Affordable Cremations Costs in Miami-Dade County, Florida $765

Navigating the administrative and legal requirements following a loss in Miami or the surrounding Miami-Dade County area requires an understanding of specific local jurisdictional rules. As the central authority for DFS Memorials in South Florida, this hub provides the essential technical data and resources needed to manage final arrangements in Miami, Hialeah, Miami Gardens, and Coral Gables.

Miami-Dade County Jurisdictional Contact Data

In Miami-Dade County, the Medical Examiner’s Department provides oversight for the legal release of remains and ensures that all deaths are properly certified before a cremation can proceed.

• Official County Name: Miami-Dade County

• Medical Examiner Office: Miami-Dade County Medical Examiner’s Department District 11

• Physical Office Address: Number One on Bob Hope Road, Miami, FL 33136-1133

• Main Contact Phone: (305) 545-2400

Our local Miami providers coordinate directly with District 11 to secure the necessary Release Authorization forms, which must be signed by the legal next-of-kin.

Permitting and Mandatory Fees

Florida state law and Miami-Dade County ordinances require specific permits and administrative reviews before a cremation is performed.

• Pre-approval Administrative Review Fee: A mandatory fee of $65.00 is required for administrative processing.

• Storage Fees: If remains are stored at the Medical Examiner facility, a storage fee of $375.00 may apply.

• Method of Payment: Fees are typically handled electronically by the funeral provider or can be paid directly through the Medical Examiner’s designated channels.

• 48-Hour Rule: In accordance with Florida Statute 497.607, a cremation cannot take place until at least 48 hours have elapsed from the official time of death.

The death certificate is the primary legal document required for estate settlement and claiming benefits.

• Vital Records Office: Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County

• Location: 1350 NW 14th Street #101, Miami, FL 33125

• Certified Death Certificate Cost (Initial): $30.00 (when ordered via VitalChek) or $20.00 through the local office.

• Additional Copy Cost: $16.00 each.

• Estimated Turnaround: Most certified copies are available within 7 to 10 business days once the medical professional has electronically signed the record.

Miami-Dade Major Institutional Infrastructure

We provide professional decedent transfer services from every major medical facility and hospice center within the Miami-Dade County borders.

Major Hospitals

• University of Miami Hospital: 1400 NW 12th Ave, Miami, FL 33136

• Jackson Memorial Hospital: 1611 NW 12th Ave, Miami, FL 33136

• Baptist Health/Kendall Campus: Adjacent to major medical hubs in southwestern Miami

Hospice Care Centers

• VITAS Healthcare: Multiple locations, including inpatient units at MedSquare Kendall and University of Miami Hospital.

• Catholic Hospice: Serving families throughout the Miami area.

• Kindred Hospice: 6161 Blue Lagoon Drive, Ste. 170, Miami, FL 33126.

Miami-Dade County offers the Indigent Cremation Service (ICS) for families who lack the financial resources for final disposition.

• Indigent Cremation Program: Provides a last-resort final disposition for those who cannot afford private services. The death must have occurred within Miami-Dade County.

• Eligibility & Fees: Families receiving government assistance (Medicaid, Food Stamps, etc.) may pay a reduced fee of $150.00, while the standard indigent fee is $475.00.

• Contact Information: For more information, families can contact Sandra Witty-Fortunato at (305) 545-2422.

• Bereavement Support: Local organizations like the Children’s Bereavement Center (CBC) provide free peer-support for grieving residents.

Hub-and-Spoke Navigation

DFS Memorials serves all 34 incorporated municipalities and numerous unincorporated neighborhoods throughout Miami-Dade County at our consistent, affordable rate.

Primary Cities Served:

• Miami (Metropolitan Hub)

• Hialeah, Homestead, and Doral

• Coral Gables, Miami Beach, and Aventura

• Miami Gardens and North Miami

Major Unincorporated Areas:

• Kendall, Westchester, Tamiami, and Fountainebleau.

Direct Cremation in Miami

Direct Cremation in Hialeah

CALL FOR 24/7 ASSISTANCE: (305) 901-2403