Arranging an affordable cremation service in Miramar, FL

Posted on March 7, 2023 by N. G Pelling

Do you need to arrange an affordable direct cremation service? We have put together this article to help you understand how you can save money arranging a funeral. In fact, you can arrange a simple, direct cremation for just $995!

The average cost of a traditional funeral in Miramar can be around $10,000+, and this does not include cemetery costs.

So it is understandable that many families today are looking for more affordable alternatives. Cremation is now becoming the preferred, more affordable option to conduct a dignified yet simple funeral service at a fraction of the full cost of a traditional funeral.

Cremation vs. burial?

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 saves thousands of dollars alone.

A cremation can offer a more flexible alternative that can accommodate families who have moved from their home state or when a funeral cannot be held straight away. Cremation also offers a greater range of personalization options with a whole array of ash-scattering ceremony possibilities and various cremation artifact products.

What different cremation alternatives do I have?

There are 3 main 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 – this is where the deceased is cremated with no services, and the remains are given back to the family. There are some variances around these 3 main options, such as a private viewing before the cremation, an observed cremation, or a graveside interment of a cremation urn.

How much does a cremation cost in Miramar?

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. A direct cremation package can be conducted for just $995 with DFS Memorials.

Direct cremation services in Miramar, 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 can be delivered/mailed).

A direct cremation can be arranged online or by phone without any need for you to visit a funeral home. For your best price on a direct cremation, contact your DFS Memorials provider in Miramar at (954) 932-3363, who offers a complete direct cremation package for just $995.

How do I choose a cremation services provider?

This can sometimes be a daunting task when there are several funeral homes to choose between. It may help to set yourself some clear criteria to help you select the provider that best suits your needs. Which funeral services provider you select can be influenced by what facilities and services they offer or what budget you have.

As we have highlighted, costs can vary quite significantly between funeral homes for the exact same service. For this reason, we would recommend you compare some costs before making a decision.

Comparing cremation costs in Miramar, FL

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

DFS Memorials offer a direct cremation service for just $995.

Check out our Complete Guide to Cremation or our Guide to Cremation Costs in Florida to learn more about cremation services and cremation costs.

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 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 $20.00, and one copy is included in the $995 direct cremation package. Additional copies can be requested for $20.00 extra per copy.

What legally do I need to know about arranging a cremation in Miramar?

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

In Florida, there is a mandatory 24-hour wait period after death before the cremation can proceed. Before cremation can proceed, 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, you should be aware that many cremation packages will only include refrigeration for up to 5 days and will charge you a daily rate thereon.

Death certificates and permits are considered ‘cash advance’ items and are not always included in a quoted cremation price.

Can I preplan a cremation?

Yes, you can prearrange a cremation. Advance planning can help to ensure you get the most appropriate services provider for your needs and can save the surviving family the financial and emotional burden at the time of death. There are various options open to you to plan ahead, so consult with your preferred services 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.

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

Sadly there is little financial aid that supports those families that find themselves struggling with funeral costs. Most counties do have a budget for indigent funerals, but this is generally for those individuals who truly are indigent.

Some counties do have limited funds to help low-income families with cremation costs, but this can vary county by county. You would need to make inquiries with Broward County Human Services Department at (954) 357-6385 to find out if any assistance is available to you. In these cases, often the most basic of funeral services will be supported, with limited control over what happens.

What is “no-cost cremation”? Body donation with a free cremation.

Some funeral homes now offer this option in Miramar. This is referring 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.

To discuss arranging an anatomical whole-body donation with a free cremation in Florida, call Craig at (833) 402-9077.

How do I obtain a copy of a death certificate?

You can obtain copies of a death certificate from the Vital Records office at 780 SW 24 Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315 Phone: 954-467-4700

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 at Broward County Coroner, 5301 SW 31st Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312.

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

How to select Affordable Funeral & Cremation Services in Ocala, FL

Posted on July 24, 2022 by Cremation Advisor

The cremation trend is changing the way we think about arranging a funeral. Cremation is now the preferred choice of over 50% of Americans. In Florida, the cremation rate is nearer to 70%. If you need to arrange an affordable and dignified cremation, this guide can help you. Arrange an affordable direct cremation service in Ocala for just $695.

How funeral care is changing and the economic reasons for choosing cremation

Deciding whether to bury or cremate is a personal choice. For some families, the decision is dictated by the budget they have for a funeral, and a cremation service will cost less than a traditional burial funeral.

On average, a cremation service is going to save you at least 40% of the cost of a burial. Sometimes you can save as much as 60% on the cost of a burial service. More families are choosing cremation as it does offer greater flexibility. The funeral service does not have to go ahead immediately. Instead, a cremation can be performed, and the immediate disposition of the body dealt with, and then a service held at a later date convenient to the family.

The economy has definitely impacted on how we are changing our approach to death care today. Many families simply cannot, or do not, want to spend unnecessarily on funeral costs. A cremation provides a simple, efficient, and economical means to conduct a disposition.

How much does a funeral cost in Ocala?

This is not a simple question to answer as funeral costs can range significantly depending on the type of services and products selected and the funeral services provider used. According to Funeralocity (2021), the average cost of a traditional funeral service in Ocala is $7,125.

However, your DFS Memorials provider in Ocala can offer a much more affordable funeral package.

How much does a cremation cost in Ocala?

Firstly, a cremation WILL save you on funeral costs. There is no requirement for a casket, cemetery plot, or burial vault, which alone saves thousands of dollars. Generally, embalming is not required when a cremation is performed, so you can save on many funeral expenses, meaning that a cremation will cost at least half, if not less, than the full cost of a burial funeral.

It is important to state that cremation prices in Ocala DO vary quite considerably between funeral homes, and depending on what type of cremation service you opt for. Not all funeral homes have their own crematory but will use the services of a local crematory. According to Funeralocity (2021), the average cost of a cremation memorial service is $5,581. However, it is possible to find much lower-priced cremation services in Ocala.

How much is a direct cremation in Ocala, FL?

A basic cremation can be conducted in Ocala for as little as $695 complete. This is what is known as a “direct cremation” and is the most affordable cremation service available in Ocala. No services are performed, the deceased is collected, transported to the funeral facility, prepared for cremation, and the cremation is conducted. The cremated remains are returned to the family in a temporary plastic urn. If desired, the family can arrange a brief final goodbye viewing at the funeral home.

Call DFS Memorials now on (352) 443-6866 to arrange a low-cost cremation for $695

What type of cremation services are available?

You can select from a range of cremation services and packages. These will start with a basic cremation without any additional services, which is the cheapest type of cremation package. You can have a full-service funeral that is followed by the cremation, a cremation followed by a memorial service, or just a viewing followed by a cremation. Cremation offers versatility in your options and when and where any services can be held.

How to compare cremation costs in Ocala to find an affordable cremation service

As mentioned, the cost of a cremation can vary enormously – for the exact same service – but from different cremation service providers. Ensure that you compare like-for-like services. Some cremation service providers include crematory fees and cremation container costs in a direct cremation package, and others do not always include these fees. Death certificate fees and cremation permits are often additional ‘cash advance’ items.

How do I know that the cremated remains I get back are my loved one’s remains?

This is probably the most common cremation question we are asked. Strict laws govern the cremation of human remains, and identity checks have to be made along the way.

The cremation retort has to be completely cleared following a cremation, and only one cremation can be performed at a time. The remains are cleared into a machine that filters out any metal parts (tooth fillings, hip replacements, etc) and then ground into the fine ‘dust’ that is returned as cremation ashes.

Understanding the legal requirements for cremation in Ocala

As mentioned above, there are laws in place regarding the cremation of human remains. A cremation cannot be performed until a cremation permit is issued by the medical examiner’s office. The legal next of kin must sign a Cremation Authorization Form. There is a mandatory wait period of 48 after death in Florida before the cremation can proceed.

It is unnecessary to embalm a body for cremation, and refrigerated storage is used to preserve the body until it is performed. The funeral home will generally store the body for up to 5 days in refrigerated storage at no extra charge. If the cremation does not go ahead within 5 days, an additional fee for storage may be incurred.

What can we do with the cremated remains?

Cremation offers greater flexibility in what you can do with the cremated remains once you have returned. You can, of course, inter them in a grave plot or niche. However, you can choose to store them in an urn at home or scatter the cremated remains. There are also options such as having cremation artifacts made from cremated remains such as cremation diamonds, glass jewelry, bird baths, and paintings.

Preplanning an affordable cremation service in OCala

You can lock in a low-cost cremation price if you wish to preplan a simple cremation. This may depend upon your age at the time of setting up a prepaid cremation plan. A cremation plan can be set up using an insurance policy where the funds are put into a trust. You can also opt to preplan your cremation service without prepaying. This ensures that your surviving family can proceed with arrangements at the time of need without having to worry about completing the paperwork or making difficult decisions. The money to pay for the cremation can be put aside in a POD account (Payable on Death) which your beneficiary can draw out upon death immediately without probate.

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

It is sadly a reality that more folks are passing without leaving the means to pay for their funeral. If you are faced with this situation, you need to explore what help may be available to you. Social Security pays out a $255 lump sum death benefit (if you qualify), and your funeral director can assist you with this.

The support for indigent burials differs so much by state and county. Some counties do offer some financial assistance to low-income families, whereas in other counties, only county indigent dispositions are conducted. To find out what may be available, you should contact Marion County Social Services Department at:

1801 Southeast 32nd Avenue, Ocala, Florida, 34470 Phone: (352) 629-0137

The deceased is at the Medical Examiner’s Office. What do I do?

If the deceased was the victim of a crime, or there were unusual circumstances surrounding the death, the deceased’s body may be taken into the care of the coroner for an examination to determine the cause of death. You will need to employ the services of a funeral director as soon as possible to coordinate the release of your loved one from the ME’s office.

A deceased person can only be released into the care of a licensed funeral director. Many funeral homes are familiar with the process of liaising with the ME to have the body released as quickly as possible. You may also find that a simple, direct cremation can be arranged at a very low cost when the deceased is in the Coroner’s morgue as all the paperwork can be expedited quickly, and the process of transferring the deceased to the funeral facility is simplified.

Address of county coroner’s office: Marion County Medical Examiner & Coroner 809 Pine Street Leesburg FL 3474 (352) 326-5961

We hope this short guide has helped answer some of your immediate questions and provided some help in understanding how you can arrange an affordable funeral or cremation service in Ocala, FL. If you need to research more information on funeral planning, please visit the Funeral Resources section on US Funerals Online, or check out this Ultimate Guide to Cremation 2022.

*Funeral prices obtained from Parting funeral price comparison survey 2021

Cremation costs in 2018: How much should you expect to pay for cremation?

Posted on January 5, 2018 by Sara Marsden

As cremation becomes the popular alternative to burial for more and more families across the US. The question is being asked more frequently “How much should a cremation cost?”

Whilst deciding whether cremation is for you can be a personal choice about death care alternatives, for many, the price of cremation can be a determining factor in their decision.

It is important to realize that prices for cremation can vary considerably. Cremation costs depend on the cremation service provider and depend on your location.

Many major city areas offer more competitive cremation prices, whereas rural areas and certain states tend to be more expensive overall.

So, what should you expect to pay for a cremation?

The first thing you need to consider is the type of cremation service you require. If you are opting for a funeral service, followed by cremation, then prices begin in the range of $2,000 – $3,000.

This is significantly cheaper than typical funeral burial prices, which can be upwards of $4,000 (without including cemetery fees).

What is the least expensive cremation service?

A direct cremation is the least expensive cremation service you can opt for. The term ‘direct cremation’ refers to where there is no ceremony or services offered by the funeral home or crematory. The deceased is collected from the place of death, sheltered whilst all required paperwork is completed. In some states, a mandatory wait period is in force before the cremation can be performed. The cremation is conducted and the cremated remains are returned directly to the family.

As the funeral director offers basic services to facilitate a direct cremation, this can be offered at a base price. Direct cremation ranges from $485 to $1,795, again depending on your locality. A direct cremation can be conducted in Brooklyn, NY for $485.

Comparing direct cremation costs by city

Listed below is an example of direct cremation costs in major cities in the United States. This data is extracted from the DFS Memorials network of affordable cremation providers and Parting funeral price survey website.

*City*	*Lowest direct cremation cost*	*Highest direct cremation cost*
Chicago, IL	$1165	$4,600
Dallas, TX	$795	$6,300
Fort Myers, FL	$795	$2,200
Houston, TX	$675	$6,800
Indianapolis, IN	$750	$6,100
Las Vegas, NV	$595	$2,240
Los Angeles, CA	$625	$2,900
Louisville, KY	$650	$3,390
Miami, FL	$696	$2,340
Nashville, TN	$995	$4,400
New Orleans, LA	$1,595	$2,930
Phoenix, AZ	$725	$2,370
Pittsburgh, PA	$695	$3,895
Salt Lake City, UT	$750	$2,595

What does a direct cremation price quoted include?

Generally, a price for a direct cremation on a funeral home GPL or website will include:

Collection of the deceased from the place of death (may be an additional fee if residential collection)
Shelter of the deceased for a specified number of days (additional days may incur additional fees)
A cremation container
Services of the funeral director to complete all required paperwork (death cert. permits etc)
The cremation process
A temporary cremation urn for returning the remains to the family

What additional fees may I incur on a direct cremation?

Third-party fees are generally added to a direct cremation price. These are the cost for death certificates and if a fee must be paid for a cremation permit or medical examiner.

Other additional expenses could be:

Collection from a residential address as opposed to a hospital, morgue, or nursing home.
Barometric charges if the deceased is overweight.
Selection of a cremation casket
Selection of a cremation urn
Arranging a private family viewing prior to cremation

What do I do with the cremated remains once they are returned?

This is another question that families frequently ask. As more families choose direct cremation, they want to do something with the cremation ashes when they are returned to them by the funeral home. Memorial services and Life Celebration Ceremonies are growing in popularity.

The great thing about direct cremation is that aside from being a more affordable cremation option, is that the family can then conduct their own memorial service at a time and place of their choosing.

What about scattering the cremation ashes?

Scattering ashes is now being either requested or conducted, by families who do not want to inter remains and feel that scattering a loved one’s remains in a special place is a more befitting final resting place.

Several direct cremation providers now offer packages where, for a small additional fee, they will scatter your loved one’s ashes for you.

Cremation Plans: Think ahead and be prepared

The NFDA has put “cremation as the chosen form of disposition for almost 80% of American deaths by 2035”. This means more and more of us WILL be choosing cremation for our final disposition. As the cost of a direct cremation is often less than $1,000, this makes it a simple and affordable solution for many families today.

To better understand your options, it is wise to do some research and be aware of what direct cremation prices are in your city. Those providers that offer pre-need cremation plans often add a premium to their at-need cremation price to allow for inflation etc.

However, you can preplan without the need to prepay a cremation provider by selecting the cremation provider you wish to handle the service and ensuring certain things are in place. You can pre-sign your own ‘cremation authorization form’ and have this lodged with the provider in advance. You can set aside the required funds in a POD bank account that a beneficiary can gain instant access to in the event of the death of the account holder. You can read more about this on US Funerals Online at What is my best and safest option for putting aside money for a funeral?