The cost of cremation in Tampa, Florida varies depending on the type of cremation you choose and the associated services. There are three types of Tampa cremation services:
- Direct cremation
- Cremation with a memorial service
- Full-service cremation
Direct Cremation
Direct cremation is the most affordable option. The body is cremated without a viewing or funeral service. In Tampa, the cost of direct cremation services can range from $800 to $1500, depending on the provider you choose. According to US Funerals Online, the average cost of a direct cremation in Tampa in 2024 is $1,095.
Cremation With Memorial Service
If you choose to have a memorial service after cremation, it will add to your costs. Services can be held at a funeral home, a place of worship, or even your home. The cost of a cremation with a memorial service can range from $2,500 to $5,000 when you factor in the venue, memorial services, and additional expenses like flowers, obituary notices, or a commemorative urn.
Full-Service Cremation
Full-service Tampa cremation services include traditional funeral elements, like visitations or viewing before the cremation takes place. It is the most expensive type of cremation, typically costing between $4,000 and $7,000 in Tampa. This price may include embalming before the viewing ceremony, a casket rental, transportation of the body, and other service fees.
According to the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), the average cost for full-service cremation and funeral services is about $6,100. This includes paying for:
- Embalming and other preparations for viewing
- Use of facilities and staff for viewing
- Funeral ceremonies and services
- Car or van service
- Basic cremation services
- Transfer of remains to funeral home
- Cremation fee
- Cremation containers, such as urns
- Printed material for memorial services
Factors That Impact Cost of Cremation in Tampa, Florida
Several factors can impact the final costs of Tampa cremation services, including:
- Choice of Cremation Provider: Funeral homes and cremation service providers have different pricing structures. You should compare prices from several providers to find the best option for your budget and ask for itemized price lists.
- Location and Venue: If you opt for a memorial service, the location of the service can significantly affect the price. Renting a funeral home, chapel, or other venue could add hundreds to thousands of dollars to the final bill.
- Urn Selection: The cost of urns can vary greatly, from simple, affordable containers to elaborate, customized designs. Prices can start at $50 for a basic urn to upwards of $1,000 for more intricate designs made from high-quality materials like marble or bronze.
- Death Certificates and Permits: In Tampa, you will need to pay for the death certificate and any required permits. Death certificates typically cost around $10 to $20 per copy in Florida.
Financial Assistance for Tampa Cremation Services
In Tampa, there are programs that can assist families facing financial difficulties when covering cremation costs:
- Social Security Benefits: If your loved one was eligible for Social Security, you could potentially recieve a one-time death benefit of up to $255 to help cover funeral expenses.
- Veteran Benefits: Families of veterans may be entitled to cremation assistance through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The VA may provide financial help for cremation, burial, and memorial services if the deceased veteran meets certain criteria.
- County Assistance: Hillsborough County offers financial assistance for cremation or burial of indigent residents. This may cover some or all of the basic cremation costs, depending on the family’s financial situation.
Whole Body Donation for Medical Science
Another option for families is a whole body donation for medical science. In Tampa—and throughout Florida—United Tissue Network (UTN) coordinates body donations. UTN pays 100% of the costs associated with transporting the deceased, placement with a reputable research or educational facility, and cremation after research has concluded.
UTN is a non-profit accredited by the American Association of Tissue Banks (AATB), which requires organizations to operate with high ethics, treating donors with respect and dignity. At UTN, the focus is on providing support and care for families rather than profit. This allows UTN to offer free cremation for whole-body donors to support its mission of advancing medical science through whole-body donation.
Contact United Tissue Network or call us at 877-738-6111 to learn more about whole body donation and how you or your loved one can leave a lasting legacy.
