Cremation Overview in Florida

Losing a loved one is never easy, and making decisions about cremation in Florida can feel overwhelming—especially when you’re also grieving. This guide explains how cremation typically works in Florida, what it can cost, what the basic rules are, and how to compare providers with confidence and care.

In Florida, cremation is a common choice because it can be more flexible than traditional burial. Families may choose a simple direct cremation with no ceremony, or they may hold a meaningful memorial with photos, readings, music, military honors, or faith traditions. Some families keep the ashes in a urn, place them in a cemetery niche, or scatter them in a location that mattered to their loved one.

While the emotional side of planning is personal, the practical steps are usually similar: a licensed provider helps with transportation and paperwork, the cremation is performed at a licensed facility, and the cremated remains are returned to the family or placed according to the family’s written wishes.

Average Cremation Costs in Florida

Cremation costs in Florida vary widely based on the type of service, the provider, the county, and factors like body size, timing, and whether you want viewing or a ceremony. The ranges below are typical starting points for planning.

Important note: Costs vary by provider, body size, and over time. Third-party fees (like certified death certificates, obituary notices, or certain required authorizations) can add to your total.

Direct cremation (no visitation or ceremony)

Typical range in Florida: $900–$2,500+

Direct cremation is the simplest option: the provider takes the person into their care, completes required paperwork, performs the cremation, and returns the ashes. Published Florida price lists show direct cremation prices around the low-to-mid $1,000s at some providers, with higher pricing at others depending on what’s included and local market factors. You can see examples on provider General Price Lists such as Baldwin Brothers’ GPL (effective January 31, 2025) and Florida Direct Cremation’s GPL. Baldwin Brothers General Price List (PDF) Florida Direct Cremation General Price List (PDF)

Cremation followed by a memorial service (gathering after cremation)

Typical range in Florida: $1,800–$4,500+

This option includes cremation first, then a memorial service later (often with an urn present). Your total depends on whether the provider supplies staff and facilities, whether you rent a chapel or event space, and whether you add items like printed programs, audio/visual tributes, flowers, catering, or clergy honoraria. Some providers list bundled packages for cremation with a memorial service (for example, Baldwin lists a “Cremation with Celebration of Life or Memorial Service” package). Example memorial-service package pricing on a Florida GPL (PDF)

Cremation with visitation/viewing (viewing before cremation)

Typical range in Florida: $3,000–$7,500+

Visitation/viewing before cremation is usually more expensive because it often includes embalming or other preparation, viewing room staffing, and facility use. Some providers publish package pricing for cremation with viewing and a ceremony; for example, Baldwin lists “Cremation with Viewing and Celebration of Life Service” pricing on its GPL. Example visitation and ceremony package pricing on a Florida GPL (PDF)

Common add-on costs to ask about

• Death certificates (you may want multiple certified copies for banks and insurers)
• Transportation beyond a standard mileage radius, or after-hours transfers
• Extra fees related to body size or specialized equipment (some GPLs disclose these charges) Example of disclosed body-size related fees (PDF)
• Urns, keepsakes, and engraving
• Obituary notices and online memorial pages
• Cemetery costs (niche, opening/closing fees, scattering garden fees, marker/inscription)
• Mailing/shipping cremated remains (if needed)

Cremation Laws and Legal Requirements in Florida

This section is for general information, not legal advice. Laws can change, and local practices may differ. When in doubt, ask a licensed Florida provider how they comply with current requirements.

Written authorization and “legally authorized person”

Florida requires written authorization before a cremation can be performed. The person signing is generally the “legally authorized person” under Florida law (often the person’s written choice, a spouse, adult child, parent, or another person in the statute’s priority order). Florida law also explains how providers may rely on authorization when multiple people share the same priority class. Florida Statutes: Section 497.005 (Definitions; includes “legally authorized person”)

Declaration of intent for the ashes

When you arrange a cremation, Florida law requires a signed declaration of intent about the disposition of the cremated remains, and the funeral or direct disposal establishment must retain it. Florida Statutes: Section 497.607 (Cremation procedure required)

Timing language in Florida’s cremation procedure statute

Florida’s cremation procedure statute includes timing language tied to the agreed-upon time in writing for the cremation to occur. In real life, timelines can still depend on authorization, required reviews (such as a medical examiner review in certain circumstances), and scheduling at the crematory. Florida Statutes: Section 497.607

Unclaimed cremated remains

If cremated remains are not claimed after a period set out in Florida law, the establishment may dispose of them as permitted (including scattering at sea or placement in certain memorial locations), and there are additional steps related to identifying veterans who may be eligible for interment in a national cemetery. Florida Statutes: Section 497.607 (unclaimed cremated remains)

Division of ashes and family disputes

Florida law states that cremated remains are not property for certain inheritance and partition purposes, and it explains that dividing ashes requires consent of the legally authorized person (or the next legally authorized person in some situations). Disputes may need court resolution. Florida Statutes: Section 497.607 (division of cremated remains)

Consumer protection and licensing

Florida licenses and regulates funeral, cemetery, and cremation-related providers through the Department of Financial Services’ Division of Funeral, Cemetery, and Consumer Services. If you have questions or need to file a complaint, the Division provides consumer-help resources and contact information. MyFloridaCFO: Funeral, Cemetery, and Consumer Services (consumer help)

Types of Cremation and Service Options in Florida

Families can personalize cremation in Florida in many ways. Here are common options you’ll see when comparing providers.

Direct cremation

Direct cremation is typically the lowest-cost approach. It usually includes transportation into care, basic paperwork assistance, the cremation itself, and return of ashes in a basic container. You can still create a meaningful tribute later—at home, at a place of worship, or at a favorite location—without the costs of formal viewing.

Cremation with a memorial service

A memorial service happens after the cremation. Some families hold it right away; others wait until relatives can travel or until a meaningful date. Memorial services can be held at a funeral home chapel, a church, a community venue, outdoors, or at home.

Cremation with visitation/viewing

Visitation or viewing before cremation can be important for families who value a traditional goodbye. Providers may offer a private family viewing, a larger public visitation, or a ceremony before cremation. Costs are higher because of preparation and facility use.

Witness cremation or family present for identification

Some crematories offer a witness option or a scheduled identification viewing. If this is important to you, ask what is available, whether there are limits on attendance, and whether there is an added fee.

Urns, keepsakes, and memorial items

Many families choose a primary cremation urn plus a few keepsakes for close relatives. Helpful resources on Funeral.com include an urn size chart, the cremation urns for ashes collection, keepsake urns, and the cremation jewelry collection.

Scattering ashes and burial at sea

Florida does not have a single statewide “scatter here” rule for every location, so families often need to consider property permission, local rules, and federal requirements for ocean scattering.

• Private property: Families typically obtain the property owner’s permission.
• National parks: Many parks require a permit and have location-specific rules. An example of National Park Service memorialization guidance is available here. NPS: Memorialization (Scattering Ashes) example policy page
• Burial at sea (ocean): Federal rules apply. The EPA provides instructions and reporting information for burial/scattering at sea, including the “3 nautical miles from land” standard. US EPA: Burial at Sea eCFR: 40 CFR 229.1 (Burial at sea)

Cultural Norms and Local Practices Around Cremation in Florida

Florida’s communities are diverse, and local traditions around cremation in Florida reflect that diversity. Many families choose a “celebration of life” style memorial—often casual, warm, and personalized—with photos, favorite music, and open sharing of stories. Coastal communities may prefer water-based memorials, while others choose cemetery niches, scattering gardens, or family-owned land (with permission).

Faith traditions can also shape decisions. Some families prefer a service with clergy present, a period of visitation, or specific handling of the ashes. If faith practices matter to your family, talk with your religious leader early, then ask the cremation provider how they can support your customs.

Florida also has a strong veteran population. Many providers can help coordinate military honors and guide families through options for interment of cremated remains in a veterans cemetery or a national cemetery (when eligible).

How to Choose a Cremation Provider in Florida

Choosing a provider can feel intimidating, especially when time is short. These steps can help you compare options in a grounded, practical way.

Confirm licensing and ask where the cremation happens

Ask whether the provider is a licensed funeral establishment or direct disposal establishment, and whether the cremation is performed on-site or at a partner crematory. If the cremation is outsourced, ask for the crematory name and location.

Request the General Price List

Under the FTC’s Funeral Rule, you have the right to receive a General Price List (GPL) and to choose only the goods and services you want (with some exceptions). FTC: Shopping for Funeral Services FTC: Complying with the Funeral Rule

Ask for an itemized estimate

Ask the provider to list what is included in the quoted price and what is not. In particular, confirm third-party cash advances (like death certificates) and optional items like upgraded containers, urns, obituary fees, and venue costs.

Clarify identification and chain-of-custody

If you’re worried about receiving the correct ashes back, ask how the provider identifies the person throughout the process (for example, ID tags, paperwork tracking, and crematory procedures). It’s also reasonable to ask whether a family identification viewing is available.

Discuss timeline and communication

Ask when the cremation is typically performed and when you can expect the ashes. Timelines can be affected by authorizations, reviews, weekends/holidays, and crematory capacity.

Know where to turn if something feels wrong

If you have concerns, Florida’s Division of Funeral, Cemetery, and Consumer Services provides consumer help and investigates complaints related to Chapter 497 licensing and compliance. MyFloridaCFO: Consumer Help

Notable Cremation Providers in Florida

Disclaimer: This is not a recommendation or endorsement—just a starting list for research. Availability, pricing, and service details can change. Always verify licensing, current prices, and what is included directly with the provider.

• Baldwin Brothers Funeral & Cremation Society — Multiple Florida locations — Offers direct cremation and cremation-with-service options with published pricing and statewide reach. Website | Phone: (877) 410-2424 General Price List (PDF)
• Florida Direct Cremation — St. Petersburg — Provides direct cremation services with a published General Price List and simple arrangement options. Website | Phone: (727) 525-9219 General Price List (PDF)
• Neptune Society — Miami — Offers cremation planning and support, including preplanning options and location-based services. Website
• Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home — Jacksonville — Provides funeral and cremation services through a network of locations serving Duval and surrounding counties. Website | Phone: (varies by location)
• Broward Burial & Cremation — Fort Lauderdale — Offers cremation and funeral options in South Florida with planning support for families. Website
• Tillman Funeral Home & Crematory — West Palm Beach — Family-owned provider offering cremation, funeral services, and planning support with an on-site crematory. Website | Phone: (561) 965-4412
• North Brevard Funeral Home & Crematory (Oaklawn) — Titusville — Offers funeral services and cremation with an on-site crematory facility for North Brevard families. Website
• A Life Tribute Funeral Care — Largo — Provides cremation and funeral services with published package pricing for families in the Tampa Bay area. Website | Phone: (727) 222-4155

FAQs About Cremation in Florida

Helpful paperwork note: If you need certified copies of the death certificate (often required for accounts and benefits), Florida’s Department of Health provides official guidance on ordering. Florida Department of Health: How to order a Florida death certificate

Final reminder: Laws and prices change. Families should verify details directly with providers, local funeral homes, and official state and local sources before making decisions. For consumer help related to Florida-licensed providers, you can also contact the state’s Division of Funeral, Cemetery, and Consumer Services. MyFloridaCFO: Consumer Help