Map view
What to expect in Safety Harbor
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 Safety Harbor
Captain license
Not required
Inside Safety Harbor waters
Not settled
Old Tampa Bay; Tampa Bay; Gulf of Mexico past Egmont Key
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). Safety Harbor is at the top of Old Tampa Bay: roughly 30-35 nm by water to the mouth of Tampa Bay plus 3 nm offshore (estimate). Many operators instead trailer or depart from Clearwater (about 4-5 nm to 3 nm offshore). Old Tampa Bay is inside water - no clear state rule.
Full Florida guide: permits, paperwork and sourcesLast checked October 15, 2026. A summary, not legal advice.