We are vetting licensed captains and vessels in Jacksonville now. Tell us your preferred date and we will contact you as soon as a captain is available, or choose a nearby city with boats today.
What to expect in Jacksonville
Your captain meets your group at the dock, takes you to the scattering spot, and gives you time for words, music, flowers or silence. Afterward, the captain records the coordinates of the scattering so your family always knows where it took place. Biodegradable urns and flowers can be ordered from our memorial store and delivered before your service.
Scattering rules in Jacksonville
Captain license
Not required
Inside Jacksonville waters
Not settled
St. Johns River / Intracoastal; Atlantic Ocean via St. Johns River entrance (Mayport)
Ocean
3+ nautical miles from land
Federal rule. Report to the EPA within 30 days.
From downtown Jacksonville it is roughly 20 nm down the St. Johns River to the jetties at Mayport, then 3 nm offshore (estimate); from Mayport-area marinas about 4-5 nm. Naval Station Mayport and the Port of Jacksonville have Coast Guard security zones near the river mouth. The St. Johns becomes fresh water upstream (state says no ashes in fresh water); the lower river is brackish inside water with no clear rule.
Full Florida guide: permits, paperwork and sourcesLast checked October 15, 2026. A summary, not legal advice.
Questions families ask about Jacksonville
Are there burial at sea boats in Jacksonville?
We are vetting licensed, insured captains in Jacksonville, FL now. Tell us your preferred date through the contact page and we will reach out as soon as a captain is available, or choose a nearby city with boats today.
How far out do boats go for a burial at sea from Jacksonville?
In the ocean, ashes are scattered at least 3 nautical miles from land under the federal EPA rule, at any depth. From Jacksonville, boats head out to the Atlantic Ocean via St. Johns River entrance (Mayport). No permit is needed in advance; the captain reports the scattering to the EPA within 30 days.
Can ashes be scattered in the bay or harbor at Jacksonville?
Bays, harbors and rivers are inside waters, so the federal ocean rule does not cover them, and Florida has no clear rule for scattering there. That is why captains hold the ceremony out in the open ocean, where the rule is clear.
What do I need to bring for a burial at sea in Florida?
The ashes and, if you have it, the cremation certificate from your funeral home or crematory. In the Florida Keys, a free marine sanctuary permit is part of the service; your captain can tell you more. Your captain will confirm anything else they need before the day.
What can we put in the water with the ashes?
Only things that break down naturally: the ashes, loose flowers or petals, and a biodegradable water urn if you would like one. No plastic, balloons, wreath frames or glass. Biodegradable urns and flowers can be ordered from our memorial store before your service.
How do I book a burial at sea in Jacksonville?
Contact us with your preferred date and group size and we will let you know as soon as a captain in Jacksonville is available. Nearby cities with boats are listed above.