Cremation is growing in popularity in the U.S. The 2021 National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) Cremation and Burial Report found increased cremation rates in different states. For instance, cremation rates rose from 49.1% in 2020 to 51.3% last year in Texas. As for Florida, the report found that the number of crematories in Florida was 193, a figure higher than over 25 states. After reading this statistic, it’s not surprising to wonder how much cremation services cost in Florida. So, how much does cremation cost in Florida?
Here’s what you ought to know.
How Much Does Cremation Cost?
The NFDA Member General Price List Study found that the median price of cremation services has shot up within the past five years by 11.3% nationally.
Source: NFDA
The study also listed regional costs, and the median price of cremation services for the South Atlantic region, including Florida, was $7,070.
Why Do People Choose Cremation?
Several reasons explain why people choose cremation over traditional funerals in Florida.
- Cremation costs – Due to the high living costs today, many people have less discretionary income. As a result, direct cremation offers a cheaper alternative than traditional funerals.
- Environmental Factors – Florida residents have become aware of the impact of their activities on the environment. The cremation process offers a more eco-friendly option from the casket to the interment.
- Flexibility – Traditionally, families would live in the same area and even invest in burial sites for their loved ones. The case is different today with some family members living across states or in a foreign country. Cremation allows loved ones to travel with their cremated remains for a remembrance memorial service or when they relocate.
- Cremation pre-planning – Funeral planning is a process that’s best made when you are not under immense stress. Cremation pre-planning lets you make the most out of available cremation options such as alkaline hydrolysis. It also allows you to choose a payment option within your means.
Planning Tips To Help You Cover Cremation Costs
Having a prepaid cremation plan can make all the difference. Here are a few ways to prepare you or your loved ones for funeral expenses.
Life Insurance
A life insurance policy allows you to prepay for cremation through monthly premiums. Your loved ones will then receive a death benefit that will cover funeral costs, thereby reducing the financial burden.
Final expense policy
The final expense policy is a cheaper insurance alternative to life insurance. It covers funeral expenses and may also cater for legal and medical charges. It’s worth noting that death benefits won’t be as comprehensive as life insurance.
Savings account
A savings account is another excellent way to save up for end-of-life expenses. It’s worth noting that sometimes funds may be delayed due to asset evaluation.
Military benefits
Active service members and veterans are eligible for specific burial benefits. For instance, the death gratuity program can cover up to $100,000 to qualifying survivors of Armed Forces members.
Veterans and eligible dependents have a burial allowance that includes money to cover funeral expenses, including a burial plot and transportation.
What You Ought To Know About Florida’s Cremation Laws
Only a Florida-licensed funeral director can offer funeral services. Based on the arrangement, the director will coordinate transportation of the deceased and other cremation steps.
The state of Florida requires a signed cremation permit and cremation authorization form to allow crematories to cremate a deceased loved one. Typically, it takes close to three days to complete funeral service arrangements, including the paperwork.
Moreover, Florida families don’t need to put their loved ones in a casket before interment. A cardboard container is enough unless you plan to hold a funeral service before cremation. In this case, the funeral home will provide a rental casket.
Embalming is not mandatory. However, some funeral homes may recommend doing so if you wish to hold a viewing. As for cremated remains, you may choose to scatter the ashes on land or sea as long as it doesn’t violate the regulations of the Environmental Protection Agency.
Florida s. 765.512(1) permits you to make a body donation to science as an “anatomical gift.” The institution that gets the whole-body donation will then perform the cremation process and cover all costs before returning the cremains to family members.
Getting Your Loved One’s Death Certificate
The funeral home will apply for the death certificate. However, if you need extra copies, you may order them from the Department of Vital Statistics.
So, how much does cremation cost? Well, the average cost is about $7,000. But remember, this amount will differ based on the cremation services sought. If you are looking for a licensed crematory that offers prepaid plans and other cremation services in Clearwater, reach out to Florida Family Cremations. We provide affordable cremation, which includes veteran services and grief support. Ready to register your prepaid plan? Reach out to us at (727) 223-5911 today.