Legislative Lobbying at Florida’s State Capitol The Florida Funeral Directors Association maintains an active presence in Tallahassee with resources that include a full-time staff and a Tallahassee-based lobbyist. Support from our members has allowed FFDA to establish a Political Action Committee (FFD PAC) to support legislators around the state who believe in the funeral industry. Each year, members of FFDA meet in Tallahassee, Florida to visit the states’ capitol, meet with government officials and lobby bills affecting the funeral industry. In addition to lobbying efforts, FFDA also maintains strong a relationship with the funeral industry’s regulating body, the Funeral, Cemetery and Consumer Services. FFDA Board Members and staff attend State Board meetings and teleconferences on a regular basis in an effort to stay abreast of the latest regulatory changes and industry trends.

Need to contact a regulating agency? Board of Funeral, Cemetery and Consumer Services Federal Trade Commission Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) Florida Medical Examiners Commission Department of Children and Families Anatomical Board of the State of Florida Florida Vital Statistics

FFDA Foster Child Funeral Program Recognizing a need in our state, the FFDA entered into an agreement with the Florida Department of Children and Families to provide funeral arrangements for foster children. The plight of a foster child is tragic enough without the additional burden of funding for a funeral of one of these children. Foster children often have no permanent family involved and no resources to help, especially with financial matters. In 2000, a Senator approached FFDA with concerns about the lack of funding for funeral for foster children after a foster child died in his district. Shortly thereafter, the agreement between FFDA and DCF was negotiated. Since the Foster Child Funeral Program began, FFDA members have provided dignified, compassionate funerals to over 100 children. Many people in the community have expressed their appreciation, including Governor Jeb Bush, who said “I would like to take this opportunity to extend my heartfelt appreciation for the services provided by the Florida Funeral Directors Association’s Foster Child Funeral Program. FFDA saw a need to serve the most vulnerable members in our society and came forward to meet that need.” Mr John McCarthy, Executive Director of Child and Family Connections (the lead agency for community based care in Palm Beach County) has expressed his thanks and gratitude for this "important and critical service which is desperately needed during times of family tragedy that cause such an overwhelming sense of grief and loss.” To participate in the FFDA Foster Child Funeral Program, the DCF District Administrator should contact FFDA Executive Director Leigh Ann Bradley for a Foster Child Funeral Program Form. After completing the information requested and returning the form the Ms. Bradley, she will contact the FFDA District Director in the area where the death has occurred. The District Director either handles the funeral or calls around the district seeking assistance from FFDA members. In some cases race, religion or culture determines who is called upon for assistance.   Doug Stowell Funeral Service Scholarship Program The Florida Funeral Directors Association is committed to excellence in funeral service education. This scholarship award program has been established to support that commitment by providing scholarship funds that are awarded to qualified students of Mortuary Science Programs in an accredited Mortuary Science school who plan to serve the profession in the State of Florida. To download a PDF version of the Scholarship Application form, click here View 2009 Scholarship Winner   Florida Funeral Director Magazine Florida Funeral Director is the quarterly publication produced by the Florida Funeral Directors Association (FFDA). The magazine includes the latest information on licensing, regulatory and legislative issues, FFDA programs, federal concerns, human resources and marketing, and much more! A subscription to the Florida Funeral Director is included with membership. If you would like to subscribe to the FFDA magazine and are not a current member please email Keith@executiveoffice.org. Subscriptions are $30 per year. The magazine also offers a great opportunity for vendors to been seen by over 300 funeral directors in Florida. For more information on advertising in the Florida Funeral Director please call the FFDA office at 800/226-3332 or email Cara@executiveoffice.org. You can also download a copy of the 2009-2010 FFDA Media Kit by clicking here Download current issue

 

 

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