Tallahassee National Cemetery

Our cemetery floral regulations exist only to reflect the honor and respect we hold for our nation's Veterans, by preserving the dignity and solemnity of their final resting place.

Fresh cut flowers may be placed at gravesites at any time using cemetery-supplied floral vases. Plastic vases may be found in containers throughout the cemetery. Please return these to the receptacles when no longer needed. Only plastic or metal vases are permitted. Cemetery supplied vases are federal property and are not allowed to be removed from the cemetery.

Flowers delivered by a florist must have all wrapping paper removed. No packing materials may be left at the gravesite. The vases are located throughout the cemetery in labeled receptacles.

Floral items will be removed from gravesites when they become unsightly, for mowing and maintenance, or if damaged by weather or wildlife. Due to the open nature of the grounds, we cannot guarantee against theft, vandalism, or the effects of nature. Anyone caught removing items from gravesites not their own will be prosecuted.

Artificial floral arrangements may be placed on gravesites starting December 15 through February 15, and during the 5-day period extending before and after Memorial Day. Artificial flowers placed on graves outside of these permitted time frames will be removed.

Seasonal items such as Christmas wreaths (18" or smaller), grave floral blankets (not to exceed 2' x 3') and potted poinsettias may be placed on gravesites beginning December 1 through January 10.

Cemetery trees, shrubs and/or other plants may not be decorated with ornaments of any kind. Please do not secure floral items or other types of decorations to headstones or markers.

The following items are prohibited for placement at a gravesite, columbarium, or memorial wall and are subject to removal by cemetery staff:

• Alcoholic products
• Balloons, shepherd hooks, pinwheels, wind chimes, lights, candles, statues, stuffed animals, or other similar items
• Decorative and breakable glass or plastic items
• Non-government supplied floral containers (pots, planters, vases, etc.)
• Any objects that could become projectiles when caught in grounds maintenance equipment (such as rocks, decorative rocks, coins, or other small durable objects)
• Offensive items or those deemed inconsistent with the cemetery setting
• Permanent in-ground plantings
• Weapons of any kind, explosives, or ammunition
• Any object attached to headstones, markers, or niche covers
• Marking a federal government headstone with paint, marker, lipstick, or any other means is considered vandalism.

Items not permitted on gravesites will be removed from graves to be held in a centralized area on cemetery grounds for one month prior to disposal. The cemetery staff will assist families in retrieval of the tributes when requested.

The cemetery director reserves the right to remove and destroy without notice, anything left on graves that violates the intent of these regulations, offends the sensibilities of the public or the dignity of this cemetery, is an eyesore, or threat to the safety of the public or cemetery personnel.

These rules are covered by the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations 38 C.F.R. §1.218. All items placed on gravesites become the property of the U.S. government and will be disposed of under federal regulations.

Weapons Policy
VA regulations 38 CFR 1.218 prohibit the carrying of firearms (either openly or concealed), explosives or other dangerous or deadly weapons while on VA property, except for official purposes, such as military funeral honors.

Possession of firearms on any property under the charge and control of VA is prohibited. Offenders may be subject to a fine, removal from the premises, or arrest.

Tallahassee National Cemetery was dedicated May 22, 2015. The first burial took place on October 16, 2015.

The cemetery will serve over 83,000 Veterans in Tallahassee and the surrounding area.

Situated on 250 acres, the cemetery will accommodate casketed and cremated remains.

Construction on the cemetery began October 2014. The initial phase of construction is expected to provide burial options for 10 years.

Directions from Nearest Airport
From the Tallahassee Regional Airport, head east on Terminal Loop Road for .2 miles. Keep right and continue 300 feet toward Capital Circle SW. Turn right onto Capital Circle SW and continue for 10.4 miles. Turn right onto FL-20 E/US-27 S/Apalachee Parkway. Tallahassee National Cemetery is located a little over 2 miles on the right.