Florida Funerals Burials Cremations

Florida Final Expense Insurance for Cremation Services

Navigating the world of final expense insurance in Florida can be challenging, especially when you’re considering the cost of cremation services. At Final Expense Brokerage of America, we aim to make this journey easier for you.

Which cremation regulations does Florida funeral law impose?

Every state has unique legal requirements that funeral homes and crematories must adhere to for the proper disposal of human remains through cremation. In Florida, a ‘Cremation Authorization Form’ must be signed by the legal next of kin, and a cremation permit is required from the coroner before a cremation can take place. Florida law mandates a waiting period of 48 hours post-death before cremation can occur. However, it typically takes around three days to finalize all arrangements and complete the necessary paperwork. That said, expedited services can be organized if needed.

While a casket isn’t legally required for cremation, a suitable rigid container is necessary. This can be a reinforced cardboard or plywood box, commonly referred to as a cremation container. For those wishing to hold a funeral service before the cremation, some funeral homes offer the option of renting a casket.

Understanding Cremation Services in Florida

Cremation is a cost-effective option, with a direct cremation available for under $1,100 in most Florida cities and as low as $695 in certain areas.

These lower costs are undoubtedly why direct cremation has seen a surge in popularity recently, particularly as many families face financial hardships due to the pandemic and rising living costs. Even with the inclusion of a memorial service, the average funeral cost in Florida through cremation is around $5,700, significantly lower than traditional burial services.

Cremation also allows families to forgo the more expensive end-of-life purchases such as caskets, embalming, grave liners, and cemetery plots.

Direct Cremation: The Least Expensive Option

The least expensive cremation service is direct cremation. This straightforward process involves a simple, dignified cremation without a service or ceremony. The cremated remains are returned to the next of kin, and families can choose to hold a memorial service at their convenience and at a much lower cost.

Direct cremation can even be arranged online or over the phone, and the cremated remains can be mailed directly back to the next of kin. This offers a simpler and less costly solution for families arranging from outside Florida.

The cost typically covers the funeral director’s basic services, collection and transfer of the deceased, the completion of legal paperwork, and the cremation itself. A simple cardboard cremation container and a temporary urn are also usually included. The funeral home can also handle obtaining the death certificate for you.