If you do an online search for cremation costs in Florida, you will find a wide variety of price estimates, ranging from about $1,200 up to $7,000 or more. So, how do you know what is a realistic price for Florida cremation costs?
It depends.
The price depends on the options you choose, where you live, and the provider you pick. A basic low-cost or direct cremation can cost as little as $800 while a cremation with a memorial service can cost up to $4,000. Burial of remains in a funeral plot can add several thousand more. According to the National Funeral Directors Association, the median cost of a cremation with a traditional funeral is $7,000.
Cremation Costs in Florida
Cremation costs in Florida are typically below the national average. There are more funeral homes and crematoriums in Florida than in many other states, which helps keep prices competitive. While the average cost is about $1,200, there are significant variations in Florida cremation costs depending on where you live.
US Funeral Online surveyed locations in different cities around the state and lists these costs for basic and low-cost cremation services.
| AREA | Basic Cremation | Low-Cost Cremation |
| Cape Coral | $1,474 | $1,095 |
| Fort Lauderdale | $1,855 | $795 |
| Hialeah | $1,685 | $795 |
| Jacksonville | $1,708 | $795 |
| Miami | $1,403 | $795 |
| Orlando | $1,576 | $795 |
| Port St. Lucie | $1,565 | $1,095 |
| St. Petersburg | $1,723 | $1,095 |
| Tampa | $1,723 | $1,095 |
| Tallahassee | $2,095 | $1,095 |
What Is the Least Expensive Cremation Option in Florida?
The least expensive option will be a direct cremation with no ceremony, viewing, burial, or other funeral services. With a direct cremation, the body is taken to the crematorium, placed in a simple cardboard or wooden container, and cremated. Remains are disposed of or returned to the family in a temporary container.
There may be additional fees for certified copies of death certificates, permits, and transportation charges. So, it is important to understand the actual price you will pay.
By law, funeral homes must provide you with a general price list (GPL) upon request. The GPL must break down the costs of each service so you have the option to choose only the services you want. However, bundling options may save you money if you are looking for more than just a direct cremation.
Prices Also Vary by Provider
Cremation costs in Florida will vary by location and also by provider. Each provider sets their own rates, which may be based on different circumstances. For example, if a funeral home also operates its own crematorium, it may be less expensive than working with a funeral home that transports bodies to a third-party crematorium.
There may also be differences in local laws in different jurisdictions, which impact the pricing from location to location.
No-Cost Cremation by Donating Your Body to Science
There is also an option for a no-cost cremation by donating a body to science. United Tissue Network (UTN) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that accepts whole-body donations in Florida. Accredited by the American Association of Tissue Banks (AATB), UTN pays for the cost of transporting the body, placing it with a reputable medical research or education facility, and direct cremation after the research has been completed. Remains can be returned to families upon request.
Not only can you eliminate the cost of cremation, but you can also help in the advancement of medical science. This priceless gift can aid in drug research, device development and testing, surgical training, and physician training. Past donations have led to breakthroughs in treating a range of diseases, including cancer, lung and liver disease, heart disease, and more.
When you work with United Tissue Network, your donation will be treated with the dignity and respect you and your loved ones deserve. While many individuals donate their bodies to science for philanthropic reasons, it can also help relieve the financial burden of traditional funeral services.
You can register with United Tissue Network to become a whole-body donation by pledging yourself or registering a loved one who has passed or is nearing end-of-life. UTN does not charge any fees for this program and allows you to sign up online in just a few minutes.
Learn more about no-cost cremation and whole-body donations by calling one of our Donor Service Coordinators at 877-738-6111.