A celebration of life is a heartfelt way to remember someone special ā not through sorrow, but through gratitude for the love and memories theyāve shared.
At Going Home Cremations, we believe every life deserves to be honored with dignity and warmth. Whether the service is simple or elaborate, what matters most is that it reflects the person you love.
We help families plan a Celebration of Life. Moreover, it can be held andywhere they feel comfortable.
As a result, these small touches help family and friends fell connected and uplifted.
Start with What Made Them Unique
Think about what made your loved oneās life meaningful ā their favorite music, hobbies, or sayings.
Small details create lasting memories:
For example, display cherished photographs.
Play their favorite song.
Share stories that made everyone laugh.
As a result. these moments help family and friends feel connected and uplifted.
Choose a Setting That Feels Right
A celebration of life doesnāt need to follow traditional rules. Instead, it can be held at:
A peaceful park or beach.
A family home or community center.
Or even a favorite restaurant or garden.
Therefore, choose a location that feels personal and comforting-one that truly honors your loved ones spirit.
Our team helps guide families to create a space that feels personal, comfortable, and meaningful.
Metal urn with ashes of a dead person on a funeral. Sad grieving moment at the end of a life. Last farewell and grief concept. End of Life
What to Do When a Loved One Dies at Home in Florida: A Step-by-Step Guide
Losing a loved one is never easy, and when the death occurs at home, it can be especially overwhelming. In Florida, there are specific steps you must take to ensure everything is handled legally, respectfully, and efficiently. Whether the death was expected or sudden, knowing what to do can help ease the burden during a difficult time.
At Going Home Cremations, we specialize in direct cremation services across Florida, including Tampa Bay, Sarasota, Port Charlotte, and Fort Myers. This guide will walk you through the process of what to do when someone dies at home, and how our team can support you every step of the way.
Step 1: Determine If the Death Was Expected or Unexpected
The first thing to consider is whether your loved oneās passing was anticipated due to illness or unexpected.
Expected Death: If your loved one was under hospice care, the process is more straightforward. The hospice nurse will typically handle the pronouncement of death and guide you through the next steps.
Unexpected Death: If the death was sudden or the person was not under medical supervision, you must call 911 immediately. Emergency responders will arrive to confirm the death and notify the Medical Examinerās Office, as required by Florida law.
Step 2: Contact the Appropriate Authorities
š Call 911 or Hospice
911: If the person was not under hospice care, call 911. Paramedics will assess the situation and may involve law enforcement or the Medical Examiner.
Hospice: If the person was receiving hospice care, call the hospice nurse. They will pronounce the death and help you begin the cremation process.
š Medical Examiner Involvement
In Florida, the Medical Examiner must be notified if the death was unexpected, involved trauma, or occurred without a physician present. They may conduct an investigation or autopsy before releasing the body for cremation.
You can learn more about Floridaās Medical Examiner system here.
Step 3: Choose a Licensed Cremation Provider
Once the death is confirmed and the Medical Examiner has released the body, youāll need to contact a licensed cremation provider. Going Home Cremations offers affordable direct cremation services without the need for a traditional funeral or memorial service.
Why Choose Direct Cremation?
Cost-effective: No embalming, viewing, or funeral service required.
Simple and respectful: Focuses on the essentials.
Flexible memorial options: Families can plan personal tributes later.
To proceed with cremation in Florida, youāll need to provide:
Death Certificate: Usually completed by the attending physician or hospice nurse.
Cremation Authorization Form: Signed by the next of kin.
Medical Examinerās Approval: Required before cremation can take place.
At Going Home Cremations, we assist families in completing and submitting all necessary paperwork. We also offer online arrangements to make the process easier.
After cremation, families have several options for handling the ashes:
ā±ļø Keep the Ashes in an Urn
Many families choose to keep the ashes in a decorative urn at home or in a columbarium. We offer a selection of affordable urns to suit your preferences.
We understand how difficult it is to lose a loved one. Our compassionate team is available 24/7 to guide you through every step of the cremation process. We handle the logistics so you can focus on healing and honoring your loved one.
Our Services Include:
Immediate transportation of your loved one
Filing all necessary legal documents
Coordination with the Medical Examiner
Affordable direct cremation packages
Ashes delivery or pickup options
š Call us anytime at (800) 490-5260 š Serving Tampa Bay, Sarasota, Port Charlotte, Fort Myers, and surrounding areas.
Final Thoughts
When a loved one dies at home, itās natural to feel overwhelmed. But you donāt have to navigate this alone. By following the steps outlined above and partnering with a trusted provider like Going Home Cremations, you can ensure your loved one is cared for with dignity and respect.
https://goinghomecremations.com/affordable-cremation-services/Cremation for the Homeless ā Dignity for Every Life
At Going Home Cremations, we believe that every person deserves dignity, no matter their circumstances.
In our local communities across Pinellas, Pasco, and Hillsborough Counties, there are individuals who pass away without family, funds, or a place to call home. Yet even in those moments, their lives mattered ā and they deserve to be remembered with respect and compassion.
When someone passes away without resources or family, the responsibility often falls to the local county or medical examinerās office. Sadly, these cases can result in minimal or impersonal handling.
Our mission is to change that.
We believe no one should ever be forgotten. We believe every life should be honored.
Helping the Forgotten Find Their Way Home
Our team provides compassionate cremation care for those without means or family advocates. We handle each person as if they were one of our own.
From respectful handling to careful identification and documentation, our staff ensures that every individualās remains are treated with the same respect we give to our private clients.
When possible, we help locate next of kin or coordinate with local organizations to ensure ashes are respectfully interred, returned, or memorialized.
Partnering With Local Agencies
We regularly work alongside:
County social service departments
Local shelters and outreach programs
Law enforcement and medical examiners
Faith-based and charitable organizations
Together, we make sure that even those without a voice are treated with compassion and care.
A Community Responsibility
Caring for the homeless is not just a social obligation ā itās an act of humanity.
When a person leaves this world, no matter their means, they should leave it with dignity.
We invite local leaders, churches, and charitable groups to connect with us to help ensure respectful final care for every member of our community.
Because Every Life Deserves Care
If your organization serves the homeless or those in need and would like to establish a partnership with Going Home Cremations, please reach out.
1. Determine who is legally responsible ā Under Florida law, disposition of a body (burial or cremation) must follow the statute (Chapter 406, Florida Statutes) and rules about next-of-kin, and legal authorization.
Going Home Cremation has all of the necessary forms for you to authorize Cremation for any family member.. We can help….
2. You will fill out a vital statistics form and a Cremation authorization form. The vital statistics form is used to type a death certificate.Ā The Cremation authorization form is giving us permission to do the cremation and the closest next to can must sign.
CALL US FOR THESE FORMS
3. Call Going Home Cremations to get prices for our low-cost Cremation for homeless or indigent persons.
When hospice care is initiated in Sarasota, Florida, families are often faced with emotional and practical decisions. Among the most important is choosing a respectful and affordable way to handle final arrangements. Direct cremation has become a preferred option for many Sarasota families, especially when coordinated with hospice professionals.
Going Home Cremations, serving Sarasota and surrounding counties, specializes in direct cremation only. This means no embalming, no viewing, and no memorial servicesājust compassionate, efficient care at the time of need.
What Is Direct Cremation?
Direct cremation is the simplest form of final disposition. After death, the body is transported to a licensed crematory, required paperwork is completed, and cremation is performed without ceremony. In Sarasota, this option is increasingly preferred for its affordability and ease.
Call to Action: If your loved one is in hospice care in Sarasota, call Going Home Cremations at 727-249-4949 or visit to begin arrangements from the comfort of your home.
How Hospice and Cremation Providers Coordinate
Hospice teams in Sarasotaāsuch as those from Tidewell Hospiceādo not arrange cremation directly, but they assist families in contacting providers like Going Home Cremations. Once death occurs, the hospice nurse pronounces death and helps initiate the paperwork needed for cremation.
Going Home Cremations then:
Picks up the deceased, typically within 2 hours
Registers the death certificate
Performs cremation at their licensed facility
Returns ashes in a selected urn or delivers them locally
Call to Action: Speak with your hospice nurse in Sarasota about notifying Going Home Cremations when the time comes. Their team is available 24/7 to assist. Learn more at .
Legal Requirements for Cremation in Sarasota
Florida law requires next-of-kin authorization for cremation. In Sarasota, families must complete a cremation authorization form and provide identification. Going Home Cremations simplifies this process with online forms and phone support.
Call to Action: Download the required forms from and keep them accessible if your loved one is receiving hospice care.
Why Sarasota Families Choose Going Home Cremations
Families in Sarasota often choose Going Home Cremations because:
They offer a $795 cremation package with no hidden fees
Services are handled entirely from homeāno need to visit a funeral home
Ashes can be picked up, shipped, or delivered locally
Their team is known for compassionate, prompt service
Call to Action: Read customer reviews from Sarasota families and explore cremation options at .
What Going Home Cremations Does Not Provide
It is important to note that Going Home Cremations does not offer:
Preplanning services
Traditional funeral or memorial services
Embalming or viewing
Their focus is strictly on direct cremation at the time of need. Families seeking memorial services must arrange those separately.
Call to Action: If youāre looking for a simple, direct cremation in Sarasota, contact Going Home Cremations today at .
Local Hospice Support in Sarasota
Hospice care in Sarasota is provided by organizations such as Tidewell Hospice. Their services include pain management, emotional counseling, and spiritual care. While they do not handle cremation directly, they support families through the process.
Learn more about Tidewell Hospice at .
Call to Action: Coordinate with your hospice provider and contact Going Home Cremations at for immediate assistance.
Final Thoughts
Hospice care and direct cremation often intersect during end-of-life planning in Sarasota. While hospice provides emotional and medical support, cremation providers like Going Home Cremations handle the logistics of final disposition. By understanding what each service offersāand what it doesnātāfamilies can make informed, compassionate choices.
Call to Action: For immediate cremation services in Sarasota, Florida, call Going Home Cremations at 727-249-4949 or visit .
Planning ahead for end-of-life arrangements is a thoughtful and responsible decision. Many families in Floridaāespecially seasonal residents and retireesāask whether they canĀ prepay for direct cremationĀ to ease the burden on loved ones. While prepaid cremation plans are widely advertised, theyāre not always the best option.
At Going Home Cremations, we focus onĀ need-based direct cremation services, and we believe families deserve clarity before committing to any plan. This blog explains what prepaid cremation involves, why itās not always necessary, and how to prepare without locking yourself into a contract.
š”Ā What Is Prepaid Cremation?
Prepaid cremation is a financial arrangement where you pay in advance for cremation servicesāsometimes years before theyāre needed. These plans are often sold by funeral homes or third-party companies and may include:
Cremation fees
Transportation
Urn selection
Death certificate processing
Optional memorial services
While this may sound convenient, prepaid plans can come withĀ fine print,Ā restrictions, andĀ non-refundable fees.
ā ļøĀ The Risks of Prepaid Cremation Plans
Many prepaid cremation plans are marketed aggressively, especially to seniors. But families should be aware of the potential downsides:
1.Ā Limited Flexibility
If you move out of state or change your mind, transferring a prepaid plan can be difficultāor impossible.
2.Ā Hidden Fees
Some plans advertise low prices but exclude essential services like transportation or death certificates.
3.Ā Corporate Ownership
Many prepaid plans are sold byĀ large national chains, not local providers. You may never meet the people who will handle your loved oneās care.
š Learn why local ownership matters: https://www.goinghomecremations.com/about-us/
ā Ā What Going Home Cremations Offers Instead
We doĀ not offer prepaid cremation plans, and hereās why:
We believe families should make decisionsĀ when the need arises, not under pressure.
We provideĀ transparent pricingĀ with no hidden fees.
Weāre availableĀ 24/7Ā to guide families through the process with compassion and clarity.
Prepaid cremation plans may seem convenient, but theyāre not always the best fitāespecially in Florida, where families often live across multiple states. At Going Home Cremations, we believe inĀ honest, need-based care. If youāre thinking about planning ahead, weāre here to answer your questions and help you prepare without pressure.
When a loved one passes away, families are faced with difficult decisionsāoften under emotional strain and time pressure. One of the most important choices is selecting a cremation provider. While price is a factor, itās not the only one. In fact, many families inĀ Tarpon Springs, Sarasota, and St. PetersburgĀ have learned thatĀ compassion, transparency, and trustĀ matter far more than a rock-bottom quote.
At Going Home Cremations, we believe that every family deserves to be treated with dignity, honesty, and care. This blog explores why compassion should be at the heart of every cremation decisionāand how our locally owned team delivers that promise.
šĀ Cremation Is More Than a Transaction
Cremation isnāt just a serviceāitās a moment of closure. Itās the final step in honoring someoneās life. Yet, many cremation providersāespecially those owned by large corporationsātreat it like a business transaction.
Families often report feeling rushed, unheard, or confused when working with national chains. These companies prioritize volume and efficiency, sometimes at the expense of empathy and clarity.
š”Ā Locally Owned Means Personally Invested
Going Home Cremations isĀ locally owned, and that makes a difference. We live in the communities we serve. We know the local hospice teams, the churches, the cemeteries, and the families. Weāre not a call centerāweāre your neighbors.
While we do work with licensed cremation partners, we maintainĀ direct oversightĀ and ensure every step is handled with care. Our team is availableĀ 24/7, and we take the time to explain everything clearlyāno pressure, no confusion.
Weāve helped thousands of families across Florida, and their words speak volumes:
āWe felt like we were talking to someone who actually caredānot just reading off a script.ā āThey explained everything without rushing us. We didnāt feel like a number.ā āThe price was fair, and they were upfront about every detail. No surprises.ā
These stories reflect what we strive for:Ā compassionate service with complete transparency.
šøĀ Transparent Pricing Builds Trust
We donāt advertise misleading āstarting atā prices. OurĀ base price of $895Ā includes essential services, and we clearly explain any additional fees upfrontāsuch as death certificates, delivery of ashes, or optional upgrades.
Weāre not the cheapestāand we donāt aim to be. We aim to be theĀ most honest and supportive.
Transparent pricingĀ with no bait-and-switch tactics
Free urn and online obituary
24/7 availability
Compassionate, personalized service
We may not be the cheapestābut weāre theĀ most trusted.
šĀ Final Thoughts
In moments of grief, families deserve more than a low price. They deserve kindness, clarity, and care. At Going Home Cremations, we offer all of thatāand more.
If youāre comparing cremation providers, we invite you to call us. Weāll walk you through everything and help you make the best decision for your family.
Tarpon Springs is home to many veterans and military families who deserve dignity and honor in their final arrangements. When a veteran passes away, families often ask:Ā What cremation benefits are available?Ā At Going Home Cremations, we specialize inĀ direct cremationĀ and proudly support veterans with affordable services and guidance on accessing military honors.
This guide explains how Tarpon Springs families can coordinate direct cremation for veterans and take advantage of available benefits.
What Is Direct Cremation for Veterans?
Direct cremation is a simple, respectful process that includes:
Transportation from the place of death
Filing of the death certificate
Cremation performed locally
A free urn and online obituary
Optional delivery or pickup of ashes
It doesĀ notĀ include a memorial service at the cremation facility, but families can plan their own tribute at a cemetery, church, or home.
Veterans gave so much to our country. When itās time to say goodbye, they deserve a farewell that reflects their service and sacrifice. At Going Home Cremations, weāre honored to help Tarpon Springs families coordinate direct cremation with dignity and care.
Losing a loved one is never easy, and the moments immediately following their passing can feel overwhelming. For families in St. Petersburg, Florida, knowing what steps to take can ease stress and ensure your loved one is cared for with dignity. At Going Home Cremations, we specialize inĀ direct cremation, offering compassionate, affordable, and streamlined services.
This guide walks you through the essential steps to take when a loved one passes awayāand how direct cremation simplifies the process.
ā Ā Step 1: Contact the Appropriate Authorities
If your loved one passes at home, call 911 or the hospice nurse (if enrolled in hospice care). If the death occurs in a hospital or care facility, staff will handle the initial steps and notify the medical examiner if needed.
Once the death is legally confirmed, you can contact a cremation provider.
š Learn about our 24/7 response services: https://www.goinghomecremations.com/contact-us/
ā Ā Step 2: Choose a Cremation Provider
Choosing a provider that is local, transparent, and responsive is key. Going Home Cremations servesĀ St. Petersburg and surrounding areas, offering direct cremation starting atĀ $795.
We handle everything locallyāno outsourcingāand guide families through every step.
š View our St. Petersburg cremation services: https://www.goinghomecremations.com/service-areas/st-petersburg-florida-cremation/
ā Ā Step 3: Complete Required Paperwork
We make paperwork simple. Youāll need to complete:
Vital Statistics Form
Cremation Authorization Form
Death Certificate Information
These can be completed online or by phone. We file the death certificate on your behalf.
Our team will arrange respectful transportation of your loved one from the place of death to our cremation facility. You do not need to be present for this step, but we keep you informed throughout.
ā Ā Step 5: Receive Ashes and Memorialize
After cremation, you can:
Pick up ashes from our facility
Have ashes delivered to your home
Scatter ashes in a meaningful location (e.g.,Ā St. Pete Beach,Ā Fort De Soto Park)
Inter ashes in a cemetery or columbarium
We provide aĀ free urnĀ and aĀ custom online obituaryĀ to help you honor your loved one.
š Learn about ash scattering in Florida: https://www.floridadep.gov
šļøĀ Why Families in St. Petersburg Choose Direct Cremation
Affordability: No embalming, casket, or service fees
Simplicity: Fewer decisions during a difficult time
Flexibility: Memorials can be planned later, anywhere
Privacy: Families can grieve in their own way
š Learn more about direct cremation: https://www.goinghomecremations.com/direct-cremation/
šĀ Final Thoughts
When a loved one passes, you donāt have to navigate everything alone. Going Home Cremations is here to support St. Petersburg families with compassionate, affordable, and professional cremation services.
Veterans deserve honor, dignity, and respect in lifeāand in death. For families inĀ Tierra Verde, Florida, understanding the cremation benefits available to veterans can make a difficult time a little easier. At Going Home Cremations, we proudly serve veterans and their families with affordable direct cremation services and guidance on accessing burial honors through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
šŗšøĀ Veteran Cremation Benefits: Whatās Available
Veterans who were honorably discharged may be eligible for several benefits, including:
ā Ā Free Burial in a National Cemetery
The VA providesĀ free burialĀ for eligible veterans in national cemeteries, including:
Veterans gave so much to our country. When itās time to say goodbye, they deserve a farewell that reflects their service and sacrifice. At Going Home Cremations, weāre honored to help Tierra Verde families navigate cremation and burial options with care and respect.
If your loved one was a veteran, call us today. Weāll walk you through every step and help you access the benefits they earned.
When a loved one enters hospice care, families face emotional and logistical challenges. One of the most important decisions during this time is choosing a cremation provider that works seamlessly with hospice teams. In Tierra Verde, Florida, Going Home Cremations offers compassionate, affordable, and coordinated direct cremation services that support families every step of the way.
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Why Hospice Coordination Matters
Hospice care focuses on comfort and dignity during the final stages of life. When death occurs, hospice staff must quickly notify a cremation provider to begin the transfer process. If the cremation provider isnāt responsive or familiar with hospice protocols, delays and confusion can add stress to an already difficult moment.
At Going Home Cremations, we work directly with Suncoast Hospice and other local facilities to ensure a smooth, respectful transition. Our team is available 24/7 to respond to hospice calls and begin the process immediately.
Hereās what families can expect when coordinating cremation with hospice in Tierra Verde:
1. Hospice Notifies Us
Once your loved one passes, hospice staff will contact Going Home Cremations directly. We respond promptly and arrange transportation of your loved one into our care.
We provide timely and respectful transportation from the hospice facility to our cremation center. Families do not need to be present for this step, but we always keep you informed.
3. You Complete Forms from Home
We make paperwork easy. Families can complete required formsālike the Vital Statistics Form and Cremation Authorization Formāonline or by phone.
Our direct cremation process is simple, dignified, and affordable. We do not offer memorial services at our facility, but we provide a free urn and a custom online obituary to help families honor their loved one.
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What Makes Going Home Cremations Different
Local Expertise: Weāve served Tierra Verde and surrounding areas for over 20 years.
Hospice-Approved: We work closely with Suncoast Hospice and other providers.
Affordable Pricing: Our direct cremation package starts at $795.
Compassionate Service: We treat every family with care, as if they were our own.
Coordinating cremation with hospice doesnāt have to be overwhelming. In Tierra Verde, Going Home Cremations offers a trusted, affordable, and compassionate solution. We work hand-in-hand with hospice teams to ensure your loved one is treated with dignity and care.
If your loved one is in hospice and you need cremation services, call us anytime. Weāre here to helpāday or night.
Ā Call us today at 727-249-4949 or 941-320-1179
Ā 
