If you or a loved one are researching a Florida do not resuscitate form (also called a Do Not Resuscitate Order or DNRO in Florida), you’ve come to the right place. As an attorney who has drafted hundreds of advance directives and end-of-life documents for Florida families over the past decade, I’ve seen firsthand how important it is to have the correct, up-to-date form that emergency responders will actually honor.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the Florida Do Not Resuscitate Order, including where to get the official form, how to complete it properly, who must sign it, and—most importantly—a free downloadable Florida DNRO template that meets current 2025 Florida Department of Health requirements.
Important Disclaimer: This article and the attached template are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal or medical advice. Always consult a licensed Florida attorney or your physician before executing any advance directive.
A Florida Do Not Resuscitate Order (Form 1896) is a physician-signed, bright-yellow document that instructs emergency medical services (EMS), hospitals, and nursing facilities NOT to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if your heart stops or you stop breathing. Unlike a regular advance directive or living will, the Florida DNRO is the only document that paramedics are legally required to honor in the field under Florida Statute § 401.45.
Without the specific yellow Form 1896—or an approved electronic equivalent printed on yellow paper—first responders must attempt resuscitation, even if you have a living will stating otherwise.
Getting a valid do not resuscitate in Florida is straightforward when you follow these steps:
Below is a direct link to the official Florida DNRO Form 1896 (rev. 10/2024) and my attorney-reviewed fillable PDF template that includes clear instructions:
Download Official Florida DOH Form 1896 (PDF) – Source: Florida Department of Health
Download My Free Fillable Florida DNRO Template with Instructions (2025)
My template includes highlighted fields, plain-English explanations, and checkboxes to reduce common mistakes I’ve seen families make over the years.
| Situation | Who Signs the DNRO |
|---|---|
| Patient has capacity | Patient + Attending Physician (or PA/NP under physician supervision) |
| Patient lacks capacity + has valid Health Care Surrogate designation | Designated Surrogate + Physician |
| Patient lacks capacity + has court-appointed Guardian | Guardian (with court authority) + Physician |
| Minor patient | Parent or Legal Guardian + Physician |
Source: Florida Administrative Code 64J-2.018 & Florida Statutes § 401.45 – floridahealth.gov
| Document | Applies To | Honored by EMS? | Requires Yellow Paper? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida DNRO (Form 1896) | Only CPR/Intubation | Yes | Yes |
| Living Will | Terminal condition, persistent vegetative state | No (only in hospital/facility) | No |
| POLST (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment) | Serious illness (not Florida-specific) | Sometimes | No |
Bottom line: If you want paramedics to honor your no-CPR wishes at home, you must have the yellow Florida Do Not Resuscitate Form.
In my practice, I’ve seen these errors cause families heartbreak:
You may revoke your DNRO at any time by:
No—there is no charge from the Department of Health, and physicians typically do not bill separately for signing.
No. Only the official yellow Form 1896 (or DOH-approved electronic version printed on yellow paper) is recognized.
Generally no. Out-of-state forms are not honored by Florida EMS unless they are on yellow paper and substantially similar.
Yes—most Florida hospice programs provide and complete the yellow DNRO as standard procedure.
Having helped hundreds of families through end-of-life planning, I cannot stress enough: If you want your no-CPR wishes honored outside of a hospital, the bright-yellow Florida Do Not Resuscitate Form 1896 is non-negotiable.
Download the free template above, discuss your wishes openly with your doctor and family, and keep that yellow form visible. It’s one of the kindest gifts you can give your loved ones—clear, legally binding instructions when they need them most.
Remember: This information is current as of November 2025 and is sourced from the Florida Department of Health and Florida Statutes. Always verify the latest version at floridahealth.gov.
Not legal advice. Please consult your Florida-licensed physician and attorney to ensure your documents meet your specific needs.