Base Services FAQs
Q. What is the difference between a lot and plot?
A lot is comprised of more than one plot, with a plot being defined as a parcel of land 5 feet by 10 feet designated for interment. Most lots are either 10 feet x 10 feet (two plots) or 20 feet x 20 feet (four plots).
Q. How many bodies can be placed in a single plot?
Only one body, or remains of one body may be placed in a single grave, vault or crypt, with the exception where two cremated bodies can be interred in one grave or one body and one cremated body
Q. What is the process for purchasing a plot(s)?
A member of the cemetery association will help you select the location within the cemetery and will complete a deed outlining your rights to be buried in that specific location. The deed will be signed and sealed with the original provided to the purchaser including a copy of the cemetery rules. Payment may be by check, cash or PayPal.
Q. Is there a discount for Floral City residents?
A 30% discount is given to Floral City residents, those residing in zip code of 34436.
Q. Can a plot be returned to the cemetery?
A. Plots may be returned to the cemetery for a refund of the original purchase price.
Q. How is the Interment Rights managed in a Family Plot?
Ownership provides the right of interment, for family plot one grave, niche or crypt may be used for the owner’s interment, one for the owner’s surviving spouse, if any, who by law has a vested right of interment in it; and those remaining, if any, the parents and children of the deceased owner, in order of death, may be interred without consent of any person claiming any interest in the plot.
Q. How is the Cemetery Care provided?
The cemetery care is by association only, which includes grading, landscaping work and improvements of any kind. An exception to this is that the owners can seed or sod their plots with Argentina Bahia. Any maintenance needs or questions can be directed to Hills Of Rest association toll free number (352) 269-6121 or HillsOfRestCemetery@gmail.com.
Q. Where can I get details on Monument specifications?
Only one headstone and one foot stone will be allowed per grave plot, the foot stone must be installed at ground level. If corner stones are installed, they too must also be at ground level. Any heads stone placed must be installed on a poured cement footing that is four inches deep, four inches wider than the base, or the head stone. Additional details regarding Monument specifications can be found in the Hills of Rest Bylaws, Rules and Limitations.
Q. Can I place flowers and other items on grave site?
All items and flower arrangements must be attached to the monument, the monument base or placed on concrete stones that have been provided for such use. All other items that interfere with the maintenance or upkeep of the cemetery will be removed.
Q. How do I get approval for a flower receptacle?
All flower receptacles to be place on any plot must be approved by the association and should be made of metal, approved size and design. For receptacles to be placed in the burial park, they shall be placed beneath the level of the land and may be purchased/installed by the association.
Columbarium FAQs
Purchasing a Niche
Q. How do I reserve a niche?
Complete a Right of Inurnment Application and submit it to the Cemetery Office with full payment.
Q. Does purchasing a niche mean I own property?
No. A niche purchase grants the right to use an inurnment space in the Columbarium. Ownership of the Columbarium and cemetery property remains with Hills of Rest Cemetery.
Q. Can I choose my niche location?
Yes. Available niches are selected on a first-come, first-served basis at the time of purchase.
Q. Can I transfer or sell my niche?
No. Niche purchases are non-transferable. If a niche has not been used, it may be returned to the Cemetery for resale, and the original purchase price will be refunded.
Q. Can I allow someone else to use my niche?
Yes. A niche owner may designate another person through an approved Assignment of Inurnment Rights form.
Inurnment Information
Q. How many people can be inurned in a niche?
Each niche is designed for the cremated remains of up to two people. In some cases, two people and one infant under one year of age may be accommodated.
Q. Are pets allowed in a niche?
Pet cremated remains may be permitted if space allows and only as a secondary inurnment with human remains. Written Cemetery approval is required.
Q. Is authorization required for inurnment?
Yes. The Cemetery requires proper written authorization before any inurnment can take place.
Q. Are there fees for additional openings of a niche?
Yes. Any opening and closing after the initial inurnment is subject to a service fee.
Urns and Containers
Q. What size urns fit in a niche?
Each niche is designed to hold two urns measuring up to approximately 5½" x 5½" x 7".
Q. What are the niche dimensions?
Niches measure approximately 12" wide, 12" high, and 11" deep.
Q. What types of urns are permitted?
Cremated remains must be placed in a sealed container made of metal, stone, glass, plastic, ceramic, or a properly lined wooden container.
Q. Are cardboard boxes or bags permitted?
No. Cardboard containers, paper containers, and plastic bags are not permitted.
Engraving and Memorialization
Q. What information can be engraved on the niche?
The name, birth date, and death date of the person or persons inurned may be engraved on the niche faceplate.
Q. Is engraving included?
Yes. Basic engraving is included with the purchase of a niche.
Q. Can I choose my own font or engraving style?
No. To maintain a uniform appearance, all inscriptions follow Cemetery standards.
Flowers and Decorations
Q. Are flowers allowed at the Columbarium?
Flowers are permitted at the time of inurnment services only.
Q. Can I leave decorations, photographs, flags, or mementos?
No. Decorations, photographs, notes, flags, signs, and other memorial items are not permitted and may be removed without notice.
Q. Are glass containers allowed?
No. Glass containers and any items that may create safety hazards are prohibited.
Removal of Cremated Remains
Q. Can an urn be removed from a niche?
Removal is permitted only with appropriate legal authorization and payment of applicable fees.
Q. Who may remove cremated remains?
Only authorized Cemetery personnel may remove cremated remains from the Columbarium.
General Policies
Q. What if my contact information changes?
Please notify the Cemetery promptly of any changes to your mailing address or phone number.
Q. Can the Cemetery update its policies?
Yes. Hills of Rest Cemetery reserves the right to amend its Rules and Regulations as necessary.
Q. Is the Cemetery responsible for loss or damage beyond its control?
No. The Cemetery is not responsible for events beyond its reasonable control, including natural disasters, vandalism, theft, or other unforeseen circumstances.
Q. Does the Cemetery provide insurance coverage?
No. Niche owners are responsible for obtaining any insurance coverage they may desire.
Q. Can the Columbarium be expanded in the future?
Yes. The Cemetery reserves the right to expand or improve the Columbarium as needed.
Q. Where can I find the complete Rules and Regulations?
A complete copy of the Columbarium Rules and Regulations is available from the Cemetery Office upon request.