Florida Catalogs Ancient Remains for Tribal Homecoming
Published Date: 12/22/2025
Notice
Summary
The Florida Department of State has finished checking some Native American human remains and found they belong to the Pueblo of Jemez tribe. Starting January 21, 2026, these remains can be returned to the tribe. This is part of a respectful effort to give back important cultural items and remains to Native communities.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Repatriation Allowed to Pueblo of Jemez
The Florida Department of State identified human remains representing at least one Native American individual and determined they are affiliated with the Pueblo of Jemez. Those remains may be returned to the Pueblo of Jemez on or after January 21, 2026; the remains were transferred to FDOS in 2022.
Who Can Request Repatriation
The notice allows repatriation requests from any of the Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations identified in the notice, or from a lineal descendant or other tribe/organization that proves cultural affiliation by a preponderance of the evidence. If competing requests are received, the Florida Department of State must determine the most appropriate requestor before repatriation; joint requests are treated as a single request. Repatriation may occur on or after January 21, 2026.
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Key Dates
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