Cremation Services in Florida
Compare 137 cremation providers across 524 cities. Average direct cremation: $1,800.
Cremation Laws in Florida
Waiting Period
48 hours
Alkaline Hydrolysis
Legal
Human Composting
Not yet legalized
Regulatory Board
Scattering Ashes
Permitted on private land with written permission; scattering at sea must be at least 3 nautical miles from shore per federal law
Additional Notes
Florida Statute 872.03 mandates 48-hour waiting period. Alkaline hydrolysis legalized in 2014 by expanding the definition of cremation. Oral permission for cremation is not valid; must be written.
Cremation Cost Breakdown in Florida
Typical price ranges for cremation services in Florida
| Service | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct Cremation Basic cremation with no ceremony. Includes transportation, paperwork, cremation, and return of remains in a simple container. | $990 | $1,530 | $2,160 |
| Cremation Memorial Cremation followed by a memorial service at the funeral home or other venue. May include a viewing before cremation. | $3,240 | $4,500 | $5,760 |
| Cremation Viewing Full-service cremation with visitation/viewing, funeral ceremony, and cremation. Requires embalming and casket rental. | $3,960 | $5,400 | $7,200 |
| Transport Transfer of remains from place of death to the cremation facility. Often included in package pricing. | $270 | $450 | $720 |
| Urn Basic Simple container for cremated remains. Ranges from a basic cardboard box (often included) to a modest urn. | $36 | $90 | $270 |
| Urn Premium Handcrafted or designer urn in materials like bronze, marble, ceramic, or hardwood. | $180 | $360 | $900 |
| Death Certificate Certified copies of the death certificate. Most families need 5-10 copies for insurance, banking, and legal purposes. | $9 | $18 | $36 |
| Traditional Burial Full traditional burial including casket, embalming, viewing, ceremony, burial plot, vault, and headstone. Shown for cost comparison. | $6,300 | $8,100 | $10,800 |
The Cremation Process in Florida
Step-by-step guide to cremation in Florida
Obtain a Death Certificate
When a death occurs in Florida, a physician or medical examiner must sign the death certificate. The funeral home or cremation provider typically handles filing with the Florida vital records office. Order 8-12 certified copies ($18-$36 each) - you'll need them for insurance claims, bank accounts, and legal matters.
Choose a Cremation Provider
Compare providers in Florida - our directory lists 137 across the state. The FTC's Funeral Rule requires all providers to give you an itemized General Price List over the phone or in person. Direct cremation in Florida averages $1,800, but prices range from $990 to $2,160.
Complete Authorization
Florida requires written authorization from the next of kin or legal representative before cremation can proceed. There is a 48 hours mandatory waiting period after death. The medical examiner or coroner must also approve the cremation in most cases.
Transportation & Preparation
The cremation provider will transport the deceased from the place of death (hospital, home, nursing facility) to their facility. In Florida, transportation typically costs $270-$720. For direct cremation, no embalming is required. If a viewing is planned, embalming may be necessary.
The Cremation Process
The cremation takes place in a specialized chamber called a cremation retort at 1,400-1,800°F. The process takes 2-3 hours. Afterward, the remains are processed into a fine powder (cremains) weighing 3-7 pounds. Florida also allows alkaline hydrolysis (water cremation) as an alternative method.
Receive the Cremated Remains
Cremated remains are returned to the family within 3-10 business days, typically in a basic container or urn. In Florida, you can keep the remains at home, inter them in a cemetery columbarium, scatter them following state guidelines, or choose a memorial option like a cremation garden or reef burial. Scattering rules: Permitted on private land with written permission; scattering at sea must be at least 3 nautical miles from shore per federal law
Cremation vs. Burial in Florida
Cost Comparison
Direct cremation in Florida: $990-$2,160. Traditional burial: $6,300-$10,800. Cremation is typically 60-80% less expensive. Even full-service cremation with a ceremony costs significantly less than burial.
Environmental Impact
Cremation uses fewer land resources than burial. Traditional burial involves embalming chemicals, a casket, and a concrete vault. Florida offers alkaline hydrolysis as an even greener option, using 90% less energy than flame cremation.
Flexibility
Cremation offers more flexibility for memorial services - they can be held anytime, anywhere, without the time pressure of traditional burial. Families can split remains among multiple urns, scatter in meaningful locations, or create memorial products. 65% of Florida families now choose cremation.
Timeline
Florida requires a 48 hours waiting period before cremation. Traditional burial typically occurs within 3-7 days. Cremation can happen within 1-5 days after the waiting period, and memorial services can be planned at any later date.
Top Cities for Cremation Services in Florida
Cremation Providers in Florida
137 providers listed
Arlington Park Funeral Home
Jacksonville, FL
Schnauss North East Florida Funeral Home and Cremation Services
Jacksonville, FL
808 Margaret Street
National Funeral Homes
Miami, FL
Fred Hunter
Pembroke Pines, FL
Milam Funeral Home
Gainesville, FL
Quattlebaum
West Palm Beach, FL
Moss Feaster
Clearwater, FL
Hodges Funeral Home
Fort Myers, FL
Pet Angel Memorial Center
Melbourne, FL
Curtis Memorial Mortuary
Miami Beach, FL
Restview Memorial Mortuary & Crematorium
Miami Beach, FL
Rock of Ages Funeral Chapel
Miami Beach, FL
A Life Tribute
Largo, FL
Bernardo Garcia Funeral Homes
Homestead, FL
Herbert Thompson Funeral Home, Inc.
Daytona Beach, FL
R. Lee Williams & Son Funeral Home
Pinellas Park, FL
Naugle Funeral Home
Fleming Island, FL
Lemon Bay Funeral Home
Englewood, FL
Garden Sanctuary
Seminole, FL
Gause Funeral Home
Bartow, FL
Whidden-Mclean Funeral Home
Bartow, FL
Aycock Funeral Home
Stuart, FL
Sylvan Abbey Funeral Home
Safety Harbor, FL
Baldwin-Fairchild Funeral Home
Lake Mary, FL
Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Home
New Port Richey, FL
Allen J. Harden Funeral Home
Mount Dora, FL
Kersey Funeral Home
Auburndale, FL
Michels & Lundquist Funeral Home
Elfers, FL
Morgan Funeral Home
Elfers, FL
Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Home
Elfers, FL
Hooper Funeral Home
Homosassa Springs, FL
National Cremation and Burial Society
Hudson, FL
Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Home
Hudson, FL
Sean A Banks Mortuary
Avon Park, FL
Stephenson-Nelson Funeral Home
Avon Park, FL
Restview Memorial Mortuary and Crematorium
Palm Beach, FL
Russel a d ponders funeral home
Palm Beach, FL
Trinity Memorial Gardens
Odessa, FL
Lewis Funeral Home
Gulf Breeze, FL
Dignity Memorial
Bay Pines, FL
Prevatt Funeral Home
Port Richey, FL
Davis Seawinds Funeral Home and Crematory
Indialantic, FL
Hagan Funeral Service
Monticello, FL
Beachwood Society Cremation Services
Vanderbilt Beach, FL
Comforter Funeral Home
Port Saint Joe, FL
Hardage Giddens
Saint Johns, FL
Paul Schelm Funeral Home
Fort Ogden, FL
R. Lee Williams & Son Funeral Home
Saint Petersburg, FL
Sorensen Funeral Home
Saint Petersburg, FL
All Cities in Florida
Cities with cremation providers or population over 10,000
Cremation Planning Checklist for Florida
VA National Cemeteries in Florida
Eligible veterans and their spouses can receive free burial or columbarium placement at national cemeteries
Bay Pines National Cemetery
10000 Bay Pines Boulevard North, St. Petersburg, FL 33708
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does cremation cost in Florida?
The average direct cremation in Florida costs approximately $1,800, which is close to the national average of $1,924. Prices typically range from $1,170 to $2,520 depending on the provider and services selected. Full-service cremation with a memorial ceremony can cost $4,500 to $6,300. We recommend comparing quotes from multiple providers in your area.
What percentage of people choose cremation in Florida?
Approximately 65% of families in Florida choose cremation, which is close to the national average of 62%. This translates to roughly 157,197 cremations per year in the state. The cremation rate has been steadily increasing nationwide and is projected to reach 82% by 2045.
How many cremation providers are there in Florida?
Our directory currently lists 137 cremation and funeral service providers across Florida, serving 524 cities and towns. Providers range from large funeral home chains to independent local cremation societies. We recommend contacting multiple providers to compare pricing and services.
What is direct cremation in Florida?
Direct cremation is the most affordable cremation option in Florida, typically costing $1,170 to $1,800. It includes transportation of the deceased, necessary paperwork, the cremation itself, and return of the cremated remains in a basic container. There is no viewing, visitation, or funeral ceremony before the cremation. Families can hold a memorial service separately at any time.
Is cremation cheaper than burial in Florida?
Yes, cremation is significantly more affordable than traditional burial in Florida. Direct cremation averages $1,800, while a traditional burial with casket, vault, and cemetery plot typically costs $8,100 or more. Even a full-service cremation with a ceremony is usually 40-60% less expensive than a traditional burial. Cost savings is the number one reason families choose cremation.
Is there a waiting period for cremation in Florida?
Florida requires a 48 hours waiting period after death before cremation can take place. This waiting period allows time for the medical examiner to review the death certificate and for the family to make final arrangements. Additional time may be needed if the death requires investigation by the medical examiner.
Are alternative cremation methods available in Florida?
Yes, Florida has legalized alkaline hydrolysis (water cremation) as alternatives to traditional flame cremation. Alkaline hydrolysis, also called water cremation or aquamation, uses water and alkaline chemicals to reduce the body. It is considered more environmentally friendly than traditional cremation. Contact local providers to check availability in your area.
How does cremation cost compare to household income in Florida?
With a median household income of $67,917 in Florida, the average direct cremation cost of $1,800 represents about 2.7% of annual household income. This is roughly in line with the national average. Many providers offer payment plans, and some states have assistance programs for low-income families.