direct cremation florida Archives

How to Personalize a Direct Cremation Service in Florida

03.26.2025

When considering direct cremation in Florida, many families seek ways to personalize the service to honor their loved one’s unique life and legacy. Direct cremation is a simple and cost-effective option, but it doesn’t mean you have to forgo meaningful tributes and personal touches. Here are some thoughtful ideas to help you create a personalized and memorable direct cremation service in Florida.

Understanding Direct Cremation in Florida

Direct cremation in Florida involves the immediate cremation of the deceased without a traditional funeral service beforehand. This option is often chosen for its simplicity, affordability, and flexibility. Families can plan a memorial service or celebration of life at a later date, allowing them to focus on creating a personalized tribute that truly reflects their loved one’s life. It’s important to note that Going Home Cremations provides direct cremation services only and cannot arrange a memorial service. However, we can offer guidance and support to help you plan a meaningful tribute.

1. Choose a Meaningful Location for the Memorial Service

One of the benefits of direct cremation is the flexibility it offers in planning a memorial service. You can choose a location that holds special significance to your loved one. This could be a favorite park, beach, garden, or even your own home. Selecting a meaningful location adds a personal touch and creates a comforting environment for family and friends to gather and remember.

2. Create a Personalized Memorial Program

A memorial program is a great way to share the story of your loved one’s life. Include photos, favorite quotes, poems, and a timeline of significant events. You can also add personal anecdotes and messages from family and friends. A well-crafted memorial program serves as a keepsake for attendees and helps them feel connected to the person being honored.

3. Incorporate Personal Mementos and Keepsakes

Incorporating personal mementos and keepsakes into the memorial service can make it more meaningful. Display items that were important to your loved one, such as awards, hobbies, or collections. You can also create a memory table where guests can place their own mementos or write messages on cards to be included in a memory box.

4. Select a Unique Urn or Keepsake

Choosing a unique urn or keepsake can add a personal touch to the direct cremation service. There are many options available, from custom-designed urns to biodegradable urns that can be used for scattering ashes. You can also consider keepsake jewelry, such as pendants or bracelets that hold a small portion of the ashes, allowing family members to keep their loved one close.

5. Plan a Special Tribute or Ceremony

Planning a special tribute or ceremony can make the memorial service more personal and memorable. This could include a candle lighting ceremony, releasing balloons or lanterns, or planting a tree in memory of your loved one. You can also incorporate cultural or religious traditions that were important to your loved one.

6. Create a Memorial Video or Slideshow

A memorial video or slideshow is a powerful way to celebrate your loved one’s life. Gather photos and videos that capture special moments and create a montage set to their favorite music. This visual tribute can be played during the memorial service and shared with family and friends who are unable to attend in person.

7. Invite Guests to Share Memories and Stories

Encourage guests to share their memories and stories during the memorial service. This can be done through an open mic session, a memory book, or a digital platform where people can post messages and photos. Sharing personal stories helps to create a sense of connection and allows everyone to contribute to the tribute.

8. Incorporate Music and Readings

Music and readings can add a deeply personal touch to the memorial service. Choose songs that were meaningful to your loved one or that evoke special memories. You can also select readings, such as poems, scriptures, or letters, that reflect their personality and values. Consider inviting family members or friends to perform the readings or play live music.

9. Host a Reception or Gathering

Hosting a reception or gathering after the memorial service provides an opportunity for family and friends to come together and support each other. You can serve your loved one’s favorite foods and drinks, display photos and mementos, and create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. This informal setting allows for more personal interactions and shared memories.

10. Create a Lasting Memorial

Creating a lasting memorial can help keep your loved one’s memory alive. This could be a physical memorial, such as a bench, plaque, or garden, or a digital memorial, such as a website or social media page. A lasting memorial provides a place for family and friends to visit and remember, and it can be a source of comfort and connection.

Call to Action

If you’re considering direct cremation in Florida and need guidance on how to personalize the service, 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 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. We’re committed to making the cremation process as straightforward and stress-free as possible for you and your family.

For more information on choosing a direct cremation provider, check out our blog post on selecting the right provider.https://goinghomecremations.com/how-to-choose-the-right-direct-cremation-provider-in-florida/

Additional Resources

National Funeral Directors Association: https://nfda.org/Provides information on funeral planning and cremation services.
Cremation Association of North America:https://www.cremationassociation.org/ Offers resources and guidelines on cremation practices.

Personalizing a direct cremation service in Florida allows you to honor your loved one’s life in a meaningful way. By incorporating personal touches and thoughtful tributes, you can create a memorable and heartfelt service that reflects their unique personality and legacy. Going Home Cremations is here to support you in this process, providing the guidance and care you need to navigate this challenging time.

Understanding Florida’s Laws on Scattering Ashes After Direct Cremation

03.11.2025

Scattering the ashes of a loved one is a meaningful way to honor their memory, allowing families to choose locations that held significance. It is important to know options on what to do with ashes after a direct cremation if you want to scatter the ashes.

In Florida, while state laws do not impose strict regulations on scattering cremated remains, it’s essential to be aware of federal guidelines and local policies to ensure the process is conducted respectfully and legally.

Scattering Ashes at Sea

Given Florida’s extensive coastline, scattering ashes at sea is a popular choice. The Federal Clean Water Act mandates that ashes be scattered at least three nautical miles from shore. Additionally, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires families to notify them within 30 days of the scattering. Using biodegradable urns is recommended to minimize environmental impact.

Scattering Ashes on Private Property

In Florida, you are permitted to scatter ashes on your own private property without any legal restrictions. However, if you wish to scatter ashes on someone else’s private land, it’s crucial to obtain explicit permission from the property owner.

Scattering Ashes on Public and Federal Lands

While Florida state laws do not specifically regulate the scattering of ashes on public lands, it’s advisable to consult with local authorities or agencies overseeing these areas before proceeding.

For federal lands, such as national parks, you may need to obtain a Special Park Use Permit. The National Park Service typically requires that scattering ceremonies be small, private affairs, held away from high-visitor-use areas, and that ashes be fully dispersed without leaving any markers or memorials.

Scattering Ashes by Air

Florida does not prohibit the scattering of ashes by air. However, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has guidelines prohibiting the dropping of objects that could cause harm to people or property.

Therefore, only the ashes should be released during aerial scattering, and any containers or urns should be retained to prevent potential hazards.

Best Practices and Considerations

• Obtain Necessary Permissions: Always seek permission when planning to scatter ashes on private property or public lands to ensure legality and respect for the area.

• Use Biodegradable Materials: When scattering ashes at sea or in natural settings, opt for biodegradable urns or containers to minimize environmental impact.

• Be Mindful of Others: Choose times and locations that offer privacy and do not interfere with public activities.

• Check Local Regulations: Even in the absence of state laws, local ordinances or rules may apply to specific areas, so it’s prudent to consult with local authorities.

By understanding and adhering to these guidelines, families can ensure that the scattering of ashes in Florida is conducted in a manner that honors their loved ones while respecting legal and environmental considerations.

At Going Home Cremations, we have over 20 years of experience assisting families in Florida with cremation and scattering services. We are committed to providing compassionate, professional, and affordable direct cremation services, ensuring that your loved one’s final wishes are honored with dignity and respect.

For more information or assistance with cremation and scattering services in Florida, please contact us at Going Home Cremations. We are here to help, every step of the way.

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 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.

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?

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

Important Questions to Ask Hospice Facilities in Florida

10.30.2021

At Going Home Cremation, we work directly with hospice care centers. If you call us, we can let you know which care centers are in your vicinity. They are a wonderful organization and will help you during this time of need. If your love one is ready for hospice here are a few questions you will want to ask hospice providers:

Are staff nurses and doctors available 24 hours a day?

You will need that emergency staffing, especially as your loved one enters the final days of life.

Is your medical director board certified?

This is not a requirement, but the extra step of certification is another assurance of their training.

How many years has the organization been in operation?

Many of US hospice programs trace their beginnings to the 1980’s.

How many patients does the hospice Care Center have?

Smaller hospices may provide more personalized care, but those serving at least 65-100 patients have many more resources. Sometimes it is better to utilize one of the smaller care centers. It may be a little more intimate care and services

What is the caseload for your hospice Doctors or nurses?

Ideally, nurses should manage no more than 10-12 patients at a time, since They do not see all patients daily. The nurses will also rotate and you may see different nurses weekly.

Can they meet your needs for a good care plan?

Have an idea of what you and your loved one want and if that is within the scope of the hospice’s care, they will be able to help you.

What is expected in terms of help from the family?

This is especially important if much of the previous caregiving has been with other family members and or long distance.

What are the options for inpatient care?

Sometimes staying in a hospice facility is temporary and can be used to stabilize Seriously ill patients until they can return home.

Inquire as to what you can expect in the last few days.

Often this is a very trying time for families and it is best if you get an idea of what you are in for So you can be prepared.

What are the protocols around COVID

During Covid times you want to make sure if you’re hospice care center will take your love one in if they have Covid. If your care center will except a Covid patient then you will need to find out what the requirements are to visit. Many hospices do not take Covid patients.

Feel free to call and visit your hospice care center near you. Ask as many questions as you need. They are usually very wonderful and helpful to families. Call us at Going Home Cremation Services in Tierre Verde Florida to give you the phone numbers for hospices is near you.

Can You Have a Cremation Without a Service in Florida?

10.02.2021

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.

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.

The Difference Between a Cheap Cremation And An Affordable Cremation In Florida

09.26.2021

Arranging a cremation for your passed loved one can be daunting, especially trying to disseminate why the prices of a cremation can vary widely. Today, we will explain why cheapest is not always the best when it comes to arranging a cremation after your loved one has passed. Even when it comes to the funeral industry, there’s an old saying, you get what you pay for. This is true in all aspects of life and it can be especially important to understand when arranging a cremation for your loved one.

There are cremation service companies in the Florida that advertise cheap cremations that out the door are $495. However, if you start asking questions to these cremation companies you find out some facts you really need to think on before sending your loved one there. When you start to investigate, these are companies that are cremating your love ones in storage facilities in storage units.

Before the cremation, they are refrigerating your loved one and keeping the bodies in a 12 x 24 storage unit in a refrigeration box. If you take a look at their website or their marketing materials, you will not easily be able to find out those details. This is where it is VERY important when you are trying to find where to arrange your loved one’s cremation, you ask questions and look at their reviews. If you have been speaking to a facility that does cremate your loved one in a storage facility you need to ask yourself is this what you want for your loved one?

On the other side, some cremations are done at your local Florida funeral home. Those cremations usually tend to run $3000 to $4000. However, you will be comforted knowing that your loved one will be cremated at a funeral home and not a storage unit. But in that comfort, you will be paying huge markups for the cremation and funeral homes have a tendency to upsell products pretty aggressively.

You might be thinking then what is the solution to arranging a cremation for my loved one where I know they are cremated respectfully but you won’t be dealing with significant markups? This is where direct cremation facilities come into play. Now the tricky part, is you still need to verify with every facility where their cremations occur. But a great way to tell, is generally a more respectful cremation facility will have their cremation costs be between $1000- $2000. These direct cremation facilities are usually companies that are working out of a nicer facility as well. They have numerous staff members, and positive reviews on line. These type of cremation facilities can do an Honorable and dignified cremation for your family.

At Going Home Cremations our cremation prices are lower than about 80% of the funeral homes and cremation providers out there. We have all five-star reviews and a very good, long-standing reputation. We go above and beyond to help your family through this very difficult time. We are an alternative to high priced cremations through funeral homes and very cheap cremations through a storage unit in Florida. Feel free to call Going Home Cremations so we can answer any questions for you.

The Average Cost of a Cremation in Florida

02.14.2021

The Average Cost of a Cremation in Florida

Since 2015, cremation has become the top choice for families when it comes to cremations vs burials. It’s predicted that within 20 years over 80% of people will choose cremation as their final wish once they pass away. In Florida, it seems like cremation is getting close to the 80% already, due to the lower costs compared to normal funerals and the ease of arranging direct cremations in Florida. Especially areas where “snow bids” tend to migrate like St. Petersburg, Tampa and Fort Meyers, Florida. One of the biggest issues for Florida families is figuring out what’s an appropriate price to pay for a cremation in Florida. What is why below, we will break down the average cost of a cremation in Florida.

This increase in frequency in cremation as the number one choice for families in Florida has led to a boon of facilities offering direct cremations in Florida. In general, the prices for direct cremations in South West Florida range between $700-$3000. Cremations that fall below the $700 price in general have a lot of additional fees, so in truth their direct cremation prices when everything is said and done are closer to $1200.

There are a few reasons for the incredible variability in Florida direct cremation prices. First, it depends on facility you choose to have your cremation done. In Florida, funeral homes have very large overhead costs, and in years past they received most of their profit from funerals that on average would cost Florida families $10,000. Now that direct cremations in Florida are becoming more popular, they have had to change how they receive their profits. They now have increased their prices of their cremations to compensate for the reductions in burials. So, in general, the highest priced cremations in South West Florida are from funeral homes that are selling cremations. Funeral homes also tend to upsell additional cremation options more and will try and get families to use their cemetery for example, which can add thousands of dollars onto the costs of a Florida cremation.

For the direct disposer facilities that only offer cremations in Florida, their prices tend to be lower than funeral home prices. But the big thing to be aware of from these facilities is where their crematories are located and the reviews they have. It is important to research any cremation facility you look at in Florida to make sure your loved one will be handled with dignity and care. We suggest Google and Yelp as great ways to research customer reviews.

We wanted to spend a moment and break down common things you will pay for when your loved one dies and wants a Florida cremation.

Cremation Cost
- This is the biggest cost and in general, just includes the costs to have your loved one cremated.
Transportation of Your Loved One
- You will have to pay to have your loved one picked up from where they passed to be brought to the crematory. If your loved one is larger than an average person, there tends to be additional fees due to increased need for additional men to help transport your loved one.
Refrigeration
- In the state of Florida, there is a mandatory 48 hour waiting period before your loved one can be cremated, so they need to be refrigerated at the crematory while this waiting period occurs.
Casket to Be Cremated In
- Your loved one will be cremated in casket and the prices can vary.
Urn (We include an urn for free in our direct cremation)
- Try and find a Florida direct cremation facility with well-priced urns. Urns can be incredibly expensive. That is why at Going Home Cremation, we include an urn for free in the cost of our cremation. https://goinghomecremations.com/urns/
Obituary
- Obituaries can be a surprisingly expensive add on to cremations in Florida. We have even seen them cost families close to $1000. We include a premium obituary for free for our Florida direct cremations. https://goinghomecremations.com/obituaries/
Death Certificates
- There will be county fees for death certificates that everyone has to pay, and they are set by each county.
Paper work fees
- Preparing your loved one for a cremation takes an incredible amount of paperwork, and most all facilities charge for that. When your loved one passes, the direct cremation facility has to undergo many steps to get the cremation approved, have the doctor sign the death certificate and then to get the death certificate approved, these steps can take many hours.

At Going Home Cremations, we offer direct cremations in St. Petersburg, Fort Meyers, Trinity, Sarasota, Bradenton, and Port Charlotte, Florida. But most importantly, we want all families searching for Florida direct cremations to understand the average cost of a cremation in Florida so they can make the best choice for their families.

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