embalming

Embalming is the process of preserving a body after death through the removal of existing body fluids and the introduction of chemical solutions. The process preserves the body temporarily to allow for a funeral and burial. Federal law does not require embalming, refrigeration, or other preservation methods, but state and local governments may have requirements in some circumstances.

The FTC Funeral Rule has multiple guidelines that must be followed for embalming. The Rule requires that funeral providers inform of pricing of embalming and receive approval by the family unless in limited circumstances. Further, the funeral provider must inform the client if embalming is not legally required, and if state and local laws require embalming under the circumstances, the law must be cited in the pricing list given to the client. 

Many state and local regulations require that embalming or refrigeration be used if burials do not occur soon after death or if the body is to be transferred to other states. For example, Florida requires a body to be embalmed, refrigerated, or another approved preservation method if the body is held or in transit beyond 24 hours from death (see FLA. STAT. § 497.386(2) (West 2023)). States typically require embalming or other preservation methods to be followed when a person dies with a communicable disease. 

For more information on embalming requirements, see this FTC guide. 

[Last reviewed in September of 2023 by the Wex Definitions Team]

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