Cremation in Florida has a similar cost as in other states. Simple, direct cremation has an average price in Florida of $1,000. But, of course, you can find lower-priced cremation services for around $500 and higher costs up to $2,000. So what is the difference?
How Much Are Cremation Costs in Florida?
Like the rest of the United States, Florida sees increased cremation rates over burial. This increase is primarily due to the high costs of funerals and cemetery prices. Cremation offers the family a dignified disposition after death while also saving money. Expect to spend about $1,000 for cremation-only services in Florida.
What Is Included In Direct Cremation?
Direct cremation is a service providing for the basic needs of the deceased. Most companies include associated fees, giving you an idea of standard services.
- Transportation of the Deceased: This service includes picking up your loved one from the place of death and transferring them to the business’s facility.
- Storage and Refrigeration: Most states require refrigeration of bodies within 24 hours of death. This storage is a regular included service.
- Device removal: Pacemaker removal is necessary before cremation. Removal is an included service and should not cost an additional fee.
- Necessary Paperwork: The cremation service works with you and the appropriate county offices to file a death certificate and cremation authorization paperwork. Most of this is done electronically but is still time-consuming.
- Alternative Container: A heavy-cardboard container is used to cremate the body.
- Cremation Process: The actual cremation is also included.
- Temporary Urn: Cremation services use temporary urns to return your loved one’s ashes. This temporary container generally means the ashes are placed in a heavy-duty plastic bag and then in a corrugated cardboard box. This temporary urn is suitable for shipping via US Postal Service when necessary.
- Return of Cremated Remains: Depending on the service, you pick up the cremated remains 10-14 days after death. Sometimes it happens more quickly, but sometimes paperwork takes longer. The service may also agree to deliver or ship the urn to you.
Are Additional Fees Required For Cremation?
There are additional costs beyond the cremation service. For example, the city, county, and state may charge taxes on the services and any merchandise you select. Urns, cremation jewelry, and keepsakes are usually taxable items.
In addition, you’ll need at least one death certificate to close bank accounts, file life insurance claims, and file taxes. There are other instances when you’ll need a death certificate, but companies will often accept a photocopy rather than a certified copy. Therefore, you can plan to purchase one certified copy of the death certificate as a minimum.
Another cost is the medical examiner permit, which is required for cremation. The amount varies by county but typically costs $30-$60.
And finally, you may choose to purchase an urn for your loved one’s ashes. Most cremation services also offer an urn selection. Additionally, there are many online options for selecting the most fitting memorial.
The Best Cremation Services in Florida
Knowing who to call when your loved one dies is essential. However, when death is pending, you still have a bit of time to make a decision. Ask friends or extended family members for a referral to know which cremation center or funeral home to choose.
While the average cost of cremation in Florida is around $1,000, you will find lower and higher-cost facilities. The price difference comes in the amenities offered. For example, a service with a lovely building to hold funerals will cost more than a small store-front location.
Here are some of the top cremation service providers around Florida.
Solace Cremation, Jacksonville
Solace Cremation in Jacksonville, Florida, offers a simple, direct cremation for $895. You can start making arrangements by phone or online, 24 hours daily. In addition, solace provides a secure digital process for completing necessary paperwork at your convenience.
Founded by two former employees of Nike, Solace works to provide transparent and affordable cremation services. So there are no hidden costs or add-on fees. Simply make a payment in full before your loved one’s transportation to their secure facility, and Solace will take care of the rest.
In addition, Solace offers a complete line of modern urns. Choose from 3-D printed glazed white stoneware to a biodegradable scattering urn. They also offer 3-D printed PLA, a thermoplastic derived from renewable resources. These brightly-colored keepsakes make excellent pet urns. They’re perfectly sized for keeping a portion of your loved one’s remains.
Compass Pointe Funeral Services, Orlando
Compass Pointe serves central Florida and surrounding counties. They offer direct cremation services for $795 for persons within Orange or Osceola counties.
Compass uses rigid plastic containers as temporary urns rather than cardboard ones. Either is suitable for burial but may need an urn vault if required by the cemetery. Also, of course, there is a wide selection of urn and cremation jewelry should you decide on something more personal.
In addition to essential services, Compass provides beautiful accommodations for funeral or memorial services with up to 50 guests at their funeral home. Services in a local church would accommodate a larger gathering.
Cremations Of Greater Tampa Bay, Tampa
This family-operated business, Cremations of Greater Tampa Bay, serves the entire west-central Florida community. CGTB strives to provide “personalized and professional cremation services in a comfortable environment at an affordable cost.”
In addition, they offer services similar to any large funeral home.
- Simple, direct cremation, $975
- Cremation, memorial service (Deceased’s body not present)
- Viewing and Visitation Service with Cremation
- Viewing and Visitation Service with Burial
Van Orsdel Family Funeral Chapel, Miami
Van Orsdel Family Funeral & Cremation Services opened in 1924. Ninety-eight years later, it is still owned and operated by the same family in Miami, Florida. I think that says a lot for the business and family when generation after generation chooses to serve the public.
While not the lowest-cost cremation solution, Van Orsdel’s offers the ability to keep your loved one on-site since they own and operate their crematory. This on-site availability also means families can select a Witness Cremation option.
The optional, private Witness Cremation room allows families to have a final goodbye. The 30-minute visitation and service are limited to 6 people. Expect to pay $1,845 for a simple cremation. Then, add another $690 for the Witness Cremation and alternative container required for viewing.
Does The State Of Florida Pay For Cremation?
What happens if you can’t afford cremation in Florida? First, talk to your county’s medical examiner’s office if you don’t have money for cremation. The county may offer funds for indigent cremations. However, you may not be able to claim the cremated remains unless you pay a fee.
This cremation-only program operates only for qualifying individuals declared indigent or unclaimed. There are no services or supplemental assistance for private burial or cremation expenses.
For individuals who die in Miami-Dade County, Indigent Cremation Services (ICS) provides final disposition for those who can’t afford it. The person need not be a county resident, but the death must occur there.
This is not a free service for those who want to claim the cremated remains. Instead, it is a lower-cost alternative. Fees include:
- $425 – Cremation Cost
- $350 – Storage fee for bodies stored at the Medical Examiner’s facility
- $55 – Pre-approval Administrative Review
- $85 – Domestic Shipping
If the family provides proof of receiving current government assistance, ICS may lower the cremation fee to $110.
The County provides a list of low-cost cremation services, some of which are lower than the County’s cost. So it is a good idea to make a few phone calls if your funds are tight.
What Is The Lowest Price For Cremation?
The lowest price for cremation in Florida’s Miami-Dade County is at Valles FH and Crematory. It offers direct cremation for $490 with a Medical Examiner’s referral. Your family may need to meet special requirements to obtain this price, so be sure to ask for the details. Contact the funeral home directly for further information about this low-price cremation.
Conclusion
Cremation costs in Florida are similar to those in other states. Families can expect to pay the average cost of direct cremation at around $1,000. In addition, you will incur additional fees as well.
- Urn, keepsake memorials, and cremation jewelry
- Death certificate fees
- Medical Examiner permits
- Any associated city, county, or state tax
Of course, even with a direct cremation in Florida, families still often have celebrations of life or memorial services. These can be as simple as a backyard BBQ or as elaborate as formal funerals. There is no limit, beyond funding, to how you memorialize your loved one.
Direct cremation offers an affordable option for the disposition of the deceased. And it frees up some funding to celebrate the dead in other ways.
