For the Future Funeral Directors of Florida:

Saddle Up for Success at the 2026 IFDF Annual Conference!

We're so excited to host another incredible Student Day at the 2026 IFDF Annual Conference and Trade Show sponsored by Argent Trust! Join us May 27 - 30, 2026  at the beautiful Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa in Palm Coast, FL.

What to Expect:

• Student Mixer: Meet folks from independents across the state (and beyond!), and make lasting connections with experienced industry professionals.
• Career Preparation: Get a professional head shot for LinkedIn, some interview preparation, and advice from those who have been in your shoes.
• & More: There are tons of other super fun learning experiences at the conference like the trade show, meals, etc. We can't wait to see you there!

Want to join us? Click below to learn more about the event and register to attend.

Learn More

We hear this question a lot! The answer is not simple, but you've come to the right place. As Florida's association for independent funeral directors, embalmers, crematory & cemetery firms, we have strong relationships with Florida's funeral industry regulatory board (check out the board members here!) AND with Florida's three (3) Funeral Services schools.

Below, we've added an easy-to-follow timeline of the Journey to Licensure and more in-depth information about licensure exams, internships, and schooling options for Florida's future funeral directors and embalmers. 

Step 1: Schooling

Florida is home to three (3) schools that offer funeral service degrees: Miami-Dade College, St. Petersburg College, and Florida State College at Jacksonville. Read more below about what each school has to offer.

Step 2: The Internship

The hardest step for most students is the timing of internships. While schooling prepares you for exams, your internships are what will truly prepare you to work in the funeral service industry, so choosing wisely is very important.  Below, we've added some great tools to help you secure a position, stay within state guidelines, and successfully complete your internship requirements.

THE IFDF JOB BOARD Sign up for our job board, add your  resume and credentials, search for internship openings, & apply!

REGISTERED TRAINING FACILITIES View a PDF of Florida's registered training facilities - these are the places already prepared to train interns.

APPRENTICE TRAINING LOG This state document must be completed and submitted by your supervisor quarterly for your internship to count.

After securing an internship position, you'll have to formally apply with Florida's CFO.  There are THREE (3) applications to choose from - Funeral Director internships, Embalming internships, or Concurrent internships.

Click here for more information about each or to download an application form.

Remember, you can only start your internship after completing 75% of your schooling, you must complete schooling before taking the National Board Exam, and you must pass the National Board Exam before applying to take the Florida State Licensing Exam.

Looking for Guidance? Sign up for the IFDF Continuing Vision Mentorship!

We are proudly partnering with our friend Jeff Holcomb at Continuing Vision to provide student members the opportunity to gain insight from the people who have been in your shoes. Work one-on-one with current funeral industry professionals as you navigate schooling and interning by applying today!

"This program is exactly what I needed first getting into the industry. The direct support you get from your individual mentor, as well as the indirect support you get from the other mentors, mentees, and Jeff, is so helpful. I couldn't recommend this program enough."

Keep a lookout for when their applications open! Each semester, they're looking for bright students and industry professionals to be mentors and mentees. Click below to learn more about this great program. 

Learn More

Step 3: Exams & Licensure

Congratulations! You've made it to the finish line: Here's how to tie up those loose ends so that you can become a fully fledged Funeral Director and/or Embalmer. In Florida, you'll have to take both the National Board Exam and  the Florida Rules & Law Exam. Then, you'll need to apply for your license based on whether you'd like to be a Funeral Director, Embalmer, or both.

Exams

We know how stressful exams can be, especially if you're still finishing up your internship. We've added everything you'll need in one place for easy access while you're finishing up your Journey to Licensure: exam links, study materials, & more!

THE national board exam Sign up to take your National Exam BEFORE applying for your Florida license.

FLORIDA EXAM PREP Place an order for study materials from the State of Florida to prep for the Florida Rules & Laws Exam.

Communicable Disease Course In Florida, you must complete a state-approved, 2-hour communicable disease course before applying for your license.

Background Check In Florida, you must complete a background check with fingerprinting before becoming licensed - click here for Florida's approved vendor.

FLORIDA ELIGIBILITY CHECKLIST Before applying to take the Florida exam and obtain your license, use this quick checklist to make sure you're eligible.

D.E.A.D  National Exam Prep  Check out this affordable and comprehensive exam preparation module!

Additionally, you'll need to submit your official transcripts and proof of your internship to the state before applying for your license. Let us know if you need any help with this step, as it's different for each school.

Licensure

Click below to download and complete your application for a license by internship and exam:

Once you've completed your application, you'll be notified that you're approved to take the Florida Rules & Law Exam - your last step. We can't wait for you to join us as a fully licensed member of IFDF!

Don't be afraid to ask for help!

If you ever feel stuck or in need of assistance, we are more than happy to aid in any Student Member's journey. 

Feel free to email any questions to our Student Liaison, Beatriz Cains, by clicking here.

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