Choosing a Funeral Home in Melbourne, FL

Most families choose a funeral home within hours of a death, often based on a name they remember. A few minutes of comparison can make a big difference in cost and experience. Here is what to look for in Melbourne and Brevard County.

If the death has just happened

You can call a funeral home to bring your loved one into its care without committing to every service it offers. You can still compare prices and choose what you want at the arrangement meeting. If a preneed contract exists, start with the funeral home named in it.

Five things to check

1. License. Funeral homes, crematories and direct disposal establishments are licensed by the Florida Department of Financial Services. Check with the license search.
2. Prices. Call and ask for prices, or ask for the General Price List in person. Federal law requires funeral homes to give both. GPL explained.
3. Services that match your plans. Chapel size, on-site crematory, experience with your faith tradition, veterans services, live streaming, ability to ship out of state.
4. Location. Convenient for visitation and close to the church or cemetery you plan to use.
5. How they treat you. Do they answer questions clearly, respect your budget and avoid pressure?

Questions to ask any funeral home

• Can you send or give me your General Price List, casket price list and outer burial container price list?
• What is included in your packages, and can I choose items individually instead?
• Do you operate your own crematory?
• Which cash advance items should I expect, and do you add a charge to them?
• When is payment due, and what forms of payment do you accept? Can insurance be assigned?
• Can you help with veterans benefits and military honors?

Red flags

• Refusing to give prices over the phone or a General Price List in person
• Saying something is “required by law” without naming the law in writing
• Pressure to decide immediately or to buy a package you do not want
• Charging a fee to use a casket or urn you bought elsewhere

Concerns about a Florida funeral provider can be reported in writing to the Division of Funeral, Cemetery, and Consumer Services.

Our featured funeral home partner

MelbourneFuneralServices.com is sponsored by Buggs Funeral Home & Crematory on South Harbor City Boulevard. It has served families since 1990, operates its own crematory, and owns Buggs Street Community Cemetery. As with any provider, ask for its General Price List and compare.

Related: Choosing a cremation provider · Funeral costs · What to bring