Our FAQ

We understand that our industry can seem unclear or confusing. To help you make decisions, we have compiled answers to frequently asked questions to give you a clearer picture of our work and methods. We believe that when you have the information you need, you're in a better position to make informed choices.

If you have a specific question that is not listed here, please feel free to send us a message. You can do so below in the form near the bottom of this page. We will respond promptly.

Cremation Requirements & Disclosures

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The cremation CANNOT be started until 48 hours from the time of death. (Florida Statutes 872.03)

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A Cremation Authorization must be signed by the legal next of kin(s) and be in the possession of the funeral home or cremation facility.

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The Death Certificate must be completed by the funeral home, from the information provided by the next of kin. It is then electronically sent to the individual physician, or medical examiner of the district, which then must complete the medical portion of the certificate. The physician legally has 72 hours to complete and electronically send the certificate back to the funeral home and the state health department. The time frame for this is not always certain, since the physician is not always present in his office, and weekends and holidays are also involved.

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No human remains may be cremated until the medical examiner of the district in which the death occurred, has reviewed the completed death certificate and a permit number has been issued by the State of Florida. The fee for the approval will vary depending on the district involved.

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The cremation schedule of the crematory will determine the completion and the return of the cremated remains. The crematory’s normal hours of operation are Monday through Saturday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

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We cannot make any guarantee as to the delivery of the cremated remains because of the above variable. We recommend that you do not schedule any disposition of the cremated remains until the completion time of the cremation process can be determined. Average turnaround time is 12-14 business days from the date of passing.

What is cremation?

It is probably easier to describe what cremation isn’t. Cremation is not final disposition of the remains, nor is it a funeral service. Rather, it is a process of reducing the human body to bone fragments using high heat and flame or water, alkaline chemicals, heat, agitation and pressure.

What do cremated remains look like?

Cremated remains resemble coarse sand and are whitish to light grey in color. The remains of an average size adult usually weigh between five to nine pounds of cremated remains.

Are all the cremated remains returned?

With the exception of minute and microscopic particles, which are impossible to remove from the cremation chamber and processing machine, all of the cremated remains are given back to the family. We own and operate our cremation equipment so your loved one is always in our care, never “outsourced”. Depend on us for direct cremation.

Where do I get certified copies of the death certificate?

Certified copies of the death certificate can be ordered when you arrange your order or by calling out office. Florida offers both with cause and without cause death certificates.

Death certificates with cause are needed for: life insurance companies, estates and probate, pensions, IRAs, and other benefit accounts.

Death certificates without cause are needed for: banks and credit unions, stocks and bonds, titles and deeds to property, vehicle registration and title changes, attorneys and CPAs, home mortgages, and other insurance policies.

Do I need an urn?

All of our cremation packages include a basic plastic urn, or your choice of a several premium urns.

Can two cremations be performed at once?

Never. Not only is it illegal to do so, most modern cremation chambers are not of sufficient size to accommodate more than one adult. Thus it would be a practical impossibility to conduct multiple cremations simultaneously.

Is a casket needed for cremation?

No, a casket is not required for cremation. All that is required by state law is a rigid container which is cremated with the body.

What can be done with cremated remains?

Remains can be buried in a cemetery lot or cremation garden, inurned in a columbarium, kept at home, or scattered on private property.

In what kind of container are the remains returned?

Cremated remains are placed in a basic plastic urn, or one of our premium urns

How long does the actual cremation take?

It depends on the weight of the individual. For an average size adult, cremation takes from one to three hours at normal operating temperature between 1,500 degrees F to 2,000 degrees F.

When will the cremation process be complete?

The cremation process can take up to two weeks, depending on the availability of the medical examiner, completion of paperwork and scheduling at our facility.

How can I be sure I receive the correct remains?

We have developed the most rigorous set of operating policies and procedures in order to maximize our level of quality and minimize the potential for human error. Positive identification of the deceased is assured throughout each stage of the cremation process. We only allow certified professionals to operate our cremation equipment. Additionally, we own our own crematory equipment so your loved one is always in our care.

What happens after the cremation is complete?

All organic bone fragments, which are very brittle, as well as non-consumed metal items are “swept” into the front of the cremation chamber and into a stainless steel cooling pan. All non-consumed items, like metal from clothing, hip joints, and bridge work, are separated from the cremated remains. Remaining bone fragments are then processed in a machine to a consistent size and placed into a basic plastic urn, or one of our premium urns.

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