Each
county in Florida is mandated by the state through Chapter 245 of the Florida
State Statutes to dispose of any unclaimed bodies of persons that die within the
confines of their county. Lee
County performs this function through the Indigent Burial/Cremation Program
administered by the Lee County Department of Human Services, 239-533-7930.
This
program does not assist with funeral expenses.
A local funeral home and cemetery are under contract with the Department
to provide direct burial or cremation only.
There is no viewing at the funeral home and no service at the funeral
home or a church.
Cremation
requires either the signature of a next-of-kin or a document (such as a will)
signed by the deceased.
Veterans
may be eligible for burial or internment in the national cemetery in Bushnell,
Florida.