Cremation is fast becoming the ‘preferred’ disposition choice for families in Pensacola. The word is out that cremation offers a more affordable funeral alternative. When families either have not got thousands of dollars to spend on a funeral or simply do not want to spend unnecessarily, cremation offers a low-cost alternative. In this guide, we will explain how to arrange affordable cremation services in Pensacola and hopefully answer some other questions you may have.
How much does a cremation cost in Pensacola?
This is the question that most families want to know. As a nation of price-conscious consumers, we expect to check prices and compare deals. The purchase of funeral services is no different. Traditionally, families felt it was inappropriate to make funeral price inquiries, but today, this is changing.
A traditional funeral can cost around $9,000 (NFDA), and this does NOT include cemetery costs. Many families today cannot afford an amount like $10,000 to $12,000 to pay for a funeral. A cremation will cost at least half this amount, if not less, depending upon the type of cremation services selected and the crematory.
A basic cremation in Pensacola can cost anywhere between $1,095 and $4,000. In order to help families arrange affordable cremation services, we have selected a reputable cremation services provider in Pensacola who can offer a basic cremation package for just $1,095.
The DFS Memorials provider in Pensacola, Mortuary Services of Florida, is a licensed Direct Disposer Establishment as licensed by the Florida State Board F438949. Licensed to conduct direct cremations only.
Cremation services in Pensacola
There are different types of cremation services, so it is possible to arrange whatever type of funeral service you require – from a simple cremation to a full traditional funeral or a unique ‘life celebration’ event. A great thing about cremation is that it opens up many memorialization possibilities.
Visit our Guide to Cremation – Everything from when the Deceased is Collected to Receiving the Cremated Remains to learn all about the cremation process and different service options and understand the legal requirements to be met to conduct cremation.
This Ultimate Guide to Cremation from US Funerals Online may also be useful if you have other FAQs about cremation.
Direct cremation services
Direct cremation is probably the fastest-growing type of cremation service. Direct cremation is the industry term for a basic cremation with no services. The deceased is collected and transported to the crematory/funeral home, the legal paperwork is completed, and the cremation is performed.
The cremated remains are returned to the family in a temporary urn. Most funeral homes offering a direct cremation package offer an inclusive price. Only cash advance items, such as the death certificate and cremation permit fee, are additional to the direct cremation package cost.
Be sure to check this when consulting with a funeral home.
Florida is one state that licenses Direct Disposers. A direct disposer ONLY offers direct cremation. Because of the nature of solely offering direct cremation services, a licensed direct disposer can often offer very competitive direct cremation prices.
Call DFS Memorials now at (850) 290-5525 to arrange a direct cremation for just $1,095.
Why is cremation so much cheaper than a traditional funeral?
There are a number of significant funeral merchandise items that are not required for cremation. No casket is required for cremation – a suitable cremation container is all that is required by law. No burial vault or cemetery plot is needed; in most cases, the body is not embalmed. This eliminates thousands of dollars in funeral costs.
Many families are now opting for direct cremation (the cheapest cremation) because they can then arrange their own funeral service once they have the cremation ashes back. With the decline in traditionalism and the rise in personalization, more families are opting to arrange something different as a life tribute.
How do I know that I am getting the remains of my loved one back?
This is one of the most frequent questions families ask about cremation.
Strict laws govern the cremation of human remains, and identity checks must be made along the way.
The cremation retort must be completely cleared following a cremation, and only one can be performed at a time. The remains are cleared into a machine that filters out any metal parts (tooth fillings, hip replacements) and then ground into the fine ‘dust’ that is returned as cremation ashes.
What if I am unsure about cremation or the family cannot agree?
Cremation is such a final disposition, and you do need to ensure that you are completely sure that this is the ‘right’ disposition choice for you. Certain laws are in place to ensure this final disposition can only proceed if the legal next of kin has authorized it.
A Cremation Authorization Form must be signed by the legal next of kin, and in the case of children, many funeral directors will prefer to have all children sign.
You can authorize an agent for your final disposition or sign the authorization when you preplan a cremation.
What can you do with the cremated remains?
The options of what you can do with the cremated remains of your loved one are one of the reasons cremation is becoming more popular. You can, of course, choose to inter the remains in a cemetery plot.
You can inter the remains in a niche or columbarium, or you can keep the ashes at home. Keepsake urns enable you to disperse the ashes between several family members or scatter some and retain a ‘keepsake’ memorial.
Ash scattering is another option in Pensacola, especially scattering into the Gulf. Read more about this in our guide to Ash Scattering.
Is it possible to preplan a low-cost cremation?
Yes, you can preplan simple, low-cost cremation services in and lock in on today’s prices. A low-cost cremation plan is generally financed with an insurance or trust fund.
Alternatively, you can set down your wishes and put aside the necessary amount in a Payable on Death POD account. This keeps your money in your control and safe. When the time arises, your beneficiary can withdraw the funds to pay for your funeral.
How quickly can a cremation be performed?
There is a mandatory 48-hour waiting period in Florida before a cremation can proceed.
What do I do if I cannot even afford cremation services in Pensacola?
Sadly, this happens too often today! Families experience the death and a loved one and do not have the money to pay for a funeral. There is very limited financial support to assist families with funeral costs.
Social Security offers a $255 lump sum death benefit payment to those individuals who qualify. [Your funeral director can assist you in claiming this]
Some counties do offer indigent burial assistance, but this varies, so you need to consult your local county Human Services to find out what support may be available.
Veteran’s Funerals in Pensacola
If you wish to arrange a direct cremation for a veteran in Pensacola, we do offer discounts for veterans, and all vets qualify for a free cemetery plot, grave marker, and flag.
If you have further questions about cremation, you can check out the Funeral Resources section offered by US Funerals Online.
I have been researching and writing about the death care industry for the past fifteen years. End-of-life services and experiences are topics most people avoid thinking about until they must face them. My work provides comprehensive and independent resources for families, explaining the workings of the funeral industry, the laws governing funeral practices, and the death care trends that impact consumers. With a BA in Cultural Studies, I bring a unique perspective to analyzing cultural death care rituals, complemented by a career background in Business Management. The death care industry is undergoing significant changes, which I find fascinating. The shift towards cremation services and the emergence of sustainable alternatives like aquamation and human composting are of particular interest. I am also intrigued by how technology is reshaping the funeral planning process and experience. I write for US Funerals Online and DFS Memorials LLC, and contribute to various forums and publications within the death care industry.
