Orlando Funeral GuideIndependent local resource

Cremation in Orlando

Cremation can be as simple or as ceremonial as your family wants. Here are the main options, the Florida rules that apply, and questions to ask providers.

Types of cremation arrangements

Direct cremation

Cremation soon after death, without embalming, viewing, or a ceremony beforehand. It is typically the lowest-cost option. Under the FTC Funeral Rule, a funeral home that offers direct cremation must:

  • list a price range for it on its General Price List
  • make an alternative container (such as fiberboard) available, or let you provide one

You do not have to buy a casket.

Cremation with a memorial service

A memorial or celebration of life is held after cremation, with or without the urn present. You can hold it at a funeral home, a place of worship, a home, or a park.

Cremation with a viewing and funeral

A traditional visitation and funeral happen first, followed by cremation. This usually involves preparation of the body and a rental or purchased casket.

Florida rules families should know

  • Written authorization. A cremation cannot take place until a legally authorized person (usually the next of kin) gives written authorization.
  • A signed declaration of what will happen to the cremated remains.
  • Medical examiner review. Florida law places every body that is to be cremated under medical examiner review. Your funeral home requests this approval, and it can affect timing.
  • Timing. The cremation must be performed within 48 hours after a time agreed in writing with the person authorizing it.
  • Dividing cremated remains. Dividing the remains among family members requires the consent of the person who authorized the cremation. Disputes are resolved by a court.
  • Unclaimed remains. If cremated remains are not claimed within 90 days, the funeral or direct disposal establishment may dispose of them as the law allows. For eligible veterans, it must arrange burial in a national cemetery.

Options for cremated remains

  • Keep them at home in an urn, or divide them into keepsake urns (with the required consent).
  • Place them in a cemetery: in-ground burial, a columbarium niche, or a scattering garden.
  • Scatter them. Get permission from the property owner. For burial at sea, the EPA requires scattering at least three nautical miles from land and reporting it to the EPA within 30 days.
  • Bury them in a national cemetery if the person was an eligible veteran or family member. See veterans benefits.

Choosing an urn? Our urn size calculator estimates the capacity you need.

Questions to ask a cremation provider

  • What exactly is included in your direct cremation price: transfer, container, the medical examiner's approval fee, death certificates, and return of the remains?
  • Do you operate your own crematory, or use a third-party crematory?
  • Can family members be present or view before cremation? What does that cost?
  • How long does it usually take to receive the cremated remains?

Compare answers with our comparison worksheet. For the pros and cons of each choice, see burial vs. cremation.

Cremation providers in the Orlando area

Most full-service funeral homes also arrange cremation. These providers focus on cremation:

See all Orlando-area funeral homes

Sources

Content last reviewed . Fees and procedures change; always confirm with the official source. See our editorial standards.

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