Tag: cremation

What To Do If Your Loved One Passes Away While Visiting Florida: A Step-by-Step Guide

06.05.2025

What To Do If Your Loved One Passes Away While Visiting Florida: A Step-by-Step Guide

When a loved one passes away while traveling, it can feel overwhelming—especially when you’re far from home. If your family member dies while visiting Florida, whether in Tarpon Springs, Tampa, or St. Petersburg, the process may be different than what you’re used to in your home state. At Going Home Cremations, we’re here to guide you every step of the way, offering affordable direct cremation services with compassion and clarity.

Here’s everything you need to know if a loved one passes away in Florida while visiting.

Step 1: Don’t Panic—Call a Licensed Cremation Provider Immediately

The first step is to contact a local, licensed direct cremation provider. If the passing occurred in the Tampa Bay area, Going Home Cremations can help immediately. We serve families in Tarpon Springs, St. Petersburg, Tampa, and surrounding cities.

Once we’re contacted, we handle the transportation of your loved one from the place of death to a licensed facility. If your loved one is at a hospital, hospice, or with the Medical Examiner, we’ll work with those institutions directly.

Step 2: Understand Florida’s Legal Process

Every state has different laws when it comes to death certificates, authorizations, and cremation procedures. In Florida, there are several important details to know:

  • A Florida death certificate must be completed and filed, even if the individual is from another state.
  • If the cause of death is unclear or unexpected, the local Medical Examiner may be involved before cremation can proceed.
  • A mandatory 48-hour waiting period is required before cremation can occur in Florida.

We at Going Home Cremations are very familiar with this legal process and work closely with local hospices, hospitals, and Medical Examiner offices, including those in Tarpon Springs, Tampa, and St. Petersburg.

Step 3: Decide on Local Cremation or Transport

If your loved one expressed wishes for direct cremation, you have the option to:

  1. Complete the cremation locally in Florida
    This is often the most cost-effective and stress-free solution. Going Home Cremations offers affordable direct cremation services and can ship the ashes to you anywhere in the U.S., or provide options to scatter ashes in Tarpon Springs or nearby coastal areas.
  2. Transport the body back to their home state
    This is significantly more expensive and involves working with a funeral home or airline to handle remains transportation. Most families choose local cremation in Florida and have the ashes returned by mail or in-person pickup.

Step 4: How Going Home Cremations Helps Out-of-State Families

We understand how difficult it can be to make arrangements from afar. Here’s what Going Home Cremations provides for out-of-state families:

  • 24/7 availability for emergency calls and arrangements
  • Clear communication via email, text, and phone
  • Online forms and authorization so you don’t need to travel
  • Local meeting office in Tarpon Springs, Florida
  • Assistance with death certificates, Veteran benefits, and shipping ashes
  • Ash scattering services along the coast, by request

We have over 20 years of experience helping families across the country when a loved one passes away while visiting Florida.

Why Choose Direct Cremation in Florida?

Direct cremation is one of the simplest and most affordable end-of-life options. It includes:

  • Transport of the deceased
  • Filing of the death certificate
  • All required paperwork
  • The cremation process itself
  • Ashes returned to the family

Unlike traditional funeral homes, direct cremation providers like Going Home Cremations specialize in simplicity and savings. Many funeral homes charge $2,000–$4,000 or more for similar services. Our rates are among the most affordable in the area and fully transparent—no hidden fees.

Can I Still Hold a Memorial Back Home?

Yes. Many families choose to have a celebration of life or memorial service after the cremation and ashes have been returned home. This allows loved ones to gather when it’s convenient, rather than feeling rushed.

Because Going Home Cremations does not offer in-house memorial services, you’re free to plan your own unique event—on your own terms and timeline.

Local Expertise in Tarpon Springs, Tampa, and St. Petersburg

If your loved one passed away anywhere in the greater Tampa Bay area, we’re just a phone call away. Our Tarpon Springs office is where we meet with families when needed, and we proudly serve clients from New Port Richey to downtown St. Pete.

In fact, if your loved one wanted their ashes scattered in Florida, we can help arrange that too. From the beautiful beaches near Tarpon Springs to the serene Gulf waters, we’ve helped many families say goodbye in a meaningful way.

Call to Action: Let Us Help You Bring Them Home—Even from Afar

At Going Home Cremations, we specialize in helping families from out of state handle cremation in Florida with compassion and clarity. If your loved one passes away while visiting Tarpon Springs, Tampa, or St. Petersburg, we’re here to walk with you every step of the way.

  • Affordable, simple direct cremation
  • Over 20 years of experience
  • Expert guidance through Florida’s legal process
  • Ashes shipped or available for pickup
  • Ash scattering options available in coastal Florida

Contact Us Today

Call us at (727) 800-6819 or visit GoingHomeCremations.com to begin arrangements or ask questions—day or night. Let us help you honor your loved one, with grace and ease, even when you’re far from home.

Navigating Florida’s Direct Cremation Laws: A Comprehensive Guide for Families

03.24.2025

Navigating the legal landscape of direct cremation in Florida can be daunting, especially during a time of grief. Understanding the requirements and paperwork involved can help families make informed decisions and ensure a smooth process. Here’s a comprehensive guide to Florida’s cremation laws:

1. Understanding the Direct Cremation Authorization

  • In Florida, a cremation authorization form must be signed by the next of kin or a legally authorized person. This form grants permission for the cremation to take place. The authorization process is crucial as it ensures that the wishes of the deceased and their family are respected. It is important to note that the person signing the authorization must have the legal right to do so, which typically means they are the closest living relative or have been designated in a legal document.

2. Death Certificate Requirements

  • A certified death certificate is required before any cremation can be performed. This document is typically obtained from the local health department or the attending physician. The death certificate serves multiple purposes: it officially records the death, provides necessary information for legal and administrative processes, and is required for the cremation to proceed. Families should ensure that all information on the death certificate is accurate and complete to avoid any delays.

3. Waiting Period

  • Florida law mandates a 48-hour waiting period after death before cremation can occur. This waiting period allows time for any necessary investigations and ensures compliance with state regulations. The waiting period is designed to provide a buffer for any unforeseen circumstances, such as the need for a medical examiner’s review or additional paperwork. During this time, families can also take the opportunity to make final arrangements and gather necessary documents.

4. Medical Examiner Approval

  • In certain cases, the medical examiner must review and approve the cremation. This is usually required if the death was unexpected or if there are any legal concerns surrounding the cause of death. The medical examiner’s involvement ensures that there are no outstanding questions about the death and that all legal requirements are met. Families should be prepared for this step and understand that it is a standard part of the process in specific situations.

5. Transportation and Handling of Remains

  • The transportation of remains must be handled by a licensed funeral director or cremation service provider. Proper documentation and adherence to state guidelines are essential during this process. The transportation process involves several steps, including the initial transfer of the body from the place of death to the funeral home or cremation facility, and then to the final resting place. Licensed professionals ensure that all procedures are followed correctly and respectfully.

6. Disposition of Cremated Remains

  • Florida law provides several options for the disposition of cremated remains, including burial, scattering, or keeping them in a memorial urn. Families should be aware of any local regulations that may affect their chosen method. Each option has its own set of considerations and legal requirements. For example, scattering ashes may require permission from property owners or adherence to specific environmental regulations. Here is a blog post to learn more about rules around scattering https://goinghomecremations.com/floridas-laws-on-scattering/ Families should explore all options and choose the one that best honors their loved one’s wishes.

Detailed Steps and Considerations for Direct Cremation

Obtaining the Death Certificate

  • The process of obtaining a death certificate begins with the attending physician or medical examiner who certifies the cause of death. Once certified, the death certificate is filed with the local health department. Families can request copies of the death certificate, which are often needed for various legal and administrative purposes, such as settling estates, closing accounts, and processing insurance claims.

Cremation Authorization Form

  • The cremation authorization form is a legal document that must be completed and signed by the next of kin or legally authorized person. This form includes important information such as the name of the deceased, the date and place of death, and the signature of the authorizing individual. It is essential to ensure that the form is filled out accurately and completely to avoid any delays in the cremation process.

Medical Examiner’s Role

  • The medical examiner’s review is a critical step in cases where the death was unexpected or there are legal concerns. The medical examiner will examine the circumstances surrounding the death and determine if any further investigation is needed. If the medical examiner approves the cremation, they will provide the necessary documentation to proceed. This step ensures that all legal and medical requirements are met.

Transportation of Remains

  • The transportation of remains must be handled with care and respect. Licensed funeral directors and cremation service providers are trained to manage this process according to state guidelines. The initial transfer of the body from the place of death to the funeral home or cremation facility is done with dignity and professionalism. Families can rest assured that their loved one is being cared for appropriately during this time.

Options for Disposition of Cremated Remains

  • Families have several options for the disposition of cremated remains. Burial in a cemetery provides a permanent resting place and allows for a traditional memorial service. Scattering ashes can be done in a meaningful location, such as a favorite park or beach, but may require permission from property owners or adherence to environmental regulations. Keeping ashes in a memorial urn allows families to keep their loved one close and can be accompanied by a private memorial service. Each option has its own set of considerations, and families should choose the one that best honors their loved one’s wishes.

What To Do Next

If you’re considering direct cremation and need guidance through Florida’s legal requirements, Going Home Cremations is here to help. Our compassionate team is dedicated to providing clear information and support every step of the way.

  • Contact Us Today: Reach out to us for personalized assistance and answers to any questions you may have.
  • Learn More: Visit our website https://www.goinghomecremations.com to explore our services and find valuable resources on direct cremation.
  • Schedule a Consultation: Book a consultation with our experienced staff to discuss your needs and ensure a seamless process.

Let Going Home Cremations be your trusted partner during this difficult time for a direct cremation. We’re committed to making the cremation process as straightforward and stress-free as possible for you and your family.

Navigating the legal requirements for direct cremation in Florida can be challenging, but understanding them can help ensure a smooth and respectful process. By being informed and prepared, families can focus on honoring their loved one’s memory and finding peace during a difficult time. Going Home Cremations is here to provide the support and guidance needed to navigate these legalities with ease and compassion.

The Differences Between Cremation And Burial – Choosing The Best Option For Your Loved One

01.23.2022

When someone passes away, it might be hard and confusing for the family to decide which preparation to choose between cremation and burial. Recently, cremation has become the most popular choice over burial. However, whether to choose cremation or burial depends on several factors.

the differences cremation and burial

 

The Remains of The Deceased

With traditional burial, the deceased is placed into the ground and rests there. The body remains intact. On the other hand, cremation is the process in which the body is burned into ashes. Both processes can take place immediately after the death and can be held with other funeral services.

cremation cost and burial cost florida

 

In addition, in case of burial, it provides a gravesite for the family to visit. However, most families that live far away can only visit on special occasions. With cremation, the family has several options to choose what to do with the ashes afterward: scattering, keeping the ashes at home, or burying the ashes.

Learn More: What to Do with The Ashes Afterwards.

Cremation Cost vs. Burial Cost

In general, cremation is cheaper, which makes it become the most popular choice these days. The cost of cremation in Florida can be as low as $800 and usually less than $2000, whereas that of a basic burial ranges from a few thousand.

Learn More About Cremation Cost Breakdown: How Much Does Cremation Cost?

direct cremation what is the cheapest way to be cremated

 

Below is the cost breakdown for a basic burial service:

    • Fee for basic service – $4000
    • Transportation of the body to the funeral home – $300
    • Car for the transportation of flowers and other belongings – $130
    • Preparation of the body – $200
    • Embalming – $700
    • Use of the staff and facility for the viewing and funeral – $900
    • Hearse – $300
    • A memorial print package such as memorial directories, registration book, acknowledgment cards – $150

Those do not include:

  • Grave plot- $1000
  • Burial vault – $1300
  • Opening and closing fee – $1200
  • Casket (metal) – $1000 – $15000
  • Headstone – $1500

Environmental Impact

cremation and burial comparison

 

There has been continuing debate over this topic. Basically, either option leaves behind some consequences because they both release pollutants during processing. However, we are looking forward to some technological advances that make both funeral methods environment-friendly at an affordable price.

Conclusion: Choosing From Cremation and Burial

best cremation service in florida affordable

In addition to the three basic factors above, there are more that people need to consider when making decisions. In most cases, which to choose significantly depends on the family’s financial status, the deceased’s will, and sometimes, religions and beliefs.

In Florida and across the U.S, there has been a substantial increase in cremation because of the cost and its convenience.

If you have difficulty choosing between options or need consultation, Going Home Cremations, with 20 years of experience in cremation and funeral services, is willing to help. We work and give you advice in your best interest.

For further information, please visit Our Affordable Cremation Page or Call Us For A Free Consultation!

What Is The Cheapest Way To Be Cremated?

12.21.2021

If you want to save, direct cremation is a good option. Direct cremation is the cheapest way to be cremated.  On average, people generally pay $1,500 for Florida’s direct cremation and about $1,000 at Going Home Cremations.

the cheapest way to be cremated is direct cremation 1

What is Direct Cremation? 

Direct cremation is cremation without ceremony and funeral services. After passing away, the body is taken directly to a crematory for the cremation process – there are no attendees, embalming, viewing, or visitation.

This can save families thousands of dollars as well as make the cremation process faster for families in case they need death certificates for estate matters.

direct cremation cheap cremation

Advantages Of Direct Cremation 

Direct cremation offers a few advantages.

Firstly, it’s the cheapest alternative to traditional cremation and burial. The cost is cut down because it does not include a memorial service.

Secondly, direct cremation process is very fast, with the actual cremation only taking between one to three hours and the whole process can be done days earlier than other options.

Another advantage is that, once the cremation is completed, the family can still have their own service. However, it saves a considerable amount of time and money.

Direct Cremation – The Cheapest Way To Be Cremated

Regarding regular cremation, the body is transported from the hospital or hospice to a funeral home. The funeral home then performs normal funeral body preparations like embalming, dressing, and body preparations for cremation viewings. This can cost upwards of $7000.

direct cremation what is the cheapest way to be cremated

The cost of cremation is higher due to the following payments:

  • Expensive Casket (The family can choose a simple and plain casket, which is more affordable.)
  • Embalming
  • Funeral Home Charges
  • Cosmetic and Dressing
  • Funeral Chapel or Church

Also, the environmental concerns of embalming have also made cremation and traditional burial less popular.

Direct Cremation Cremation Services In Florida 

the cheapest way to be cremated is direct cremation going home cremations florida

Direct cremation has become more and more popular now in Florida. The average cost of Florida direct cremation falls at $1500. Here at Going Home Cremations, we offer at the price of about $1000 for a Florida simple cremation.

 

For further information, please visit Our Affordable Cremation Page or Call Us!

Going Home Cremation: Our Selection of Urns for Cremation.

11.18.2021

Types of urns for cremation

At Going home cremation we offer a wide variety of cremation urns.

Not everyone will purchase an urn, but if you need an urn our prices are very affordable and our selection is quite vast. We also offer a basic urn at no cost when you arrange a cremation with us.

To see our specific urns, go to our cremation urn catalog on our website and please call Going home cremation at 941-320-1179 for pricing.

cremation urn florida

Types of Urns:

Cremation urns can range from solid marble urns to urns made out of cardboard for scattering at sea.

Scattering Urns:

Many families choose scattering urns in Florida because they do not want to put the ashes in a cemetery. Scattering urns can be made of cardboard and paper mâché so that they will disintegrate in the water.

We also have scattering urns that are made out of salt. The reason they make urns out of salt is so that it melts when it hits the water. Salt urns are not urns you want to have in storage for very long because they will disintegrate.

Wood Urns:

Many people choose wooden urns. Wooden urns come in many different colors and types of woods from Oak, Cherry, Pine and hardwoods. You can engrave wood or you can put plaques on wooden urns. A lot of people decide to use wooden urns and display them on the fireplace mantle or a bookcase.

Polystyrene Urns:

Another very popular urn is made out of man-made polystyrene. Those urns will go in the ground and will not disintegrate. A lot of times the man-made urns will resemble marble and can come in single and double urns are and are extremely durable.

Metal Urns:

Metal urns are a great long lasting durable option for urns. Metal urns tend to be some of the most ornate type of urns you can purchase as well.

Going Home Cremation’s most popular urns are found on page one and are our metal urns in the shape of a vase and have many different flowers, scenes, and designs.

Keepsake Urns:

Going home cremation also offers a large variety of keepsake urns and keepsake necklaces and jewelry. Many people want to put a tiny bit of the ashes in a necklace to wear. We have necklaces that are made of stainless steel that are very affordable at $89. We also have a large variety of sterling silver and solid gold necklace urns which can run into the hundreds of dollars.

Keepsake urns are a great option if multiple people in your family want ashes. You can have keepsake urns that match the larger main urn or each keepsake can be different than the other.

direct cremation urn

If you purchase an urn at Going Home Cremation you can take $100 off any of our urns in our catalog if you were also selecting to do your cremation services for your loved one with our company.

Please call Going Home Cremation for any questions you may have on any type of cremation urns.

Can You Have a Cremation Without a Service in Florida?

10.02.2021

Cremation service florida

At Going Home Cremations there are common questions we get from families when they are arranging a cremation. One of the most common ones is if they have  to “have  a cremation without a service” or “a cremation without a funeral” or a “cremation without a ceremony”. We wanted to answer this common cremation question for families when unfortunately, the time comes and they need to finalize cremation arrangements for their loved one.

The answer: No, you do not have to have a service when you cremate your loved one.

In Florida, you can have a cremation without any type of service or ceremony. This type of cremation is called a direct cremation, and is different than they type of cremations you get at a funeral home.

Direct cremations are cremations where your loved one will be cremated in Florida and there will be no viewing or service associated with the cremation. This type of cremation, a direct cremation, is being coming more popular for families in Florida. The popularity is for a few reasons, but the main reason is that direct cremations are much lower in price compared to a cremation with a formalized funeral service. For example, a cremation with a service can easily be $4,000-$5,000 whereas a direct cremation will be closer to $1500-$2000. The cost difference is due to not having a service and also you do not need to embalm your loved one if there is no service or viewing.

Another benefit of direct cremations are they tend to occur faster than normal cremations with a service. You do not need to wait to have your loved one embalmed or wait for the service. Furthermore, your loved one can go direct to being cremated, which will help you receive your loved ones ashes in a much more timely manner.

Especially during the time of COVID, it can be even more difficult than normal to have a formalized viewing or service when arranging a cremation. The issue with social distancing is another reason why direct cremation is becoming so popular in Florida. Furthermore, as a family you can have a direct cremation of your loved one and then hold a service yourself once COVID is no longer a major concern or even hold a virtual service. Both of these options, where as a family, you do the service without funeral professionals, you can save considerable money and ensure your close friends and families safety.

Virtual Cremation Service 1

If you arrange a cremation at a funeral home, they tend to be very pushy about services. So please be aware, in Florida, you do not need to have a service or a funeral for a loved one if you do not want to. If a funeral home is pushing you to have a service, we would suggest to possibly seek another facility to help you have a direct cremation of your loved one.

At Going Home Cremations, we offer direct cremations in South West Florida.

What To Do Once You Have Picked Cremation for Your Loved One

09.11.2021

burial affordable cremations florida

When your loved one passes away there are many things you need to do to deal with their death. Generally, one of the first things you need to do is decide between a funeral or cremation for them. In Florida, cremation has become the number one choice for families when their loved one has passed away in Florida.

Once you have decided to cremate your loved one in Florida, that is really just when the decision making begins. There are many things you must do once you have chosen to cremate them and below, we will walk you through some of the common next steps.

What To Do Once You Have Picked Cremation for Your Loved One

  1. Pick a cremation facility: Normally you know if you want to cremate your loved one before you even know where your loved one will have their cremation. But once you have made this decision you need to decide on what cremation facility you will use. We suggest to make sure to pick a cremation facility that has good google reviews and has a website that looks very up to date. Generally, those facilities are run better and more transparent. We also suggest you shop around if the prices start to sound too high, generally over $2000 for a cremation tends to be at the higher end of things. Finally, make sure to clarify where they do the cremation, some lower cost cremation facilities will do cremations in storage facilities.
  2. Decide what to do with the ashes: Now that your loved one has been cremated and you have the ashes, you need to figure out what to do with their ashes.
    1. Urns: Most people decided to put their loved one’s ashes in an urn or possibly multiple urns so many family members have a part of their loved one.
    2. Cremation Jewelry: You can also choose to commemorate your loved one with cremation jewelry or different types of glassworks that include your loved one’s ashes.

      What to Do with The Ashes scattering ashes cremations

    3. Spreading Ashes: You can also decide to spread your loved one’s ashes at sea or even in certain areas of Florida. Just make sure to consult with your cremation facility about local regulations around spreading ashes. At Going Home Cremation, we can even help guide you on renting your own boat to scatter ashes for your loved one if you would like.
  3. Memorialize your loved one: There are many ways families are memorializing their loved one after their cremation, including a normal type of memorial service to even a Zoom type memorial service. Most cremation facilities do not help with memorials, however most of the time you can save a lot of money arranging one yourself.
    1. Write an obituary: Writing an obituary is something family members have been doing since there were newspapers. In writing an obituary you can memorialize your family member in written word. At Going Home Cremation, we offer free premium obituaries. We also offer a custom social media post to coincide with the obituary.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cremation Services in Florida

06.09.2021

cremation services in florida

 

At Going Home Cremation we have spent many years helping families through this very difficult situation. After many years of speaking with families we find these to be our most common questions:

 

  1. WHAT IS THE PRICE OF CREMATION?
    • Once you have made your decision that cremation is what you want to do you should be able to have a cremation for your love one between $1200-$1600. At Going Home Cremation we start at $895 for the cremation which includes: Picking up your love one, the casket to be cremated in, the urn and a beautiful life tribute obituary. We also charge $395 to acquire all of the necessary paperwork to fulfill a death certificate, and acquire a permit for the medical examiners. Paperwork consumes 4 to 8 hours for any cremation service. A lot of families do not think that their loved one needs to pay for a medical examiner fee but all United States counties require that the medical examiner reviews the death certificate that the doctor has filed. They review the death certificate to make sure that they do not want to investigate the cause of death. For example, the medical examiner in Sarasota approves a cremation and the county that you were in has different fees for that. If the medical examiner thinks that there was a suspicious death, they will not approve the cremation and they will require us to return the body to them so they can do an autopsy and/or an investigation. There will be additional fees to acquire death certificates. Going Home Cremation charges $18 per death certificate. The family is also allowed to go to the health department to buy the death certificates direct. If you go in yourself, you can usually do everything for about $10 each Death certificate

 

  1. HOW LONG WILL THE CREMATION PROCESS TAKE?
    • Cremation services usually take approximately two weeks to complete. Between taking your love one into our care, acquiring all the necessary paperwork from the family, filing for the death certificates,  having the doctor sign it, getting the death certificate to the medical examiner for approval, and then finally the cremation process itself, will take about two weeks before the ashes are ready for pick up.

 

Urns And Cremation Jewelry

3. DO I HAVE TO BUY AN URN?

    • We provide a free basic black polystyrene urn. If you would like to purchase a different urn, Going Home Cremation will give you $100 credit toward the purchase of any full size cremation urn on our website. The average price of an urn is between $280-$500. We have many urns available at Going home cremation for $200. So, if you get $100 credit the urn is actually only costing you $100.
  1. WHAT SHOULD I DO WITH THE ASHESYou have many choices when it comes to what you can do with the ashes. Many families choose to scatter the ashes in the Gulf of Mexico. At Going Home Cremation we have an option to scatter in the Gulf of Mexico for $295. This cremation is an unattended service. Another option for a family is to charter a boat for 3 to 4 hours. You will go out 3 miles with the captain to scatter the ashes and then come back. Another option is to inurn the ashes in a cemetery. Or you can scatter the ashes in your favorite park or vacation spot. Make sure you check with local permit requirements before doing that.

At Going Home Cremation Services, we understand that families have a lot of questions. Please feel free to call us if you have any questions regarding the cremation process and what to do for your loved one. WE ARE HERE FOR YOU

Veteran Cremation Benefits in Florida

05.13.2021

 

Veteran Cremation Benefits
Veteran Cremation Benefits

If you or your loved one is US Veteran you are entitled to certain benefits upon death. One of the most surprising aspects is that cremation will not be covered by the US government unless your loved one passes away due to a service-related death.

Before you will be applying for the free veteran benefits, you will need to figure out where your loved one with be cremated. The most cost-effective cremation option is called direct cremation. A direct cremation is a cremation where there will be no viewing of your loved one’s body. However, you can still have service once your loved one is cremated. Once your loved one is cremated there are benefits, they will receive a free plot at the Florida National Cemetery.

  • Florida National Cemeteries will provide all of the items for you at the graveside when you attend the Inurnment Service. The memorial Certificate will be mailed at a later date.
  • The direct cremation facility can provide the necessary info and phone numbers to Families of Veteran Cremation Services. At Going Home Cremation, we can work with you to give all the necessary information.
  • You will need the Veterans DD214 (discharge papers). If you do not have this form, you can call your local Veterans administration to acquire that. If your Veteran has attended a VA hospital or VA doctor recently the VA can identify your loved on through their medical records.

Additional Free Veterans Cremation Service Benefits:

  • Burial flags, provided for free, drape the casket or urn of a service member who served honorably in the military.

    Veterans Cremation Service Benefits
    Veterans Cremation Service Benefits
  • Presidential Memorial Certificate — Provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Presidential Memorial Certificate is a gold-embossed paper certificate available to next of kin and loved ones of deceased service members It is signed by the current president of the United States to honor the memory of honorably discharged veterans.
  • Government-furnished gravesite — The Department of Veterans Affairs’ burial services for eligible veterans include a gravesiteat any Department of Veterans Affairs national cemetery, based on space.
  • Government-furnished headstones and markers — The Department of Veterans Affairs will furnish a free government headstone or markerfor the grave of any deceased eligible veteran in any cemetery around the world. Headstones and markers are also available for eligible spouses and dependents of veterans in a national, military installation or state veteran cemetery.

It is important to pick a direct cremation facility that has familiarity in guiding families in how to appropriately request the veteran cremation benefits.

Step by Step Guide to A Basic Cremation in Florida

04.29.2021

 

If your family has recently passed away or is close to passing away, you might start looking into cremation arrangements for them. You will quickly see there are many options to choose from but the lowest cost and most environmentally friendly option for cremation is a basic cremation.

What is a basic cremation?

A basic cremation is a simple cremation where there is no viewing of the body. When you look into cremations in Florida, there are two cremation options: cremation with a viewing and cremation with no viewing. If you choose to not have a viewing you can save thousands of dollars on the costs and the whole cremation process with also occur much faster.

Basic Cremation

What are the costs of a basic cremation?

A basic cremation cost can vary in Florida, however most around between $700-$2000. Some of variables to this cost is where the cremation will take place, and the additional fees that can be added onto the cremation like the Medical Examiner fees, death certificates and paperwork fees.

basic cremation guide

How do I find a basic cremation facility near me?

The best way to find a basic cremation facility near you is by googling basic cremation near me. This will show you the basic cremation facilities near you and if you start looking a little deeper, you will also be able to see the prices of the cremation and the reviews of the cremation facilities.

Make sure to do your due diligence when it comes to looking at reviews for the basic cremation. Try and pick a facility with 5-star reviews that has been in business for a long time. If you loved one is in a Hospice or Hospital, the facility should not recommend a basic cremation facility. Instead, if you ask, they will provide a list of local cremation facilities for you to look into.

A huge red flag is if the hospice, nursing home or hospital recommended one facility in particular. An even larger red flag is if the facility tries to get their chose of cremation facility to pick up your loved one.  We recently have been hearing issues of nursing homes trying to force families to use the cremation facility they picked. Please understand, you have every right to choose the facility you want and no one should pressure you at all to pick a facility. Even if your loved one dies at home and is picked up by a local funeral home that works with the police, you do not have to go with that funeral home or cremation facility. In general, these facilities are more expensive than the norm and you should shop around.

What are the steps in a basic cremation
What are the steps in a basic cremation

What are the steps in a basic cremation?

When you decide on a basic cremation facility, you will give the facility where your loved one passed away or is close to passing the information of the basic cremation facility. When they do pass, the facility your loved one is at will call the cremation provider. The cremation facility will they go to pick up your loved one to be brought to the crematory. You will then be sent many forms including a cremation authorization form. This form must be filled out before the cremation can occur. In general, it can take 10 to 14 business day for a cremation to be fully completed.

At Going Home Cremations, we offer basic cremations in all of Southwest Florida.