The Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) Funeral Rule requires all funeral providers to give information to consumers to help them choose the services and products they want for their deceased relative or friend. Funeral providers must give you a general price of products and services when you ask in person about funeral arrangements and you have the right to keep this list. Furthermore, funeral providers must make price information available over the phone upon request. The funeral provider must give you any other information that is reasonably needed to select the funeral provider and funeral items you want, need, and are able to afford.
If the funeral provider charges a fee for buying "cash advance items," this must be disclosed to you in writing. Cash advance items are those goods and services paid for by the funeral provider on your behalf, such as cemetery plots, flowers, obituary notices, and clergy honoraria. You must also be notified if a service fee is added to the price of cash advance items, and if the funeral provider gets a refund, discount or rebate from the supplier of any cash advance item.
The Florida Prearranged Funeral Contract with Statutory Disclosures is a legal agreement that allows individuals to plan and prepay for their funeral arrangements in advance. It is designed to protect the rights and interests of consumers who wish to ensure that their final wishes are followed. This contract is governed by Florida Statutes Chapter 497, which outlines the various rules and regulations that funeral establishments and funeral directors must adhere to. The statutes require funeral service providers to disclose certain information to consumers who enter into a prearranged funeral contract, ensuring transparency and consumer protection. The Florida Prearranged Funeral Contract with Statutory Disclosures typically includes the following key details and provisions: 1. Identification: The contract will identify the funeral establishment, the consumer, and any additional parties involved in the contract. 2. Detailed Funeral Information: The contract will include a thorough description of the funeral goods and services that the consumer has selected, such as burial or cremation, type of casket or urn, embalming, transportation, viewing or visitation arrangements, and any other specific preferences. 3. Itemized Pricing: The contract will provide a comprehensive list of all the goods and services selected, along with their individual prices. This ensures transparency and allows the consumer to understand the cost breakdown. 4. Payment Terms: The contract will outline the payment terms, including the total cost, method of payment, and any applicable financing or insurance arrangements. Consumers have the option to pay the entire amount upfront or choose a payment plan. 5. Trust or Insurance Options: The contract will explain the options available for prepaying the funeral expenses. This may include establishing a trust account or purchasing a life insurance policy designated to cover funeral costs. 6. Right to Cancel: The contract will inform consumers about their right to cancel the agreement within a specified timeframe, usually ten days, without penalty. This provision allows individuals to change their minds or reconsider their choices. 7. Disclosures: The contract will include the statutory disclosures required by Florida law. These disclosures ensure that consumers are informed about their rights, the responsibilities of the funeral establishment, and potential risks associated with prearranged funeral contracts. It is important to note that there are different types of Florida Prearranged Funeral Contracts with Statutory Disclosures to cater to various preferences and financial situations. Some specific types include: 1. Revocable Contracts: These contracts allow consumers to make changes or cancel the agreement at any time. 2. Irrevocable Contracts: These contracts are more restrictive, as changes or cancellation can only be made under specific circumstances. 3. Guaranteed Price Contracts: These contracts guarantee that the price of the funeral goods and services will not increase, even if costs rise in the future. 4. Nonguaranteed Price Contracts: These contracts do not offer price guarantees, meaning the consumer may be responsible for additional costs if prices increase. In summary, the Florida Prearranged Funeral Contract with Statutory Disclosures is a legally binding agreement that allows individuals in Florida to plan and prepay for their funeral arrangements. It ensures transparency, consumer protection, and compliance with the regulations outlined in the Florida Statutes Chapter 497. With various types of contracts available, individuals can choose the option that best suits their preferences and financial circumstances.
