This is a question that frequently brings families to our website. Not only are more families now considering cremation, but they also want to weigh up the costs and, in many cases, find out what IS the best price for cremation. Read on to learn more about cremation services and costs in Southwest Florida.
It is generally common knowledge now that cremation is cheaper than burial. A cremation can remove the need for expensive cemetery property, a casket, a grave vault, and embalming.
Florida is a retirement destination, and many retire and yet still have family across the U.S. Cremation can be a simple and cost-effective means by which to conduct the disposition.
As retirees may have limited family and friends in southwest Florida, there is no need for elaborate gatherings, and the cremated remains can be easily returned to the family at a minimal cost.
Cremation prices vary depending on where in Southwest Florida you live
This statement should come as no surprise. If you are reading this article, it is probably because you are already aware that the cost of cremation varies considerably, depending on where you live and which cremation provider you choose.
At US Funerals Online, we always try and recommend that consumers shop around and compare cremation costs. Ensure that you are comparing like-for-like. Confusion can arise when funeral homes and cremation providers can all use different terms for their affordable cremation packages.
There has been considerable debate within the funeral profession about what term best represents a basic cremation. You will find the terms ‘simple’, ‘basic’, ‘low cost’, ‘affordable’, and ‘discount’ are all synonymous and generally refer to offering a direct cremation.
A direct cremation is a cremation where there is no service. Family can opt to conduct a memorial service with (or without) the cremated remains at a later date.
Our Ultimate Guide to Cremation explains all you need to know about cremation – the process, service options, laws that govern performing a cremation disposition, and what is included and ancillary costs to expect.
So how do you compare cremation prices, and what exactly is a direct cremation?
Be clear to ensure you check with your cremation provider what they are including in the price they quote you. In our experience, an inclusive direct cremation price generally should include the following:
- An arrangement meeting
- Collection of the deceased from the place of death (sometimes a specific mileage radius is specified)
- Storage of the deceased for the mandatory 48-hour waiting period
- A basic cremation container
- The crematory fee
- A temporary container to return the cremated remains in.
- General assistance with completing the necessary documentation for cremation
Some cremation providers include the cremation permit and one copy of the death certificate within their direct cremation package. However, this is not always the case, so you should check this.
Also, sometimes a price for a direct cremation may NOT include the actual crematory fee, so be sure to clarify this. It is possible to make all arrangements online, and this can be another way by which to reduce the overall cost.
Florida does permit the licensing of ‘Direct Cremation Disposal Establishments.’ These are licensed funeral establishments that are NOT full-service funeral homes but are licensed solely to perform direct cremations. The benefit to consumers is that these establishments can operate with lower overhead costs, as they do not require full arrangement/funeral premises, and often all arrangements can be made by phone or online. This savings on overhead costs can then be passed onto the cremation consumer, offering a direct cremation at a reduced price.
Cremation costs comparison around Tampa Bay, Fort Myers, Naples, and Cape Coral.
In order to help families in the task of finding the best price offer on cremation services in southwest Florida, we conducted some cremation cost comparisons. DFS Memorials offer a simple, direct cremation service from $995.
DFS Memorials in Southwest Florida
DFS Memorials™ is a nationwide network of low-cost cremation and funeral providers. Members of the network are all local, family-owned funeral businesses that can offer families an affordable funeral alternative.
Call (239) 244-2418 (24 hours a day) if you have an immediate need or any questions about cremation.
What about a “no-cost” or free cremation in Florida?
A “no-cost” cremation is possible if you wish to donate your body to science. This is where your whole body can be donated as an ‘anatomical gift.’ Donating your body to science in SWFL can offer you the chance to have a ‘no cost’ cremation. After your anatomical donation is complete, the medical establishment will perform a cremation without any charge and then return the cremated remains to your family.
To discuss arranging an anatomical whole-body donation with a free cremation in Florida, call Craig at (833) 402-9077.
You do need to be aware that NOT all body donations are accepted at the time of death. This can be dependent on the needs of local medical schools, transportation services, and the health of the deceased at death.
It can help to have an alternative plan for a simple, affordable cremation if a donation cannot proceed. The DFS Memorials providers in Florida all offer a low-cost direct cremation.
Arranging Cremation in SWFL and Shipping Cremated Remains to another State
Many retirees, snowbirds, and transplants make their home or part-time home in Florida. For this reason, there can be a higher than usual demand for a basic cremation to be conducted in Florida, and then the cremated remains transported back to the individual’s home state.
This can be easily arranged, and cremated remains can be shipped by a special USPS Priority Service. The funeral home or cremation service provider will generally add the charge for this to a direct cremation service package. The cost is usually between $65 to $100.
If you are a temporary resident of SWFL, you may wish to consider our great value Travel Protection Plan. This plan costs just $450 for an individual for lifetime protection against the costly expense of returning a body home if a death occurs 75 miles (or further) from your residence in the U.S. (or Canada). It also provides global coverage. Domestic funeral shipping can cost from $3,000, and International repatriation can start at around $6,900.
Visit our article on Travel Protection: Your Guide to Affordable Funeral Shipping, or click on the link above to enroll today.
The cremation marketplace in South Florida
The cremation rate is over 70% in Florida, and there are a number of funeral homes and cremation companies competing for their share of this growing market. Florida is one of only two states that actually license Direct Disposers. A direct disposer is not a funeral director, but he or she is licensed to conduct direct dispositions.
They do not have to operate overhead such as a funeral home facility, livery, etc, and can therefore offer a budget cremation price. Although direct disposers are legitimate, licensed businesses, they cannot offer the extended range of services that a trained funeral director/establishment can.
If you were to suddenly decide you needed a viewing after the deceased was collected, a direct disposer cannot facilitate this. So be sure to consider what your needs are before you make any decisions.
The corporate cremation business in Florida
There are 3 main corporate players in the funeral industry – Service Corporation International (SCI), Carriage Services, and Stonemor Partners. The largest by far is SCI which operates the Dignity Memorial brand of funeral locations and The Neptune Society direct cremation locations. If you are considering a direct cremation, we would strongly recommend you compare prices between a corporate funeral location and a local family-owned funeral business.
Death care need not be an expensive affair. An affordable cremation, and dignified send-off, can be achieved for several hundred dollars. Hopefully, having read this article, you are a little wiser about the options you have available to you and the costs you can expect.
In addition to the articles listed below, you will find an extensive catalog of resources in our Funeral Resources section.
Related Articles:
- Understanding cremation laws and how they affect arranging a cremation
- Cheap Cremation…..How Cost and Convenience are Changing our Funeral Plans
- Finding a low-cost funeral or cremation option in the US
- Service Corporation International
Resources:
