The cost of a cremation with a memorial service in Florida now averages around $5,700, depending on the provider and services that you choose. While it’s slightly less in the Tampa area, these costs can come as a shock to families. If you prefer a more traditional funeral with a viewing service, add another two thousand dollars or more.
So, you need to understand your options and how Tampa cremation and burial services work before making your decision. You should also know about an option for free cremation when you donate your body to science. Asking the right questions upfront can help you understand your options and avoid surprises.
What Is Included in the Base Price?
If you searched for Tampa cremation and burial services, you already know there are a lot of options, and there are a wide variety of prices. So, one of the most important questions you should ask when comparing cremation services in Tampa, FL is what the quoted price actually includes.
Some providers advertise a base cremation price that doesn’t reflect the full cost of the arrangement. The starting price might only include the cremation itself, while other necessary services are listed separately. These additional services may not be optional, like transportation from the place of death, temporary refrigeration, administrative paperwork, or permits. Depending on the provider, these items may be bundled together or charged individually.
Get a complete, itemized list that includes all mandatory services first. This allows you to compare more easily and make better decisions about options you want to add.
Are There Additional Fees Beyond the Quoted Price?
Even when a price appears straightforward, additional charges can still apply depending on the circumstances. Here’s an example. You are quoted a price for all the services included in the base price, but there can still be additional fees for:
- After-hour transportation
- Transportation outside of local service areas
- Handling of excessively overweight individuals
- Extended refrigeration due to delays in paperwork processing
- Being present during the cremation
If you’re planning Tampa cremation and burial services, you’ll also need to factor in a cemetery plot, burial vault, opening and closing fees, a grave marker, and more. These choices add thousands to your total costs.
What Memorial or Service Options Are Available?
Some families prefer the simplicity of direct cremation, which involves cremation without a viewing or ceremony beforehand. Others choose to hold a memorial gathering after cremation, while some families prefer a traditional viewing service followed by cremation.
Most providers offer packages that are designed with the most common options families choose. These often provide a lower cost than purchasing items individually. However, you’ll want to get an itemized breakdown to make sure. Ask for a General Price List (GPL), which itemizes costs for each service.
Who Handles Transportation and Coordination?
Some providers include transportation as part of their service packages, while others list it as a separate charge. You will also see an administrative fee, which is what providers charge for professional services. While the federal Funeral Rule says you don’t have to purchase any services you don’t want, there are some that are essential.
Professional services fees are mandatory. However, there’s no “standard price.” Providers can charge whatever they want, and these fees can vary significantly.
What Happens After Cremation Is Complete?
In most cases, cremated remains are returned to the family in a temporary container. If you plan to scatter the remains, this may be fine. If you want to keep the remains, you’ll need a more durable solution. There are also other options for keepsakes, including sharing remains and jewelry.
Can I Get Free Cremation?
Many families are surprised to learn that traditional funeral homes are not the only option when planning cremation services in Tampa, FL. When you donate your body to science, you get free cremation and contribute to medical education and research.
Donated bodies help physicians, surgeons, and medical students gain the hands-on training needed to improve patient care and develop new medical techniques. Some of the biggest breakthroughs in the treatment of diseases have resulted from past studies using human bodies.
In Florida, United Tissue Network is the only nonprofit body donation organization and provides cremation at no cost to donor families. UTN covers the cost of:
- Transportation of the deceased
- Coordination and paperwork
- Placement with reputable research and educational facilities
- Cremation after research concludes
- Return of the cremated remains upon request
Start your registration today to become a whole body donor with United Tissue Network and help improve the quality of care for future generations.
