It may be uncomfortable to think about cremation costs in Miami when a loved one passes away, but educating yourself about the options and requirements can help you make a better decision. In this article, we will explain how to budget for cremation, the rules and regulations cremation providers must follow when discussing price, and options for a no-cost cremation.
The average cost of a cremation in the Miami area can range from $800 to $5,500 depending on the provider and services you choose. The average is about $1,400 for a direct cremation, although you can find less expensive providers online.
Planning Your Budget for Cremation Costs in Miami
Before you make a decision, you need to have a clear understanding of the expenses. Service providers typically offer package pricing that bundles services. You are not required to choose a bundle, although it can save you money in many cases. Regardless, you should ask for an itemized price list.
The General Price List (GPL)
By law, providers are required to provide you with a General Price List (GPL) that breaks down all the services and their costs. Examine the GPL carefully and look for areas that might add to costs.
Some providers may require additional fees for services such as:
- Transportation of the deceased
- Filing of paperwork or permits
- Cremation containers
- Container for remains
- Return of the cremated remains
- Certified death certificates
There may be some additional costs for special circumstances. For example, a pacemaker will need to be removed before cremation for safety reasons.
The cost of cremation in Miami may often include a line item for “basic services.” These can vary but might include costs for planning, permits, notice, and arranging logistics with a licensed crematory, and other overhead. If such a fee is something consumers cannot decline, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) requires notification defining whether the cremation costs in Miami are included in the costs of services or whether they are separate fees.
With a GPL, you can comparison shop on an itemized basis.
The Funeral Rule
A couple of other things you should know as part of the FTC’s Funeral Rule. You are not required to:
- Purchase a casket for direct cremation
- Buy certain services as a condition of providing other services
- Purchase an urn or casket from a funeral home provider
You should also know that in Florida, there is no requirement for bodies to be embalmed although if you plan a viewing ceremony, embalming is required.
There are requirements regarding the GPL. Providers are required to provide the GPL whenever someone asks about funeral services, cremation, or related goods. This applies whether you ask online, over the phone, or in person. In case of a face-to-face meeting, providers should give you a GPL before showing you specific options, such as caskets or urns.
One more thing: Providers must supply you with a written copy that you can keep. Showing you the GPL is not enough. They must give you a copy for your review.
Low-Cost and Free Cremations in Miami
If you are looking for extremely low-cost or free cremation in Miami, you have limited options.
Low-Income and Indigent Families
If your family is considered indigent and cannot afford even the most basic cremation service, Miami-Dade County offers low-cost services, including:
- $455: Cremation Cost
- $375: Storage fee for bodies stored at the Medical Examiner facility
- $60: Pre-approval Administrative Review
For the poorest residents, the cremation fee can be lowered to $115 if the family provides proof of participation in government assistance programs, such as food stamps, Medicaid, or supplemental Social Security income. However, total income cannot exceed federal guidelines.
The county also provides a listing of low-cost providers for low-income and indigent families.
Free Cremation with Whole Body Donation
Another option is donating a body to medical science. In Miami, United Tissue Network (UTN) coordinates whole body donation, handling the placement of donor bodies with reputable medical research and educational facilities.
UTN pays for the program and for 100% of the cremation cost in Miami for families.
UTN has helped nearly 12,000 families make this important contribution to the advancement of medical science. For many, this has brought meaning to the loss of a loved one and created a lasting legacy for future generations. These families also found a way to relieve the financial burden of someone’s passing.
After research has concluded, UTN works with licensed cremation facilities and pays for the cremation. Remains may be returned to the family upon request.
To receive no-cost cremation from United Tissue Network, start the whole-body donor registrations process online. Imminent and future donations are always welcome.
