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What to expect in Fort Myers
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 Fort Myers
Captain license
Not required
Inside Fort Myers waters
Not settled
Caloosahatchee River; San Carlos Bay / Estero Bay; Gulf of Mexico off Sanibel or Fort Myers Beach
Ocean
3+ nautical miles from land
Federal rule. Report to the EPA within 30 days.
Shallow Gulf water is fine for ashes - EPA sets no depth rule for cremated remains, only the 3 nm distance from land (barrier islands count as land). From downtown Fort Myers it is roughly 15 nm down the Caloosahatchee to San Carlos Bay plus 3 nm offshore - about 18-20 nm (estimate). From Fort Myers Beach/Matanzas Pass it is about 4 nm. The Caloosahatchee upstream of the Franklin Lock is fresh water (state says no ashes in fresh water); lower river and bays are inside water with no clear rule.
Full Florida guide: permits, paperwork and sourcesLast checked October 15, 2026. A summary, not legal advice.