GENERAL INFORMATION
To schedule a burial: Fax all discharge documentation to the National Cemetery Scheduling Office at 1-866-900-6417 and follow-up with a phone call to
1-800-535-1117.
The new 313-acre South Florida National Cemetery will serve veterans’ needs for the next 50 years. The cemetery is located in Palm Beach County in Lake Worth on State Road 7/U.S. 441 just south of Lantana Road and north of Boynton Beach Boulevard.
Burial arrangements will be made after death, as with all national cemeteries. VA does not reserve grave space. Veterans or spouses wishing to be buried in national cemeteries should have the veteran’s military separation papers available to establish eligibility, which requires an other-than-dishonorable discharge. Dependent children may also be buried.
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HISTORICAL INFORMATION
South Florida National Cemetery is the fifth national cemetery built in Florida and the 125th in the national cemetery system.
Historically, the site of South Florida National Cemetery was used as farmland, as evidenced by the historic canal systems used to irrigate the property. Portions of the site were used for cattle grazing up until the time of its purchase by the National Cemetery Administration in 2002.
The development of Palm Beach County, and South Florida in general, was sparked by the investment in the local railroad system by Henry Morrison Flagler. An early partner of Standard Oil with John D. Rockefeller, Flagler left the company in the late 19th century, turning his attention to the creation of a continuous railway system down the east coast of Florida, stretching from Jacksonville to Key West. This railway was instrumental to the rapid growth of Palm Beach County in the 20th century.
South Florida National Cemetery opened for burials in 2007, and was formally dedicated on March 9, 2008.
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NOTABLE PERSONS
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FLORAL/GROUNDS POLICY
Fresh cut flowers may be placed on graves at any time. On the day of burial please limit one for cremation sites and three for casket sites.
The cemetery does not provide containers. However, bins are located near the administration office with recycled containers for your use.
Flowers and containers will be removed from graves when they become withered, faded or otherwise unsightly or to facilitate cemetery operations.
Potted plants are permitted on graves 10 days before through 10 days after Easter Sunday and Memorial Day.
During the Christmas season, wreaths, potted plants and artificial flowers are permitted from December 1 through January 20.
Unauthorized decorations including permanent plantings, statues, vigil lights, breakable objects of any kind, and similar commemorative items are not permitted at any time. Nothing is to be attached or placed on the headstone.
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