Expires 60 days after the next available laws-and-rules examination; renewable once under the same conditions. The Board form calls it a 60-day licence.
Endorsement Qualification
Qualify for equivalent endorsement, including good-standing licensure and required communicable-disease course.
Exam Timing
The licence permits supervised work while awaiting or trying to pass the Florida examination; passing it is not a prerequisite to the initial temporary/provisional grant.
Law Score
Pass Florida Law & Rules Exam at 75% or more; Rule 69K-16.0001(4) accepts a passing score only within 24 months before the pending application is received.
Pending Application
Already applied for permanent licensure by endorsement and approved to take Florida Law & Rules Exam.
Practice
Work in a licensed funeral establishment under a fully licensed supervisor in the same profession.
Temporary licence pending endorsement — five years
Florida Law & Rules Exam
Duration
Expires 60 days after the next available laws-and-rules examination; renewable once under the same conditions. The Board form calls it a 60-day licence.
Endorsement Qualification
Qualify for five years endorsement, including good-standing licensure and required communicable-disease course.
Exam Timing
The licence permits supervised work while awaiting or trying to pass the Florida examination; passing it is not a prerequisite to the initial temporary/provisional grant.
Law Score
Pass Florida Law & Rules Exam at 75% or more; Rule 69K-16.0001(4) accepts a passing score only within 24 months before the pending application is received.
Pending Application
Already applied for permanent licensure by endorsement and approved to take Florida Law & Rules Exam.
Practice
Work in a licensed funeral establishment under a fully licensed supervisor in the same profession.
One time supervised licence renewal
Florida Law & Rules Exam
Duration
Expires 60 days after the next available laws-and-rules examination; renewable once under the same conditions. The Board form calls it a 60-day licence.
Exam Timing
The licence permits supervised work while awaiting or trying to pass the Florida examination; passing it is not a prerequisite to the initial temporary/provisional grant.
Law Score
Pass Florida Law & Rules Exam at 75% or more; Rule 69K-16.0001(4) accepts a passing score only within 24 months before the pending application is received.
Pending Application
Already applied for permanent licensure by endorsement and approved to take Florida Law & Rules Exam.
Practice
Work in a licensed funeral establishment under a fully licensed supervisor in the same profession.
Renewal
Only one renewal; applicant continues under supervision while trying to pass the pending Florida Law & Rules Exam. Existing national-exam eligibility is carried by the permanent-application conditions, not newly imposed by this renewal.

Direct Disposal Establishment License

Business licensure for direct disposal establishment; professional licences of employees/person in charge are separate applicant conditions.

Licensing authority: Florida Board of Funeral, Cemetery, and Consumer Services / Department of Financial Services · Application information

Initial business/facility licensure
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
File prescribed application and fees; disclose owners, principals, criminal/adverse history and fingerprints as required.
Inspection
Pass the applicable prelicensure inspection and meet the facility, equipment, local-permit and operating standards.
Location
Each licensed business location is separately licensed.
Person In Charge
Identify the required licensed professional or manager; an existing professional licence is an applicant condition, not an examination leaf of the business licence.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Relicensure or approval after change in ownership/control
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
File prescribed application and fees; disclose owners, principals, criminal/adverse history and fingerprints as required.
Change
Promptly report change in ownership/control; obtain approval or relicensure, inspection and pay applicable fees.
Inspection
Pass the applicable prelicensure inspection and meet the facility, equipment, local-permit and operating standards.
Location
Each licensed business location is separately licensed.
Person In Charge
Identify the required licensed professional or manager; an existing professional licence is an applicant condition, not an examination leaf of the business licence.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial business licence on probationary terms
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
File prescribed application and fees; disclose owners, principals, criminal/adverse history and fingerprints as required.
Board Discretion
Borderline qualification may receive probationary licence only without unreasonable public risk; Board may impose monitoring, reporting and operating restrictions up to 24 months.
Inspection
Pass the applicable prelicensure inspection and meet the facility, equipment, local-permit and operating standards.
Location
Each licensed business location is separately licensed.
Person In Charge
Identify the required licensed professional or manager; an existing professional licence is an applicant condition, not an examination leaf of the business licence.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Removal of probationary status after Board determination
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board Review
Within 24 months Board removes probationary status or determines unfitness and initiates revocation. This is a licensure determination, not a professional examination.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Biennial business/facility licence renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
File prescribed application and fees; disclose owners, principals, criminal/adverse history and fingerprints as required.
Inspection
Pass the applicable prelicensure inspection and meet the facility, equipment, local-permit and operating standards.
Location
Each licensed business location is separately licensed.
Person In Charge
Identify the required licensed professional or manager; an existing professional licence is an applicant condition, not an examination leaf of the business licence.
Renewal
Renew biennially with required fees, inspection and applicable reporting.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Direct Disposer

Individual professional licence for direct disposer.

Licensing authority: board of funeral, cemetery, and consumer services · Application information

Restore delinquent licence within the available cycle
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Complete active/inactive renewal application, pay status, delinquency and processing fees, and meet continuing education if active status elected.
Period
Apply within the applicable licensure cycle before the licence becomes null.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

  • chapter-17.doc

    Rule 69K-17.0027 — complete delinquency restoration criteria

Initial licensure by examination
Florida Law & Rules Exam
Age
At least 18 years old and a high-school graduate or equivalent.
Application
File the prescribed application and pay applicable fees; statutory military fee exemptions apply.
Character
Disclose criminal and adverse licensing history; submit fingerprints; Board must determine good character and trustworthiness.
Communicable Disease
Complete a Board-approved communicable-disease course; Board instructions specify two hours.
Education
Pass college-credit courses in mortuary law and ethics.
Law Score
Pass Florida Law & Rules Exam at 75% or more; Rule 69K-16.0001(4) accepts a passing score only within 24 months before the pending application is received.
Practice
Practise at a licensed direct-disposal establishment as required by § 497.604.
Election or renewal of inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
At licence renewal file complete inactive-status application and pay required inactive fees.
Practice
No professional practice under inactive status.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure based on military issued credentials and experience
Florida Law & Rules Exam
Education
Submit an official transcript showing a college-level course in Florida Mortuary Law and a college-level course in ethics, and a copy of a high-school diploma or GED certificate.
Law Score
Pass Florida Law & Rules Exam at 75% or more; Rule 69K-16.0001(4) accepts a passing score only within 24 months before the pending application is received.
Military Duties
Military member or veteran whose appointed duties were mortician or mortuary specialist; submit military-issued credentials and proof of duties and military status.
Reactivation after no more than four years inactive
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Education
Complete required continuing education for all inactive/delinquent periods and applicable profession-specific subjects.
Fees
Pay applicable active, reactivation and processing fees and submit complete application.
Inactive Period
No more than two consecutive biennial cycles inactive.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Biennial active licence renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Six hours for direct disposers; twelve hours for embalmers, funeral directors and combination licensees, including at least one communicable-disease hour; applicable initial-cycle and statutory age/Board waivers preserved.
Military Exemptions
Section 497.168 and Rule 69K-25.0025(4) preserve active-duty and qualifying absent-spouse renewal exemptions.
Renewal
Apply biennially and pay applicable renewal/unlicensed-activity fees.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Embalmer

Individual professional licence for embalmer.

Licensing authority: department of financial services · Application information

Restore delinquent licence within the available cycle
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Complete active/inactive renewal application, pay status, delinquency and processing fees, and meet continuing education if active status elected.
Period
Apply within the applicable licensure cycle before the licence becomes null.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

  • chapter-17.doc

    Rule 69K-17.0027 — complete delinquency restoration criteria

Endorsement based on equivalent qualifications and examination

All of the following:

Character
Disclose criminal and adverse licensing history; submit fingerprints; Board must determine good character and trustworthiness.
Communicable Disease
Complete a Board-approved communicable-disease course; Board instructions specify two hours.
Education
Embalmer: satisfy § 497.368 qualifications. Funeral director: qualifying accredited mortuary-science diploma or certificate may substitute for the associate degree.
Equivalent Exam
A substantially equivalent or more stringent state, regional or national examination is accepted; another state's own examination is an applicant condition, never a Florida leaf.
Experience
Embalmer: one year of licensed practice in another state substitutes for the internship. Funeral director: satisfy the § 497.373 qualifications and equivalent examination pathway, subject to § 497.374(1)(b)2 educational exception.
Law Score
Pass Florida Law & Rules Exam at 75% or more; Rule 69K-16.0001(4) accepts a passing score only within 24 months before the pending application is received.
National Scores
The Board names NBE-Sciences for embalmer endorsement and NBE-Arts for funeral director endorsement; at least 75% is required.
Out Of State License
Hold a current valid licence in good standing in another United States jurisdiction.
Pending Proceedings
No issuance while investigation or prosecution for acts violating Chapter 497 remains pending.
Score Time Window
Equivalent examination must have been passed within 10 years before application (§ 497.369(1)(b)2).
Endorsement based on five years of licensed practice
Florida Law & Rules Exam
Board National Score Request
The Board implementing instructions still state: C. Provide the Division with an official copy of the National Board Scores from the International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards (479-442-7076), showing a score of 75% or higher the Science section. This request is recorded as a condition under the higher-ranking statutory testing exemption.
Character
Disclose criminal and adverse licensing history; submit fingerprints; Board must determine good character and trustworthiness.
Communicable Disease
Complete a Board-approved communicable-disease course; Board instructions specify two hours.
Experience
At least five years of full-time licensed practice in that state.
Law Score
Pass Florida Law & Rules Exam at 75% or more; Rule 69K-16.0001(4) accepts a passing score only within 24 months before the pending application is received.
Out Of State License
Hold a current valid licence in good standing in another United States jurisdiction.
Pending Proceedings
No issuance while investigation or prosecution for acts violating Chapter 497 remains pending.
Statutory Exemption
Under § 497.369(4), as amended effective July 1, 2026, the five-year route has no other education or testing requirement.
Licensure by internship and examination
Age
At least 18 years old and a high-school graduate or equivalent.
Application
File the prescribed application and pay applicable fees; statutory military fee exemptions apply.
Character
Disclose criminal and adverse licensing history; submit fingerprints; Board must determine good character and trustworthiness.
Communicable Disease
Complete a Board-approved communicable-disease course; Board instructions specify two hours.
Education
Complete a Board-approved mortuary-science course including the statutory embalming subjects.
Internship
Complete one year of substantially full-time approved supervised internship; combination internships may be concurrent. All supervisor reports must be received before permanent licensure.
Law Score
Pass Florida Law & Rules Exam at 75% or more; Rule 69K-16.0001(4) accepts a passing score only within 24 months before the pending application is received.
National Scores
Score at least 75% on each listed National Board examination.
Election or renewal of inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
At licence renewal file complete inactive-status application and pay required inactive fees.
Practice
No professional practice under inactive status.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure based on military issued credentials and experience

All of the following:

Alternative Other State Exam
Rule 69K-25.0025 accepts the relevant other-state licensing examination instead of the named NBE examination; this is an applicant condition, not a Florida examination leaf.
Education
Meet the applicable degree/course requirements in Rule 69K-25.0025 for the profession; direct disposers submit a high-school diploma/GED and college-level mortuary law and ethics courses.
Embalmer License
For embalmer or combination military licensure, provide an existing embalmer licence in another United States state.
Law Score
Pass Florida Law & Rules Exam at 75% or more; Rule 69K-16.0001(4) accepts a passing score only within 24 months before the pending application is received.
Military Duties
Military member or veteran whose appointed duties were mortician or mortuary specialist; submit military-issued credentials and proof of duties and military status.
National Score
For the named NBE alternatives, submit proof of a score of at least 75%.
New licensure after delinquent licence becomes null
Age
At least 18 years old and a high-school graduate or equivalent.
Application
File the prescribed application and pay applicable fees; statutory military fee exemptions apply.
Character
Disclose criminal and adverse licensing history; submit fingerprints; Board must determine good character and trustworthiness.
Communicable Disease
Complete a Board-approved communicable-disease course; Board instructions specify two hours.
Education
Complete a Board-approved mortuary-science course including the statutory embalming subjects.
Internship
Complete one year of substantially full-time approved supervised internship; combination internships may be concurrent. All supervisor reports must be received before permanent licensure.
Law Score
Pass Florida Law & Rules Exam at 75% or more; Rule 69K-16.0001(4) accepts a passing score only within 24 months before the pending application is received.
National Scores
Score at least 75% on each listed National Board examination.
Prior Status
Prior delinquent licence became null after the statutory cycle; § 497.365(6) requires a new application meeting all new-licensure requirements. Endorsement remains available when its independent conditions are met.
Reactivation after no more than four years inactive
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Education
Complete required continuing education for all inactive/delinquent periods and applicable profession-specific subjects.
Fees
Pay applicable active, reactivation and processing fees and submit complete application.
Inactive Period
No more than two consecutive biennial cycles inactive.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Biennial active licence renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Six hours for direct disposers; twelve hours for embalmers, funeral directors and combination licensees, including at least one communicable-disease hour; applicable initial-cycle and statutory age/Board waivers preserved.
Military Exemptions
Section 497.168 and Rule 69K-25.0025(4) preserve active-duty and qualifying absent-spouse renewal exemptions.
Renewal
Apply biennially and pay applicable renewal/unlicensed-activity fees.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Embalmer Apprentice

Supervised training licence for embalmer apprentice.

Licensing authority: Board of Funeral, Cemetery, and Consumer Services · Application information

Two year extension while enrolled in mortuary education
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application Window
Apply no earlier than 180 days before and file at least 60 days before initial expiration.
Education
Enrolled in and attending qualifying mortuary-science or funeral-service education; provide dated school evidence.
Term
Additional two years; ends when enrolment or attendance ceases. Notify supervisor and Division within 30 days and cease apprentice activity.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial embalmer apprenticeship
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board Term Instruction
The Board apprentice instruction sheet states: E. The Embalmer Apprentice License is initially issued for one year. If not enrolled in a mortuary science program, an extension can be requested (in writing) for two more years, making it a three-year apprenticeship. If enrolled in a mortuary science program, an extension can be requested (in writing), for four more years, making it a five year apprenticeship. This must be done before the apprenticeship expires or you will have to reapply. The three-year rule controls.
Qualifications
Age 18, high-school diploma or equivalent, good character; approved training agency and direct supervision with quarterly reports; prescribed application and fee.
Term
Three-year initial licence under Rule 69K-27.001(2); no more than one apprentice licence in a lifetime.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Embalmer Intern

Supervised training licence for embalmer intern.

Licensing authority: Florida Board of Funeral, Cemetery, and Consumer Services / Department of Financial Services · Application information

Reregistration to complete training after illness or injury
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Hardship
Illness or personal injury prevented completion; reregister only for the time necessary to complete one year of training.
Supervision
Continue approved direct-supervision training.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial supervised embalmer internship
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Education
Complete § 497.368(1)(b)-(e) age, school, character, mortuary-science and communicable-disease qualifications before intern licensing.
Reports
Quarterly supervisor reports; at least 40 hours per week for 50 weeks within 12 months.
Supervision
Approved training agency and direct supervision of a Florida embalmer; supervisor named in application.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

limited license for retired professionals during times of critical need

Retired professional licence restricted to emergency service.

Licensing authority: department of financial services, division of funeral, cemetery and consumer services · Application information

Limited emergency licence for retired professional
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Prescribed application and notarized affidavit agreeing to limited practice restrictions.
Emergency
Effective only during Governor or federal declared emergency and lawful extensions; work for Chapter 497 licensed entity.
Prior Licensure
At least ten years licensed in the relevant profession in a United States jurisdiction; retired from practice.
Restrictions
No preneed sales; subject to disciplinary review and applicable supervision and practice rules.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Embalmer — Provisional License

Supervised provisional form pending permanent professional licensure.

Licensing authority: department of financial services · Application information

Initial provisional licence after internship
Duration
Six months, renewable once for six months.
Exam Timing
The licence permits supervised work while awaiting or trying to pass the Florida examination; passing it is not a prerequisite to the initial temporary/provisional grant.
Internship
Required one-year internship completed.
Law Score
Pass Florida Law & Rules Exam at 75% or more; Rule 69K-16.0001(4) accepts a passing score only within 24 months before the pending application is received.
National Score
Pending permanent examination application carries the NBE examinations listed for that profession.
Pending Application
Already applied for permanent licensure by internship and examination and approved to take Florida Law & Rules Exam.
Practice
Work in a licensed funeral establishment under a fully licensed supervisor in the same profession.
One time supervised licence renewal
Florida Law & Rules Exam
Duration
Six months, renewable once for six months.
Exam Timing
The licence permits supervised work while awaiting or trying to pass the Florida examination; passing it is not a prerequisite to the initial temporary/provisional grant.
Internship
Required one-year internship completed.
Law Score
Pass Florida Law & Rules Exam at 75% or more; Rule 69K-16.0001(4) accepts a passing score only within 24 months before the pending application is received.
National Score
Pending permanent examination application carries the NBE examinations listed for that profession.
Pending Application
Already applied for permanent licensure by internship and examination and approved to take Florida Law & Rules Exam.
Practice
Work in a licensed funeral establishment under a fully licensed supervisor in the same profession.
Renewal
Only one renewal; applicant continues under supervision while trying to pass the pending Florida Law & Rules Exam. Existing national-exam eligibility is carried by the permanent-application conditions, not newly imposed by this renewal.

embalmer temporary license

Supervised temporary form pending permanent professional licensure.

Licensing authority: department of financial services · Application information

Temporary licence pending endorsement — equivalent

All of the following:

Duration
Expires 60 days after the next available laws-and-rules examination; renewable once under the same conditions. The Board form calls it a 60-day licence.
Endorsement Qualification
Qualify for equivalent endorsement, including good-standing licensure and required communicable-disease course.
Exam Timing
The licence permits supervised work while awaiting or trying to pass the Florida examination; passing it is not a prerequisite to the initial temporary/provisional grant.
Law Score
Pass Florida Law & Rules Exam at 75% or more; Rule 69K-16.0001(4) accepts a passing score only within 24 months before the pending application is received.
Pending Application
Already applied for permanent licensure by endorsement and approved to take Florida Law & Rules Exam.
Practice
Work in a licensed funeral establishment under a fully licensed supervisor in the same profession.
Temporary licence pending endorsement — five years
Florida Law & Rules Exam
Duration
Expires 60 days after the next available laws-and-rules examination; renewable once under the same conditions. The Board form calls it a 60-day licence.
Endorsement Qualification
Qualify for five years endorsement, including good-standing licensure and required communicable-disease course.
Exam Timing
The licence permits supervised work while awaiting or trying to pass the Florida examination; passing it is not a prerequisite to the initial temporary/provisional grant.
Law Score
Pass Florida Law & Rules Exam at 75% or more; Rule 69K-16.0001(4) accepts a passing score only within 24 months before the pending application is received.
Pending Application
Already applied for permanent licensure by endorsement and approved to take Florida Law & Rules Exam.
Practice
Work in a licensed funeral establishment under a fully licensed supervisor in the same profession.
One time supervised licence renewal
Florida Law & Rules Exam
Duration
Expires 60 days after the next available laws-and-rules examination; renewable once under the same conditions. The Board form calls it a 60-day licence.
Exam Timing
The licence permits supervised work while awaiting or trying to pass the Florida examination; passing it is not a prerequisite to the initial temporary/provisional grant.
Law Score
Pass Florida Law & Rules Exam at 75% or more; Rule 69K-16.0001(4) accepts a passing score only within 24 months before the pending application is received.
Pending Application
Already applied for permanent licensure by endorsement and approved to take Florida Law & Rules Exam.
Practice
Work in a licensed funeral establishment under a fully licensed supervisor in the same profession.
Renewal
Only one renewal; applicant continues under supervision while trying to pass the pending Florida Law & Rules Exam. Existing national-exam eligibility is carried by the permanent-application conditions, not newly imposed by this renewal.

Funeral Director

Individual professional licence for funeral director.

Licensing authority: Florida Board of Funeral, Cemetery, and Consumer Services / Department of Financial Services · Application information

Restore delinquent licence within the available cycle
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Complete active/inactive renewal application, pay status, delinquency and processing fees, and meet continuing education if active status elected.
Period
Apply within the applicable licensure cycle before the licence becomes null.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

  • chapter-17.doc

    Rule 69K-17.0027 — complete delinquency restoration criteria

Endorsement based on equivalent qualifications and examination

All of the following:

Character
Disclose criminal and adverse licensing history; submit fingerprints; Board must determine good character and trustworthiness.
Communicable Disease
Complete a Board-approved communicable-disease course; Board instructions specify two hours.
Education
Embalmer: satisfy § 497.368 qualifications. Funeral director: qualifying accredited mortuary-science diploma or certificate may substitute for the associate degree.
Equivalent Exam
A substantially equivalent or more stringent state, regional or national examination is accepted; another state's own examination is an applicant condition, never a Florida leaf.
Experience
Embalmer: one year of licensed practice in another state substitutes for the internship. Funeral director: satisfy the § 497.373 qualifications and equivalent examination pathway, subject to § 497.374(1)(b)2 educational exception.
Law Score
Pass Florida Law & Rules Exam at 75% or more; Rule 69K-16.0001(4) accepts a passing score only within 24 months before the pending application is received.
National Scores
The Board names NBE-Sciences for embalmer endorsement and NBE-Arts for funeral director endorsement; at least 75% is required.
Out Of State License
Hold a current valid licence in good standing in another United States jurisdiction.
Pending Proceedings
No issuance while investigation or prosecution for acts violating Chapter 497 remains pending.
Endorsement based on five years of licensed practice
Florida Law & Rules Exam
Board National Score Request
The Board implementing instructions still state: C. Provide the Division with an official copy of the National Board Scores from the International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards (479-442-7076), showing a score of 75% or higher the Arts section. This request is recorded as a condition under the higher-ranking statutory testing exemption.
Character
Disclose criminal and adverse licensing history; submit fingerprints; Board must determine good character and trustworthiness.
Communicable Disease
Complete a Board-approved communicable-disease course; Board instructions specify two hours.
Experience
At least five years of full-time licensed practice in that state.
Law Score
Pass Florida Law & Rules Exam at 75% or more; Rule 69K-16.0001(4) accepts a passing score only within 24 months before the pending application is received.
Out Of State License
Hold a current valid licence in good standing in another United States jurisdiction.
Pending Proceedings
No issuance while investigation or prosecution for acts violating Chapter 497 remains pending.
Statutory Exemption
Under § 497.374(4), as amended effective July 1, 2026, the five-year route has no other education or testing requirement.
Licensure by internship and examination
Age
At least 18 years old and a high-school graduate or equivalent.
Application
File the prescribed application and pay applicable fees; statutory military fee exemptions apply.
Board Arts Only Instruction
The Board internship eligibility instructions state: If you are applying for a funeral director license only you are required to take the arts section only and if you are applying for an embalmer license only you are required to take the science section only.. Rule 69K-16.002(2), which outranks implementing instructions, expressly names Arts and Sciences; both registered examinations are retained.
Character
Disclose criminal and adverse licensing history; submit fingerprints; Board must determine good character and trustworthiness.
Communicable Disease
Complete a Board-approved communicable-disease course; Board instructions specify two hours.
Education
Meet the degree and approved mortuary-science or funeral-service-arts course alternatives in § 497.373(1)(d); combination licence also meets embalmer qualifications.
Internship
Complete one year of substantially full-time approved supervised internship; combination internships may be concurrent. All supervisor reports must be received before permanent licensure.
Law Score
Pass Florida Law & Rules Exam at 75% or more; Rule 69K-16.0001(4) accepts a passing score only within 24 months before the pending application is received.
National Scores
Score at least 75% on each listed National Board examination.
Election or renewal of inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
At licence renewal file complete inactive-status application and pay required inactive fees.
Practice
No professional practice under inactive status.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure based on military issued credentials and experience

All of the following:

Alternative Other State Exam
Rule 69K-25.0025 accepts the relevant other-state licensing examination instead of the named NBE examination; this is an applicant condition, not a Florida examination leaf.
Education
Meet the applicable degree/course requirements in Rule 69K-25.0025 for the profession; direct disposers submit a high-school diploma/GED and college-level mortuary law and ethics courses.
Embalmer License
Applies only when seeking embalmer licensure.
Law Score
Pass Florida Law & Rules Exam at 75% or more; Rule 69K-16.0001(4) accepts a passing score only within 24 months before the pending application is received.
Military Duties
Military member or veteran whose appointed duties were mortician or mortuary specialist; submit military-issued credentials and proof of duties and military status.
National Score
For the named NBE alternatives, submit proof of a score of at least 75%.
New licensure after delinquent licence becomes null
Age
At least 18 years old and a high-school graduate or equivalent.
Application
File the prescribed application and pay applicable fees; statutory military fee exemptions apply.
Board Arts Only Instruction
The Board internship eligibility instructions state: If you are applying for a funeral director license only you are required to take the arts section only and if you are applying for an embalmer license only you are required to take the science section only.. Rule 69K-16.002(2), which outranks implementing instructions, expressly names Arts and Sciences; both registered examinations are retained.
Character
Disclose criminal and adverse licensing history; submit fingerprints; Board must determine good character and trustworthiness.
Communicable Disease
Complete a Board-approved communicable-disease course; Board instructions specify two hours.
Education
Meet the degree and approved mortuary-science or funeral-service-arts course alternatives in § 497.373(1)(d); combination licence also meets embalmer qualifications.
Internship
Complete one year of substantially full-time approved supervised internship; combination internships may be concurrent. All supervisor reports must be received before permanent licensure.
Law Score
Pass Florida Law & Rules Exam at 75% or more; Rule 69K-16.0001(4) accepts a passing score only within 24 months before the pending application is received.
National Scores
Score at least 75% on each listed National Board examination.
Prior Status
Prior delinquent licence became null after the statutory cycle; § 497.365(6) requires a new application meeting all new-licensure requirements. Endorsement remains available when its independent conditions are met.
Reactivation after no more than four years inactive
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Education
Complete required continuing education for all inactive/delinquent periods and applicable profession-specific subjects.
Fees
Pay applicable active, reactivation and processing fees and submit complete application.
Inactive Period
No more than two consecutive biennial cycles inactive.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Biennial active licence renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Six hours for direct disposers; twelve hours for embalmers, funeral directors and combination licensees, including at least one communicable-disease hour; applicable initial-cycle and statutory age/Board waivers preserved.
Military Exemptions
Section 497.168 and Rule 69K-25.0025(4) preserve active-duty and qualifying absent-spouse renewal exemptions.
Renewal
Apply biennially and pay applicable renewal/unlicensed-activity fees.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Funeral Director Intern

Supervised training licence for funeral director intern.

Licensing authority: Florida Board of Funeral, Cemetery, and Consumer Services / Department of Financial Services · Application information

Internship renewal while awaiting permanent licensure examination results
Eligibility
Completed all permanent-licensure requirements and awaiting licensure examination results; renewal is by Board approval, with the same one-year limits and no prior study renewal.
Exam Timing
The current examinations taken toward permanent licensure are retained even though results, rather than another sitting, are pending.
Supervision
Continue supervised internship; statutory combination renewal and older embalmer-portion limitation are subject to the governing statute.
Continue internship under general supervision after examination
Florida Law & Rules Exam
Education
Complete the applicable approved course or degree before shifting to general supervision.
Law Score
Pass Florida Law & Rules Exam at 75% or more; Rule 69K-16.0001(4) accepts a passing score only within 24 months before the pending application is received.
Regulatory Restriction
Rule 69K-18.002(8)(b) limits the funeral-director shift to interns originally admitted through the student pathway; § 497.375(1)(d) supplies the controlling statutory criteria.
Supervisor Certification
After six months of direct supervision, funeral director in charge certifies competence to complete internship under general supervision.
Initial internship — graduate
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Character
Disclose criminal and adverse licensing history; submit fingerprints; Board must determine good character and trustworthiness.
Communicable Disease
Complete a Board-approved communicable-disease course; Board instructions specify two hours.
Education
Completed the applicable approved mortuary-science or funeral-service-arts education.
Supervision
Direct supervision by appropriately licensed professionals at the named approved training establishment; name supervisor and establishment in application.
Term
One year, with statutory extensions or renewals; quarterly reports are required.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Internship renewal because of illness, injury or substantial hardship
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Duration
One additional year; renewal application before expiration and not before the tenth month.
Hardship
Failure to complete internship due to illness, personal injury or substantial hardship beyond reasonable control; Board approval required.
Prior Renewal
Funeral director who renewed to continue coursework cannot also renew under the hardship provision. Combination embalmer portion is separately limited by Rule 69K-18.003(3)(d).
Supervision
Continue the existing direct or approved general supervision.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement of suspended internship after enrolment hardship
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Hardship
Demonstrate termination of enrolment or attendance due to illness, personal injury or other substantial hardship beyond reasonable control.
Petition
Petition the Board; resume approved course and supervised internship.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

  • chapter-18.doc

    Rule 69K-18.002(3)(e)3 — suspended internship reinstatement

Initial internship — student
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Character
Disclose criminal and adverse licensing history; submit fingerprints; Board must determine good character and trustworthiness.
Communicable Disease
Complete a Board-approved communicable-disease course; Board instructions specify two hours.
Conflicting Older Rule
The January 26, 2025 internship rules retain older educational conditions. The July 1, 2026 statute controls: § 497.375 no longer requires the removed law/ethics course prerequisite; § 497.377 allows its current alternative degree/enrolment qualifications.
Education
Funeral-director intern: associate degree or higher in any field and enrolled in approved mortuary-science or funeral-service-arts study. Combination intern: § 497.377(2)(a) permits an associate degree or higher in any field OR current enrolment in ABFSE-accredited mortuary-science study.
Supervision
Direct supervision by appropriately licensed professionals at the named approved training establishment; name supervisor and establishment in application.
Term
One year, with statutory extensions or renewals; quarterly reports are required.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Internship renewal to continue course of study
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Duration
One additional year; apply before expiration, no earlier than the tenth month; only one renewal.
Education
Initially admitted through student pathway; remain enrolled and attending; FDIC verifies completion of at least half the course.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Limited Funeral Director License for Times of Critical Need

Retired professional licence restricted to emergency service.

Licensing authority: department of financial services, division of funeral, cemetery and consumer services · Application information

Limited emergency licence for retired professional
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Prescribed application and notarized affidavit agreeing to limited practice restrictions.
Emergency
Effective only during Governor or federal declared emergency and lawful extensions; work for Chapter 497 licensed entity.
Prior Licensure
At least ten years licensed in the relevant profession in a United States jurisdiction; retired from practice.
Restrictions
No preneed sales; subject to disciplinary review and applicable supervision and practice rules.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Funeral Director — Provisional License

Supervised provisional form pending permanent professional licensure.

Licensing authority: Florida Board of Funeral, Cemetery, and Consumer Services / Department of Financial Services · Application information

Initial provisional licence after internship
Duration
Six months, renewable once for six months.
Exam Timing
The licence permits supervised work while awaiting or trying to pass the Florida examination; passing it is not a prerequisite to the initial temporary/provisional grant.
Internship
Required one-year internship completed.
Law Score
Pass Florida Law & Rules Exam at 75% or more; Rule 69K-16.0001(4) accepts a passing score only within 24 months before the pending application is received.
National Score
Pending permanent examination application carries the NBE examinations listed for that profession.
Pending Application
Already applied for permanent licensure by internship and examination and approved to take Florida Law & Rules Exam.
Practice
Work in a licensed funeral establishment under a fully licensed supervisor in the same profession.
One time supervised licence renewal
Florida Law & Rules Exam
Duration
Six months, renewable once for six months.
Exam Timing
The licence permits supervised work while awaiting or trying to pass the Florida examination; passing it is not a prerequisite to the initial temporary/provisional grant.
Internship
Required one-year internship completed.
Law Score
Pass Florida Law & Rules Exam at 75% or more; Rule 69K-16.0001(4) accepts a passing score only within 24 months before the pending application is received.
National Score
Pending permanent examination application carries the NBE examinations listed for that profession.
Pending Application
Already applied for permanent licensure by internship and examination and approved to take Florida Law & Rules Exam.
Practice
Work in a licensed funeral establishment under a fully licensed supervisor in the same profession.
Renewal
Only one renewal; applicant continues under supervision while trying to pass the pending Florida Law & Rules Exam. Existing national-exam eligibility is carried by the permanent-application conditions, not newly imposed by this renewal.

temporary funeral director

Supervised temporary form pending permanent professional licensure.

Licensing authority: department of financial services division of funeral, cemetery & consumer services · Application information

Temporary licence pending endorsement — equivalent

All of the following:

Duration
Expires 60 days after the next available laws-and-rules examination; renewable once under the same conditions. The Board form calls it a 60-day licence.
Endorsement Qualification
Qualify for equivalent endorsement, including good-standing licensure and required communicable-disease course.
Exam Timing
The licence permits supervised work while awaiting or trying to pass the Florida examination; passing it is not a prerequisite to the initial temporary/provisional grant.
Law Score
Pass Florida Law & Rules Exam at 75% or more; Rule 69K-16.0001(4) accepts a passing score only within 24 months before the pending application is received.
Pending Application
Already applied for permanent licensure by endorsement and approved to take Florida Law & Rules Exam.
Practice
Work in a licensed funeral establishment under a fully licensed supervisor in the same profession.
Temporary licence pending endorsement — five years
Florida Law & Rules Exam
Duration
Expires 60 days after the next available laws-and-rules examination; renewable once under the same conditions. The Board form calls it a 60-day licence.
Endorsement Qualification
Qualify for five years endorsement, including good-standing licensure and required communicable-disease course.
Exam Timing
The licence permits supervised work while awaiting or trying to pass the Florida examination; passing it is not a prerequisite to the initial temporary/provisional grant.
Law Score
Pass Florida Law & Rules Exam at 75% or more; Rule 69K-16.0001(4) accepts a passing score only within 24 months before the pending application is received.
Pending Application
Already applied for permanent licensure by endorsement and approved to take Florida Law & Rules Exam.
Practice
Work in a licensed funeral establishment under a fully licensed supervisor in the same profession.
One time supervised licence renewal
Florida Law & Rules Exam
Duration
Expires 60 days after the next available laws-and-rules examination; renewable once under the same conditions. The Board form calls it a 60-day licence.
Exam Timing
The licence permits supervised work while awaiting or trying to pass the Florida examination; passing it is not a prerequisite to the initial temporary/provisional grant.
Law Score
Pass Florida Law & Rules Exam at 75% or more; Rule 69K-16.0001(4) accepts a passing score only within 24 months before the pending application is received.
Pending Application
Already applied for permanent licensure by endorsement and approved to take Florida Law & Rules Exam.
Practice
Work in a licensed funeral establishment under a fully licensed supervisor in the same profession.
Renewal
Only one renewal; applicant continues under supervision while trying to pass the pending Florida Law & Rules Exam. Existing national-exam eligibility is carried by the permanent-application conditions, not newly imposed by this renewal.

Funeral Establishment License

Business licensure for funeral establishment; professional licences of employees/person in charge are separate applicant conditions.

Licensing authority: board of funeral, cemetery, and consumer services · Application information

Initial business/facility licensure
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
File prescribed application and fees; disclose owners, principals, criminal/adverse history and fingerprints as required.
Inspection
Pass the applicable prelicensure inspection and meet the facility, equipment, local-permit and operating standards.
Location
Each licensed business location is separately licensed.
Person In Charge
Identify the required licensed professional or manager; an existing professional licence is an applicant condition, not an examination leaf of the business licence.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Relicensure or approval after change in ownership/control
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
File prescribed application and fees; disclose owners, principals, criminal/adverse history and fingerprints as required.
Change
Promptly report change in ownership/control; obtain approval or relicensure, inspection and pay applicable fees.
Inspection
Pass the applicable prelicensure inspection and meet the facility, equipment, local-permit and operating standards.
Location
Each licensed business location is separately licensed.
Person In Charge
Identify the required licensed professional or manager; an existing professional licence is an applicant condition, not an examination leaf of the business licence.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Relicensure or approval after change in business location
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
File prescribed application and fees; disclose owners, principals, criminal/adverse history and fingerprints as required.
Change
Report relocation and obtain required relicensure/inspection before operations at new location.
Inspection
Pass the applicable prelicensure inspection and meet the facility, equipment, local-permit and operating standards.
Location
Each licensed business location is separately licensed.
Person In Charge
Identify the required licensed professional or manager; an existing professional licence is an applicant condition, not an examination leaf of the business licence.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Biennial business/facility licence renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
File prescribed application and fees; disclose owners, principals, criminal/adverse history and fingerprints as required.
Inspection
Pass the applicable prelicensure inspection and meet the facility, equipment, local-permit and operating standards.
Location
Each licensed business location is separately licensed.
Person In Charge
Identify the required licensed professional or manager; an existing professional licence is an applicant condition, not an examination leaf of the business licence.
Renewal
Renew biennially with required fees, inspection and applicable reporting.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Refrigeration Facility License

Business licensure for a refrigeration service, requiring application, fees, a manager in charge, and inspection, with biennial renewal.

Licensing authority: Florida Board of Funeral, Cemetery, and Consumer Services / Department of Financial Services · Application information

Initial business/facility licensure
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
File prescribed application and fees; disclose owners, principals, criminal/adverse history and fingerprints as required.
Inspection
Pass the applicable prelicensure inspection and meet the facility, equipment, local-permit and operating standards.
Location
Each licensed business location is separately licensed.
Person In Charge
Identify the required licensed professional or manager; an existing professional licence is an applicant condition, not an examination leaf of the business licence.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Relicensure or approval after change in ownership/control
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
File prescribed application and fees; disclose owners, principals, criminal/adverse history and fingerprints as required.
Change
Promptly report change in ownership/control; obtain approval or relicensure, inspection and pay applicable fees.
Inspection
Pass the applicable prelicensure inspection and meet the facility, equipment, local-permit and operating standards.
Location
Each licensed business location is separately licensed.
Person In Charge
Identify the required licensed professional or manager; an existing professional licence is an applicant condition, not an examination leaf of the business licence.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Relicensure or approval after change in business location
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
File prescribed application and fees; disclose owners, principals, criminal/adverse history and fingerprints as required.
Change
Report relocation and obtain required relicensure/inspection before operations at new location.
Inspection
Pass the applicable prelicensure inspection and meet the facility, equipment, local-permit and operating standards.
Location
Each licensed business location is separately licensed.
Person In Charge
Identify the required licensed professional or manager; an existing professional licence is an applicant condition, not an examination leaf of the business licence.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Biennial business/facility licence renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
File prescribed application and fees; disclose owners, principals, criminal/adverse history and fingerprints as required.
Inspection
Pass the applicable prelicensure inspection and meet the facility, equipment, local-permit and operating standards.
Location
Each licensed business location is separately licensed.
Person In Charge
Identify the required licensed professional or manager; an existing professional licence is an applicant condition, not an examination leaf of the business licence.
Renewal
Renew biennially with required fees, inspection and applicable reporting.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Removal Service License

Business licensure for a removal service, requiring an application, fees, owner and manager information, local permits, criminal-record disclosure, fingerprints, and inspection.

Licensing authority: Florida Board of Funeral, Cemetery, and Consumer Services / Department of Financial Services · Application information

Initial business/facility licensure
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
File prescribed application and fees; disclose owners, principals, criminal/adverse history and fingerprints as required.
Inspection
Pass the applicable prelicensure inspection and meet the facility, equipment, local-permit and operating standards.
Location
Each licensed business location is separately licensed.
Person In Charge
Identify the required licensed professional or manager; an existing professional licence is an applicant condition, not an examination leaf of the business licence.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Relicensure or approval after change in ownership/control
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
File prescribed application and fees; disclose owners, principals, criminal/adverse history and fingerprints as required.
Change
Promptly report change in ownership/control; obtain approval or relicensure, inspection and pay applicable fees.
Inspection
Pass the applicable prelicensure inspection and meet the facility, equipment, local-permit and operating standards.
Location
Each licensed business location is separately licensed.
Person In Charge
Identify the required licensed professional or manager; an existing professional licence is an applicant condition, not an examination leaf of the business licence.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Relicensure or approval after change in business location
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
File prescribed application and fees; disclose owners, principals, criminal/adverse history and fingerprints as required.
Change
Report relocation and obtain required relicensure/inspection before operations at new location.
Inspection
Pass the applicable prelicensure inspection and meet the facility, equipment, local-permit and operating standards.
Location
Each licensed business location is separately licensed.
Person In Charge
Identify the required licensed professional or manager; an existing professional licence is an applicant condition, not an examination leaf of the business licence.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Biennial business/facility licence renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
File prescribed application and fees; disclose owners, principals, criminal/adverse history and fingerprints as required.
Inspection
Pass the applicable prelicensure inspection and meet the facility, equipment, local-permit and operating standards.
Location
Each licensed business location is separately licensed.
Person In Charge
Identify the required licensed professional or manager; an existing professional licence is an applicant condition, not an examination leaf of the business licence.
Renewal
Renew biennially with required fees, inspection and applicable reporting.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Florida Law & Rules Exam

Examination outline
  • I. Federal Laws (4-6%)
  • II. Disposition (10-16%)
  • III. Offenses (8-16%)
  • IV. Practice Law (40-50%)
  • V. Pre-need Contracts (16-20%)
  • VI. Vital Statistics (10-16%)
  • VII. Medical Examiner (4-6%)
Examination sources

National Board Exam Arts

Provider
The International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards (The Conference); computer-based exam administered by Pearson at Pearson Professional Centers
Format
Computer-based multiple-choice examination, administered, paid for, scheduled and scored separately from the NBE-Sciences section; a basic calculator is built into the exam software
Exam questions
170 multiple-choice questions: 150 scored and 20 non-scored pretest questions
Time limit
170 minutes for the exam (the appointment also includes a 3-minute non-disclosure agreement, a 3-minute release-of-results screen and a 7-minute tutorial)
Passing score
Scaled score of 75 (pass/fail)
Exam fee
$285 per section
Examination outline
  • I. Funeral Arranging and Directing (51 of 150 scored items; 34% of the NBE-Arts blueprint) (34%)
  • II. Funeral Service Marketing/Merchandising (21 of 150 scored items; 14% of the NBE-Arts blueprint) (14%)
  • III. Funeral Service Counseling (19 of 150 scored items; 13% of the NBE-Arts blueprint) (13%)
  • IV. Legal and Regulatory Compliance (35 of 150 scored items; 23% of the NBE-Arts blueprint) (23%)
  • V. Cemetery/Crematory/Other Dispositions (24 of 150 scored items; 16% of the NBE-Arts blueprint) (16%)
Examination sources

National Board Exam Sciences

Provider
The International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards (The Conference); computer-based exam administered by Pearson at Pearson Professional Centers
Format
Computer-based multiple-choice examination, administered, paid for, scheduled and scored separately from the NBE-Arts section; a basic calculator is built into the exam software
Exam questions
170 multiple-choice questions: 150 scored and 20 non-scored pretest questions
Time limit
170 minutes for the exam (the appointment also includes a 3-minute non-disclosure agreement, a 3-minute release-of-results screen and a 7-minute tutorial)
Passing score
Scaled score of 75 (pass/fail)
Exam fee
$285 per section
Examination outline
  • I. Embalming (62 of 150 scored items; 41% of the NBE-Sciences blueprint) (41%)
  • II. Restorative Art (34 of 150 scored items; 23% of the NBE-Sciences blueprint) (23%)
  • III. Other Preparation of the Deceased (28 of 150 scored items; 19% of the NBE-Sciences blueprint) (19%)
  • IV. Funeral Service Sciences (26 of 150 scored items; 17% of the NBE-Sciences blueprint) (17%)
Examination sources