The authorization forms for cremation services are legal documents that may be signed by the individual before their death. In the event, there is no pre-planning or signature on file after the death of a person. The surviving spouse will need to sign the forms. If no spouse, then children or legal next of kin would be the person of authority to approve the cremation. The signed authorization forms, along with all necessary approvals, allows for the cremation process to begin. NOTE: The State of Florida has a required waiting period of 48 hours before cremation may begin.