Arranging an affordable cremation service in Clearwater, FL

Want to know how to arrange a dignified funeral at an affordable cost?

We have compiled this guide to help you understand how you can save thousands of dollars on funeral expenses by opting for a simple cremation.

In fact, you can arrange a simple, direct cremation in Clearwater for just $995.

The average cost of a traditional funeral is $7,848 (NFDA), which does not include cemetery costs. As a result, many families today are seeking more affordable alternatives.

Cremation is now becoming the preferred, more affordable option to conduct a dignified yet simple disposition service at a fraction of the full cost of a traditional funeral.

Many families are choosing direct cremation as a ‘no fuss’, affordable option to conduct death care when no ceremony is required at a funeral home.

The DFS Memorials provider in Clearwater – Mortuary Services of Florida is a licensed Direct Disposer Establishment as licensed by the Florida State Board F438949.  Licensed to conduct direct cremations only.

Why choose cremation services?

Cremation offers an inexpensive and flexible alternative to a burial service.  Choosing cremation services can save you 40% to 60% (or sometimes more) on the cost of traditional burial services. 

This is because a casket is not required or embalming (unless required), and there is no immediate need for a cemetery plot or burial vault.  Eliminating just these few products and services would save thousands of dollars.

A cremation can offer a more flexible option for families who have moved from their home state or for situations where a funeral cannot be held immediately. 

Cremation also offers more personalization options, a range of ash-scattering ceremony options, and a variety of cremation artifact products.

What different cremation alternatives do I have?

There are three main types of cremation service options.  A cremation funeral – where the funeral service is held with the deceased present and a cremation is conducted after the service.

A cremation memorial – where the cremation is conducted before a memorial service is held.  This can be with or without the cremated remains present and can often take the form of an ash-scattering ceremony.

Or there is a direct cremation – where the deceased is cremated with no services, and the remains are returned to the family.

There are some variations among these three main options, such as a private viewing before the cremation, an observed cremation, or a graveside interment of the cremation urn.

Do note that the DFS Memorials provider in Clearwater is a Licensed Direct Disposer Establishment only and, therefore, cannot offer services other than a simple direct cremation service.

To learn more about cremation service options, the legalities of conducting cremation, and the cremation process – visit Our Complete Guide to Cremation.

How much does a cremation cost in Clearwater?

The cost of a cremation can vary considerably.  This will depend upon the type of cremation service you opt for and the cremation services provider you select.  The average cost of a cremation memorial service is $3,656, depending on the length of service held and what kind of casket you purchase or rent. 

The average cost of a direct cremation is $1,979*, although a direct cremation package can be conducted for just $995 with DFS Memorials.

Direct cremation services in Clearwater, FL

If you are working on a budget for your funeral expenses, you may wish to consider a direct cremation.  A direct cremation is the cheapest cremation option.  The funeral services provider does everything to take care of the immediate disposition of the deceased, but no viewing or services are held. 

The deceased is cremated in a simple cremation container, and then the cremated remains are made available for the family to collect or delivered/mailed.  A direct cremation can be arranged online or by phone, with no need for you to visit a funeral home.

For your best price on a direct cremation, contact your DFS Memorials provider in Clearwater at (727) 201-1616.

How do I choose a cremation services provider?

This can sometimes be daunting when there are several funeral homes to choose from.  It may help to set clear criteria to select the provider that best suits your needs.  The funeral service provider you select can be influenced by what facilities and services they offer, or your budget.

As we have highlighted, costs for the same service can vary significantly between funeral homes.  For this reason, we recommend comparing costs before deciding.

Comparing cremation costs in Clearwater, FL

All funeral homes have a general price list (GPL), which should itemize all services and charges.  A funeral home must provide you with a copy of its GPL if you request cremation price information, either in person or by phone.

According to funeral price research surveys in Clearwater, the average cost of a cremation is $3,656, though some cremation providers offer direct cremation for less. 

When comparing costs and services, check what IS included, especially with a budget direct cremation package.

Is a copy of the death certificate included?  Is the cremation permit an additional cash advance item, or is it included?  What about if an out-of-hours collection is required? Is there an additional daily refrigeration charge if the cremation does not proceed after 48 hours? 

Death certificates cost $5.00 for the first certificate and $4 for each additional death certificate required.  You should also note that the county coroner may charge a fee if they are required to sign the death certificate.

What do I need to know legally to arrange a cremation in Clearwater, Florida?

You should be aware of a few legal requirements if you are considering cremation. Firstly, the legal next-of-kin must all sign the ‘Cremation Authorization Form’ before a cremation can proceed.

Florida has a mandatory 24-hour wait period after death before cremation can proceed. Before a cremation can go ahead, the doctor must sign and fill out the cause of death, and the county health department must issue a permit to cremate. 

The deceased will be refrigerated during this period and longer if required. However, many cremation packages include refrigeration for up to 5 days and charge a daily rate thereafter.

Death certificates and permits are considered ‘cash advance’ items and are not generally included in a quoted cremation price.  The funeral director will generally obtain the death certificates on your behalf.

Can I preplan a cremation?

Yes, you can prearrange a cremation.  Advance planning can help ensure you get the most appropriate service provider for your needs and save the surviving family the financial and emotional burden at the time of death. 

There are several options available to you for planning ahead; consult your preferred service provider.  A pre-arranged direct cremation plan can be preplanned at a low cost to ensure your family does not have the burden of worrying about funeral costs.

What can we do with the cremated remains?

As I mentioned earlier, there is versatility in what you can do with cremated remains.  You can inter a cremation urn in a cemetery plot or niche, keep an urn at home, scatter the remains, or create a cremation artifact such as a cremation diamond, glass paperweight, bird bath, or memorial reef ball, to name but a few!

The deceased had no life insurance – is there any help with cremation costs?

Sadly, there is little financial aid that supports families struggling with funeral costs.  Most counties have a budget for indigent funerals, but it is generally limited to those who are indigent. 

Some counties have limited funds to help low-income families with cremation costs, but availability varies by county.

You would need to contact the Pinellas County Human Services Department at 647 1st Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 to determine whether any assistance is available.  In most cases, the most basic funeral services will be provided, with limited control over the arrangements.

What is a “no-cost cremation”?

Some funeral homes in Clearwater now offer this option.  This refers to whole-body donation, whereby, after the donation is complete, the remains are cremated (free of charge) and then returned to the family or scattered.  

Generally, funeral homes can receive a referral fee from the whole-body donation organization and may charge a transportation fee.

How do I obtain a copy of a death certificate?

You can obtain copies of a death certificate from the Vital Records office at 8751 Ulmerton Road, Largo, FL 33771. Phone: (727) 507-4330

What happens if the deceased is taken to the Coroner’s Office?

If there were circumstances surrounding the death that led to the deceased being taken to the County Coroner’s office, you will need to employ the services of a funeral director as soon as possible to liaise with the Coroner to have the body released into their care.  Only a licensed funeral director can collect a body from the Coroner’s morgue.

Pinellas County Coroner, 10900 Ulmerton Rd, Largo, FL 33778, USA

Hopefully, this short guide to arranging an affordable cremation service in Clearwater has answered some of your questions and helped you understand how to save costs on a cremation.  If you want to read more about cremation planning, please visit the Funeral Resources section on US Funerals Online.

*Prices obtained from online funeral price comparison survey