A Guide to Planning a Funeral in Florida
Do you have $8000 in savings that you could access within a week? You’re most likely similar to most Americans who are unable to afford even part of that. A funeral in Florida can often cost several times more than the average American has in savings. Planning a funeral can be overwhelming, especially if it's your first time and you're dealing with the emotional impact of a loss. This article will help you understand the typical costs associated with funeral services in Florida, explore the various options available to you, and provide a guide on how to plan a funeral in the state of Florida.
What type of funeral is most popular in Florida?
In the state of Florida, a massive 74% of people on Ever Loved chose cremation as the method of disposition for their loved one.
Given the popularity of cremation in Florida, it can help to know what cremation entails versus a burial. When choosing cremation instead of burial, the primary difference lies in how the body is handled after death. With cremation, the body is reduced to ashes through a high-temperature process, and the remains are typically placed in an urn. Families can choose to keep them in an urn, scatter the ashes in a meaningful location, or place them in a columbarium or cemetery plot. Cremation offers flexibility in terms of memorial services; it can be done before or after a funeral, or families might opt for a simple memorial service without the body present. This option is often more cost-effective than burial since it eliminates the need for a casket, burial plot, and grave marker.
Burial involves placing the body in a casket and interring it in the ground or a mausoleum. Services associated with burial typically include a traditional funeral with an open or closed casket, followed by a graveside service. Burial provides a physical place for loved ones to visit and remember the deceased, which can be important for some families. It also aligns with certain religious and cultural traditions. The choice between cremation and burial often depends on personal, religious, and financial considerations. Cremation offers more flexibility and can be less expensive, while burial provides a permanent resting place and is more aligned with traditional practices in some religions.
Alternatives to burial and cremation
While the most popular methods of disposition on Ever Loved are burial and cremation, there are other options. Other methods of disposition include body donation, liquid cremation, and sea burials. Around 2% of individuals on Ever Loved listed body donation and sea burial as their chosen method of disposition.
What is the average funeral cost in Florida?
You can expect to spend around $7850 for a traditional funeral in Florida, according to pricing data collected by Ever Loved. (This does not include the price of a cemetery plot or other cemetery prices, which are listed below.)
A traditional funeral typically includes the following key services, including:
- Embalming and body preparation
- Transportation of the body in a hearse or another vehicle
- The use of a casket or rental of a casket
- A viewing or visitation
- A funeral service, which can take place at a funeral home, church, or other venue. A funeral service will often include eulogies, prayers, and music
- A graveside service at the burial site
- A reception or gathering after the funeral takes place
How much does cremation cost in Florida?
Given the expensive price of a traditional funeral with a burial, many folks in Florida seek alternative services. While price isn’t the only factor in why someone seeks a cremation, it still costs significantly less than a traditional funeral. You can expect to spend a little over $4000 on average on a cremation with a memorial service and even less than that on a direct cremation, which will cost you a little over $2000 on average.
A direct cremation is different from a full-service cremation in that it involves only the basic cremation process without any additional services like a viewing, funeral ceremony, or memorial service. With direct cremation, the body is cremated shortly after death, and the ashes are returned to the family, often without any embalming or preparation of the body. In contrast, a full-service cremation includes additional elements such as a viewing or visitation, and may involve embalming and other body preparations before the cremation.
How much does a funeral cost in various Florida cities?
Funeral homes in Jacksonville, Florida:
- Traditional funeral: $8,100
- Cremation & service: $4,300
- Direct cremation: $2,000
Find funeral homes in Jacksonville, FL
Funeral homes in Fort Myers, Florida:
- Traditional funeral: $8,150
- Cremation & service: $3,900
- Direct cremation: $1,850
Find funeral homes in Fort Myers, FL
Funeral homes in Miami:
- Traditional funeral: $7,650
- Cremation & service: $3,900
- Direct cremation: $1,550
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Funeral homes in Panama City, Florida:
- Traditional funeral: $7,700
- Cremation & service: $4,000
- Direct cremation: $2,400
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Funeral homes in Pensacola, Florida:
- Traditional funeral: $7,650
- Cremation & service: $4,100
- Direct cremation: $2,200
Find funeral homes in Pensacola, FL
You can find additional Florida funeral homes on Ever Loved, easily get in touch and compare pricing.
How to make sure you’re getting fair prices
When working with a funeral home, getting the best prices starts with understanding your rights and being informed. The Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) Funeral Rule requires funeral homes to provide a General Price List (GPL) upon request, which details all the services and products they offer with itemized prices. Start by obtaining the GPLs from several funeral homes to compare costs. Don’t feel pressured to accept a package deal without reviewing individual items; you have the right to select only the services you need. Consider asking about any less expensive alternatives, such as direct cremation or immediate burial, which may be more affordable.
For someone who has never worked with a funeral home before, it's important to approach the process with a clear understanding of what you want and a willingness to ask questions. Take your time to review all the options, and don’t be afraid to negotiate or inquire about any fees. It’s also a good idea to bring a trusted friend or family member with you to help make decisions and provide support. Further, try and remember that different funeral homes have different services and pricing – Miami funeral homes may have wildly different prices than Panama City funeral homes, so it’s helpful to shop around for prices. Remember, you’re not obligated to make any decisions on the spot, so take the time you need to feel comfortable with your choices.
Funeral assistance for low-income families in Florida
Florida, like many states, does not provide direct funeral assistance at the state level, but there are other options available for low-income families in need of help with funeral expenses. Depending on the county where you or the deceased resided, you may qualify for assistance through local programs. Different counties in Florida offer various programs to assist low-income families with funeral costs.
In Florida, low-income families have several avenues to explore for help covering funeral expenses. Here are some resources and programs available.
Government assistance programs
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Social Security Death Benefit: A one-time payment of $255 may be provided to the surviving spouse or child of a deceased person who was eligible for Social Security death benefits.
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Medicaid: If the deceased was receiving Medicaid benefits, there might be assistance available for funeral expenses. It's advisable to check with the local Medicaid office for more information.
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County-level assistance: Some Florida counties offer burial assistance for indigent individuals. Programs and eligibility requirements vary by county, so it’s important to contact your local county’s social services or health department for details.
Organizations that can help
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The Funeral Consumers Alliance (FCA): This non-profit organization provides information and resources for affordable funeral options.
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Final Farewell: This charity helps low-income families with funeral expenses, particularly for children.
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Ever Loved: Many families turn to crowdfunding to raise money for funeral expenses. Families often find success in covering funeral costs through the generosity of their communities.
Local resources
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Churches and religious organizations: Many religious institutions have funds or can raise funds to help cover funeral costs for their members.
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Community foundations: Some local community foundations offer grants or emergency assistance for funeral expenses. Check with foundations in your area to see what might be available.
Other options
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Prepaid funeral plans: If the deceased had a prepaid funeral plan, it would likely cover most, if not all, of the funeral costs.
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Life insurance: If the deceased had life insurance, the policy may cover funeral expenses.
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Payment plans with funeral homes: Some funeral homes offer payment plans or sliding scale fees based on the family's ability to pay.
Step-by-step guide to planning a funeral in Florida
Planning a funeral can be a challenging process, especially during a time of grief. Here is a step-by-step guide to planning a funeral in Florida:
1. Review costs and financial assistance
- Understand funeral costs: Funeral costs can be substantial, so it’s important to review the total expenses, including the funeral home services, casket or urn, burial plot, and transportation.
- Seek financial assistance: If needed, look into options for financial assistance, such as setting up a memorial fundraiser, looking into veterans' benefits, social security benefits, or state aid.
2. Decide on the type of funeral
- Choose a method of disposition: Choose the method of disposition for the body, such as burial, cremation, or an alternative option like green burial or alkaline hydrolysis.
- Select the type of service: Choose between a traditional funeral, celebration of life, memorial service, graveside service, or no services.
- Determine the level of formality and any religious or cultural customs to be included.
- Ensure any pre-planned final wishes are honored.
3. Choose a funeral home
- Research and compare: Look for a licensed funeral home in Florida. You can ask for recommendations, search online, or consult the Florida Department of Financial Services website.
- Meet with the funeral director: The funeral director will guide you through the process, help with paperwork, and coordinate services.
4. Plan service details
- Select a venue: This can be a religious institution, funeral home, event space, or another location meaningful to the deceased.
- Choose a date and time: Coordinate with the venue and funeral home to set a date and time for the service.
- Personalize the service: Choose readings, music, and speakers. You may also want to include cultural or religious rituals.
5. Spread the word
- Start a memorial site: Create a free memorial website on Ever Loved to easily notify your community and share any important event details.
6. Arrange transportation
- Transport the body: The funeral home will handle transporting the body to the funeral venue, cemetery, or crematorium.
- Arrange family transportation: Ensure that family members and close friends have transportation to and from the service.
7. Choose a casket or urn
- Caskets: If opting for burial, select a casket.
- Urns: If cremation is chosen, select an urn for the ashes.
8. Prepare an obituary
- Write the obituary: Read through obituary examples and templates for guidance on how to write an obituary. Include information about the deceased’s life, family, and details of the funeral or memorial service.
- Publish the obituary: Post the obituary on the memorial website you set up and local newspapers if needed.
9. Plan for the reception
- Choose a location: This could be at a home, community center, restaurant, or another event venue.
- Arrange food and drinks: Decide whether you want to cater the event or have a potluck-style gathering of food.
- Coordinate with others: Family and friends may want to contribute to the reception, so coordinate who will bring what.
10. Follow up
- Thank you notes: Send thank you notes to those who helped or attended the funeral.
11. Plan a permanent memorial
- Grave marker: Choose and order a grave marker or headstone if burial is chosen.
Planning a funeral can be a daunting task, but following these steps can help you manage the process more smoothly.
Planning a funeral involves numerous steps and requires careful coordination of many details. If you're responsible for planning a funeral in Florida, Ever Loved’s checklist can help you stay organized. This after-death checklist assists with planning the funeral, tracking necessary steps, and ensuring you manage all the tasks that need to be completed after a loved one has passed.
