Soon after the death of a loved one, the responsibility of performing rites leaves the grieving family in perplexity. Choosing the funeral rite and performing it is already heavy on the shoulders, but the skyrocketing price of the rites makes it even harder for the family to mourn. With the high prices of a funeral, the rate of cremation has gained popularity and has become more common in the United States.
According to the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) 2021 Consumer and Preferences Report, the cremation rate is projected to be 57.5%, while the burial rate is projected to be 36.6%, as 80% of Americans are choosing cremation over burial as a funeral rite. Similarly, the cremation rate has surged up to 62.7% in Florida, as many families now prefer cremation over burial as it is affordable and pocket-friendly. Let’s have a closer what’s the average cost of cremation in Florida.
Laws of Funeral Rites in Florida:
It is essential to know what cremation laws are followed in Florida to understand cremation and its expenses. In the United States, every state governs the funeral rites by their laws and legislation. Specific standards are set to dispose of the cremains by the law. A cremation can only be performed in Florida if the form of authorization for cremation has been signed by the family or next of kin so that a permit can be issued. A 48 hours long period of waiting is required after death for the cremation process to begin. The law does not require a casket. Instead, a cardboard or wood box is enforced. However, many families choose caskets to cremate their loved ones, and funeral homes can easily rent them.
In Florida, funeral homes should be legally licensed o perform any rites. A private service for a funeral is performed under the legal laws in a funeral home. The local authorities file a death certificate on your behalf for the permit. The laws do not allow the land to be more than two acres for burial, and no rights are given to sell the burial places. Another eco-friendly option is to choose a green funeral. Instead of embalming, the laws of Florida require the body to be refrigerated.
The ashes can be scattered on land for cremation, but not in freshwater. With the fascinating coastline of Florida, scattering the ashes in the sea is commonly observed. Sea-burials can be easily arranged once a permit is granted by the United States Coast Guards.
Expenses of Cremation:
The cost of cremation in Florida depends on various factors as the process requires specific steps and costs differently. It is essential to know what factors add to the expenses for the cremation of your loved one. Following are some standard practices you have to pay for cremation in Florida:
Cremation Process:
The first thing you need to pay for is the process that will allow you to perform the cremation of your loved one. This cost depends on the service you choose for cremation and is usually the most significant contributor to your expenses.
Transport:
A certain fee is required for the transportation of the deceased to the crematory. If the body is larger in size, additional charges are paid as more labor would be required to transport your deceased from the place of death to the crematory.
Refrigeration Period:
After the passing of your loved one, you need 48 hours to conduct the cremation process. During this period, the body needs to be refrigerated, which adds to the cost of cremation in Florida.
A Casket:
The state laws of Florida do not set a necessary rule for a casket. However, it is common in families to rent a casket for their loved ones. A casket is one of the most expensive items required for the process. Caskets come in different varieties; hence the price may vary. However, they are usually rented at a much lower price than the ones available at funeral homes.
Urns:
An urn is required to store the ashes of your loved ones and honor them. With a wide variety of urns available in the market, the prices differ for each one of them. The cost depends on the material, design, and size of the urn you choose to keep the cremains.
A Death Certificate:
You can receive the death certificate if the funeral home handles your disposition of arrangements. You need to approach the Department of Vital Statistics or order them online via mail, fax, or phone to receive further copies. It costs $5 to order the copy for the first time, while additional copies are $4.
Documentation:
If you opt for direct cremation, the documentation and paperwork are time-consuming, and you will have to pay a certain amount for the procedure before cremation.
The cremation cost can vary on these factors; however, the expense also depends on the cremation type you choose for your loved one. Following are the categories of cremation that you can opt for the deceased to be cremated:
Traditional Cremation:
Typically, the cost is higher for a traditional cremation service as their services require the most effort and time. It includes the cost of staff and labor services, body embalming and preparation, vehicle and transport rental, funeral ceremony, transfer of the body, a casket, and cremation procedure. The cost of cremation in Florida for a traditional service with the ceremony is around $5,000 but can also increase further depending on the service provider you choose for cremation.
Memorial Service Cremation:
Since embalming the body and a casket are not involved in the memorial service, its cost is significantly cheaper than the traditional cremation with the ceremony. A memorial service cremation cost ranges from $2,500 to $4,000.
Direct Cremation:
A direct cremation is performed without any ceremony being held. It involves a simple procedure and requires no witnesses. The body of your loved one is cremated, and the cremains is returned to you. No formal ceremony is held for direct cremation. It is the most affordable and cheapest form of cremation, which costs between $1,000 and above in Florida.
Donation of the Body:
If you’re looking for a cremation option free of cost, you can donate the body of your loved one to science. The decision can be hard to make, but the process is natural and costs no money.
Cost of Cremation:
The cost of cremation in Florida can range from $990 to $3,500. However, the average cremation cost is approximately $2,200 according to the services of cremation and the provider you pick. Direct cremation is the most common type of cremation that the families of Florida choose for their loved ones as it is easy and cost-effective.
While losing a close friend or family member can be painful to endure, managing expenses for their funeral rites can be even more challenging. It can be confusing to decide which rite suits you best depending upon your expenses. However, choosing cremation over burial can prove to be a safer and cost-friendly option. The guide mentioned above will help you understand the expenses of cremation and its average cost in Florida.