Aquamation (Water Cremation) in Florida (2026): Legal Status, Providers & Costs

In the days after a death, families are often asked to make decisions while they are still trying to catch their breath. If you’re in Florida and you’ve been searching “aquamation florida,” “water cremation florida,” or “alkaline hydrolysis florida,” you’re likely looking for something practical: Is it available, is it legal, what does it cost, and what happens afterward?

Aquamation—sometimes called water cremation or alkaline hydrolysis—is widely described as a lower-flame alternative to traditional cremation. You may also see it described online as “green cremation florida,” “eco friendly cremation florida,” “bio cremation florida,” or “flameless cremation florida.” No matter which cremation method you choose, most families eventually face the same next questions: what to do with ashes, whether keeping ashes at home feels right, and which memorial options—like cremation urns for ashes, keepsake urns, cremation jewelry, or cremation necklaces—fit your family best.

Why aquamation is becoming part of funeral planning

Cremation is now the majority choice in the U.S., which naturally expands the conversation beyond one “standard” method. According to the National Funeral Directors Association, the U.S. cremation rate was projected to reach 63.4% in 2025, and NFDA reports that 61.4% of consumers would be interested in exploring “green” funeral options. The Cremation Association of North America reports a similar trend, noting a 61.8% national cremation rate in 2024.

In real life, those trends translate into families wanting flexibility: a simple disposition now, a memorial when travel is possible, and a plan that feels personal rather than prescribed.

Is aquamation legal in Florida in 2026?

If you’re asking “is aquamation legal in florida,” start with Florida’s definitions. Chapter 497 of the Florida Statutes defines “cremation” as “any mechanical or thermal process whereby a dead human body is reduced to ashes and bone fragments,” with additional language covering other mechanical or thermal processes that further reduce remains (see Florida Statutes 497.005).

Florida also regulates how cremation is authorized. Under Florida Statutes 497.607, the legally authorized person must provide written authorization before cremation can occur, and a signed declaration of intent is required regarding the disposition of the cremated remains. In practice, aquamation is offered in Florida, but the specialized equipment is not as widely distributed as flame-based cremation, which can affect availability and pricing.

Providers: how to find water cremation in Florida and verify licensing

Search results for “aquamation providers florida” and “water cremation providers florida” can be confusing because many funeral homes arrange aquamation through a partner facility. That means you may work with a local funeral home, while the procedure itself occurs at a specialized location.

One Florida-based provider that publicly offers water cremation statewide is Gentle Water Cremation in West Palm Beach. The Independent Funeral Directors of Florida has described it as Florida’s only water cremation facility, which helps explain why transportation to West Palm Beach can appear in quotes from other regions. Some firms also describe their arrangements openly, such as Van Orsdel in Miami, which notes a partnership model for water cremation.

If you want to confirm that the business you’re speaking with is properly licensed—especially if you are evaluating a “funeral home aquamation florida” option quickly—Florida’s Department of Financial Services provides a public Licensee Search. If aquamation is not readily available where you are, a local funeral home can often explain whether transportation to a partner facility is possible, or whether another disposition choice (such as direct cremation) would meet your needs with fewer logistical steps.

• Ask where the procedure will be performed and how identification and chain of custody are handled at each step.
• Ask what the quote includes (transfer, refrigeration, permits, death certificates, temporary container, urn) and what could be added later.
• Ask about timing for the return of cremated remains and what your options are for cemetery placement, scattering, or a water ceremony.

Aquamation cost in Florida: what families typically see

When people search “aquamation cost florida” or “alkaline hydrolysis cost florida,” they’re usually trying to avoid last-minute add-ons. The clearest comparison is to separate the disposition method from any ceremony or visitation you choose to include.

As reference points, Gentle Water Cremation lists a simple water cremation package at $2,980, and Van Orsdel lists a water cremation package at $3,398 that includes transportation to a third-party facility in West Palm Beach and other line items. Those examples suggest that direct aquamation packages in Florida commonly land in the low-to-mid $3,000 range before optional services, upgraded merchandise, or additional certified copies of the death certificate.

For broader context on how much does cremation cost, the NFDA reports national median costs in 2023 of $8,300 for a funeral with viewing and burial and $6,280 for a funeral with cremation. If you want a practical framework for evaluating a quote, Funeral.com’s cremation cost breakdown explains typical line items in plain language so you can ask focused questions.

After aquamation: urns, jewelry, and decisions about ashes

After the cremation is complete, families often realize they have another decision to make—sometimes immediately, sometimes months later. The NFDA reports that among people who prefer cremation for themselves, 37.1% would prefer their remains be kept in an urn at home, while 33.5% would prefer scattering in a sentimental place. It is normal to start with “home for now” and let the longer-term plan come into focus.

Cremation urns, small cremation urns, keepsake urns, and pet urns

If your plan is a primary memorial, start by browsing cremation urns and narrowing by material, placement, and capacity. When space is limited or you prefer a compact display, small cremation urns can be a better fit. If your family wants to share a portion, keepsake urns make it possible to divide remains respectfully across loved ones. If you want a simple, practical overview before buying, the guide How to Choose a Cremation Urn covers capacity, placement, and common mistakes that lead to last-minute stress.

For pets, the same principles apply. Families looking for pet urns, pet urns for ashes, and pet cremation urns often start with Funeral.com’s pet cremation urns for ashes collection, then narrow to specialty tributes like pet figurine cremation urns for ashes or sharing options like pet keepsake cremation urns for ashes. The guide Choosing the Right Urn for Pet Ashes can also help with sizing and personalization.

Cremation necklaces, keeping ashes at home, and water burial

If wearing a memorial feels more supportive than placing one in a room, cremation necklaces can hold a small portion of ashes. For a wider range of wearable pieces, Funeral.com’s cremation jewelry collection and the guide Cremation Jewelry 101 explain what different pieces hold, how filling works, and what to look for in closures.

If your first plan is keeping ashes at home, Funeral.com’s keeping ashes at home guide covers safe placement and common concerns. And if a ceremony on water feels like the right goodbye, Funeral.com’s guide to water burial clarifies how water burial differs from scattering at sea and what to think through before you plan.

Funeral planning when aquamation is your choice

Aquamation may be part of an environmental conversation, but it can also be part of a timing conversation. Many families choose direct water cremation first and plan a memorial later, when travel is easier and the shock has softened. For a grounded overview of decisions families are making right now, Funeral.com’s funeral planning guide for 2026 walks through costs, trends, and practical next steps.

FAQs about aquamation in Florida