You may have seen headlines about the rising cost of funerals and wondered how much you should plan on setting aside for funeral expenses. We want to help you with some of those economic decisions by providing this guide on the cost of cremation in Florida.
What is the Cost of Cremation in Florida?
The average cost of cremation in Florida is $2,200. However, this number means little if you don’t understand the types of cremation services available. For example, according to the National Funeral Directors Association, the median cost of a funeral with cremation was approximately $6,971. Why the discrepancy? Keep reading.
Types of Florida Cremation Services
You may have selected cremation over burial because you heard it is one way to save money on end-of-life expenses. However, please be aware that a traditional cremation service can cost as much (or even more!) as a traditional funeral service. Here’s what you need to know about the types of cremation so you can select a low-cost option.
Viewing and Funeral Followed by Cremation
If the deceased’s family is left without a plan, they may contact a local funeral home to take care of the arrangements. One family member may ask for a traditional viewing, where the body is embalmed, prepared, and placed inside the casket. After the services (where the body is present), the body will be cremated.
This type of cremation is costly. You will have to pay transportation costs to the funeral home, embalming fees, casketing fees, facility usage, and casket rental. In addition, if the funeral home doesn’t have an on-site crematorium, you may have to pay additional fees for transportation.
There are cheaper options for cremation in Florida for those who choose not to have the body at the funeral services.
Cremation Followed by Memorial Service
Another option typically offered at most funeral homes is cremation followed by an on-site memorial service. This is a less expensive option as there are no fees for embalming and rental caskets. However, there are still funeral costs associated with using their facility for the service and the cost of cremation. (You don’t have to buy a regular casket for cremation, but you will have to buy an alternative container.)
This option will allow you to save money on cremation costs. However, if you are looking for an even more affordable option, consider direct cremation.
Direct Cremation
Direct cremation is an affordable option that offers great flexibility. While a funeral home in the Florida area may offer this option, it’s also provided by direct cremation providers, such as Smart Cremation.
Here’s how direct cremation works in Florida:
- Following your loved one’s death, you reach out to a direct cremation service.
- This Florida cremation company will gently transport the body from the place of death to the crematorium.
- Once the cremation permit is obtained, the body is cremated.
- The direct cremation provider will then return the cremated remains to the family members.
Direct cremation is the least expensive cremation option in Florida. However, you can still receive the staff’s help with funeral arrangements and death certificates.
Direct cremation also gives families great flexibility in planning funeral services. For example, you can have a service at a scattering garden, National Park, or off the coast of Florida. You can also choose cremation followed by burial in a cemetery plot. (Ask the cemetery about cremation burial plots or columbarium niches. You may have to buy an urn and urn burial vault too).
Overview of Florida Cremation Costs
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You must understand the different types of cremation if you wish to save money on end-of-life expenses.
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The least expensive option is direct cremation.
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You can pre-arrange cremation with a direct cremation provider to save even more money.
Concerned About Funeral Costs? Plan Ahead With Smart Cremation
Cremation cost in Florida can be affordable! If you are concerned with the average funeral costs in Florida, pre-plan your own funeral with Smart Cremation – a trusted cremation provider. Our compassionate staff will also perform the basic services of a funeral director. We will help you obtain a death certificate and instruct you on how to contact the Social Security Administration.
Cremations costs are going to continue to rise in Florida. However, you will lock in current rates when you purchase a cremation plan with Smart Cremation. Many families turn to us for pre-need or immediate need cremation. Please fill out our contact form to learn more about services in Florida today.
