Direct Cremation in Melbourne, Florida

Direct cremation is cremation that takes place soon after death without a viewing, visitation or funeral service beforehand. It is the simplest form of cremation and usually the least expensive way to arrange final disposition. Many families pair it with a memorial service held later, on their own schedule.

What is direct cremation?

With direct cremation the funeral home or direct disposal establishment brings your loved one into its care, completes the paperwork and permits, and carries out the cremation. There is no embalming and no public viewing. The cremated remains are then returned to the family. Under the FTC Funeral Rule, funeral homes that offer direct cremation must list it as a single package price on their General Price List.

What is normally included

• The provider’s basic services, including arranging the cremation and handling paperwork
• Transfer of your loved one from the place of death to the provider’s care (within a set service area)
• Refrigerated care until the cremation
• Filing the death certificate and obtaining the required permits and medical examiner approval
• An alternative container (a simple cardboard, fiberboard or unfinished wood container) or a container you supply
• The cremation itself, and a basic container for returning the cremated remains

What is normally not included

• A viewing, visitation or service (these can usually be added)
• Embalming
• A decorative urn
• Certified copies of the death certificate (a cash advance item)
• Obituary notices
• Transfers beyond the provider’s service area, or mileage
• Cemetery or columbarium charges if the remains will be buried or placed in a niche

Package contents vary, so compare the General Price List line by line. How to read a General Price List.

How the process works in Florida

1. First call. The family, hospital, hospice or facility contacts the provider, which brings your loved one into its care.
2. Authorization. A legally authorized person signs a written cremation authorization and a declaration stating what will happen to the cremated remains (Fla. Stat. 497.607). Who can sign.
3. Death certificate. The funeral director files the death certificate; the physician or medical examiner certifies the cause of death (Fla. Stat. 382.008).
4. Medical examiner review. Florida requires the medical examiner to review a death before cremation (Fla. Stat. 406.11).
5. Cremation, no earlier than 48 hours after death.
6. Return of the cremated remains to the family, or placement as the family directed.

Florida waiting-period considerations

Florida law does not allow cremation until 48 hours after death (Fla. Stat. 872.03). In practice the timeline is often longer, because the cause of death must be certified, the medical examiner must approve the cremation and the authorization must be signed. If family members disagree or cannot be reached, cremation waits until the legally authorized person signs. Ask your provider how long its process usually takes.

Can you still hold a memorial service?

Yes. A memorial service, celebration of life or scattering ceremony can take place days, weeks or months later, with or without the urn present. Some families also arrange a brief private family viewing before a direct cremation; ask whether that is available and what it costs. Planning a memorial after cremation.

What happens to cremated remains?

Families keep them at home in an urn, place them in a columbarium niche, bury them in a cemetery, scatter them, or divide them among relatives (division requires the consent of the person who authorized the cremation). What happens to cremated remains · Scattering ashes in Florida

Questions to ask a funeral provider

• What exactly does your direct cremation price include, and what costs extra?
• Do you operate your own crematory, or is the cremation performed by another company?
• What is your service area for transfers, and what is the mileage charge beyond it?
• What cash advance items should I expect, such as death certificates and the medical examiner fee?
• How long does the process usually take, and how will the remains be returned?
• Can the family view or be present, and at what cost?

Need help?

Our featured funeral home partner, Buggs Funeral Home & Crematory, lists basic and full-service cremation options and owns and operates its own crematory, Buggs Crematory, and says your loved one never leaves its care throughout the process.

Frequently asked questions

Is a casket required for direct cremation?

No. Funeral homes that offer direct cremation must make an alternative container available, and you can also supply your own container. A casket is not required by law for cremation.

Is embalming required for direct cremation?

No. With direct cremation there is no public viewing, and Florida allows refrigeration instead of embalming for a body held more than 24 hours (Fla. Stat. 497.386).

How much does direct cremation cost in Melbourne?

Prices vary by provider and by what the package includes. Ask each provider for its General Price List, which must show the direct cremation price, and compare what is included. Our cost planner gives a general planning range.

Sources

• Florida Statutes 872.03, 497.607, 406.11, 382.008, 497.386
• Federal Trade Commission, The FTC Funeral Rule
• Buggs Funeral Home, Cremation services

This page is general information, not legal advice. Laws and fees change; confirm details with the agency or a licensed professional. Editorial standards