Florida Cremation Society | Ocala, Florida (2024)

FAQs

How do I get a free cremation in Florida? ›

Whole Body Donation: No-Cost Cremations

Another option for families is whole body donation. For example, United Tissue Network accepts most bodies, paying 100% of the costs for transportation, storage, and cremation. Bodies are used for scientific research, medical training, and testing treatments and drug therapies.

State and County Assistance for Florida Direct Cremation

The state requires counties to provide free cremation or burials for indigent families. However, families must meet strict guidelines and provide proof of financial hardship. You can find each county's health department online here.

All Florida cremations are required to wait 48 hours after the cause of death before cremation can commence. This waiting period gives peace of mind of knowing that the cremation hasn't been rushed and if there is a mistake somewhere in the process there's time to discover it.

When a loved one passes away, the cost of cremation can be difficult to cover. Medicare does not cover direct cremation costs, but there are alternative ways to get financial help for cremation.

Cremations are generally not covered by Medicaid, but some states may offer financial assistance for cremations either inside or outside of the state's Medicaid benefits.

In Florida, there are no state cremation laws or regulations that restrict where you can scatter or inter cremated remains, according to Nolo.

Whether you choose cremation for financial or spiritual reasons, it's important to note that direct cremation is the most affordable option. With direct cremation, you're paying only for what you need, no strings attached.

Once a specified time has been agreed to in writing, the cremation must be performed within 48 hours of that time. No law requires a casket for burial or cremation. In fact, funeral homes and crematories are required under federal law to inform you that you may use an alternative container for the cremation process.

Are there free cremations or burials ? If you cannot afford a burial or cremation, you can sign a form with the county coroner's office and the state will bury or cremate the body for you. This will be at no cost, but you won't have any say in where or how.

What happens to unclaimed ashes in Florida? ›

If, after 120 days, the ashes are unclaimed, then the funeral home may dispose of the remains. Disposal can take many forms, such as: Scattering the ashes at sea. Placing the ashes in a licensed cemetery.

Once the cremation process has been completed, the legal next of kin is responsible for the body's disposition and has full rights to possess the body or cremated ashes. Florida law states that the crematorium is required to hand over the ashes to the same person who brought the dead body for cremation.

Why do you have to wait 3 days to cremate a body? In the United States, the law requires that a body must be held for three days before it can be cremated. This waiting period gives family and friends time to plan a funeral or memorial service.

The death certificate is one of the most important forms you'll need for direct cremation in Florida. It's an official document and provided by the government on request. In most cases, death certificates are used by surviving family members to access benefits or for estate settling purposes.

Is Home Burial Legal in Florida? There are no laws in Florida that prohibit home burial. Florida permits families to establish cemeteries if they are smaller than two acres and do not sell burial spaces or merchandise.