Not everybody wants—or can afford—a traditional funeral and burial. Cremation has become a more popular option in recent years. The National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) reports that the cremation rate is now 60% and forecasts an increase to 80% by 2045. Cost considerations, environmental concerns, and fewer religious prohibitions are some of the reasons why cremation has become the preferred alternative.
As funeral homes adapt to this change, many are struggling to achieve traditional profit margins and are having to hold the line on costs in light of this trend. Still, finding “cheap cremation near me” in Florida has become a challenge.
In most areas of Florida, the average cost for a cremation and memorial service is $5,700. Direct cremation without a service can range between $1,500 and $2,000 depending on where you live, although you can sometimes find low-cost direct cremation rates as low as $800. However, there are also typically additional fees for transportation, removal of pacemakers, returning cremated remains, death certificates, and handling individuals weighing more than 250 pounds.
No-Cost Cremations in Florida
When searching for cheap cremations in Florida, it is possible to find a no-cost solution that can also make a significant contribution to science. By making an anatomical gift of donating a whole body to science, you can eliminate the cost of the cremation.
Working with United Tissue Network (UTN), the only nonprofit in Florida that accepts whole-body donations, you can help train the next generation of students, add to medical and scientific research, and help researchers find life-saving drugs and treatments. UTN absorbs the cost of transportation and storage of the body, cremation, and return of remains, alleviating the financial burden on families.
Funeral homes can also handle arrangements in most cases. UTN will reimburse funeral homes for these costs. Families donating whole bodies often choose to spend money on memorials and other services, also providing funeral homes with a way to generate revenue while keeping costs minimal for families.
Reducing Costs for Cremations
Other options for reducing cremation costs include:
- Shop Around for Funeral Homes: Prices for cremation services vary among funeral homes. Take the time to compare prices and services offered by multiple providers in your area.
- Pre-Planning: Consider pre-planning your cremation arrangements. Pre-planning allows you to lock in current prices and ensures that your wishes are known, potentially saving money compared to last-minute arrangements. You can also register for whole body donation at any time before death.
- Cremation Societies: Some areas in Florida have cremation societies or nonprofit organizations that offer cremation services at a lower cost. These organizations often focus on providing simple, no-frills services.
- Government Assistance: In certain cases, local or state governments may offer financial assistance or programs to help cover funeral and cremation costs for families in need. Check with local social services or government agencies for potential assistance. In Florida, the United Way offers a list of agencies that can help with costs.
- Consider Alternatives to Traditional Urns: You may want to choose more affordable urn options, such as biodegradable urns or simple containers.
- Limiting Memorialization Services: If a memorial service is important, consider more cost-effective options, such as holding a small gathering at home, a park, or a community center. This can reduce venue costs associated with funeral homes.
- Online Memorials and Tributes: Create online memorials or tribute pages instead of investing in physical memorial items. This can be a cost-effective way to celebrate the life of the deceased and share memories with friends and family.
While you may be searching for “cheap cremation near me in Florida,” you will want to discuss options with family members to ensure any final decisions align with the deceased’s wishes and cultural or religious considerations. You will also want to check local regulations and requirements related to cremation to ensure compliance.
Whole Body Donation
Families can contact UTN directly or work with funeral homes or hospice facilities. UTN will work with funeral homes to handle the arrangements in an ethical and dignified manner, including coordinating with organ donation groups. When research is completed, UTN will coordinate transportation to a crematorium and work with families to return the remains.
UTN covers 100% of the costs.
If you would like to know more about whole body donation in Florida, contact United Tissue Network today at 877-738-6111 or find more information on UTN’s website.