Question 1

What is a cremation?

Accepted Answer

Cremation is the process of reducing the human body to bone particles and ash through the application of direct flame and intense heat.

Question 2

What are the legal requirements for cremation in Florida?

Accepted Answer

There are three basic legal requirements which must be met before a cremation can be performed in Florida. First, at least 48 hours must elapse between the time of death and the time of the cremation. Second, a legally authorized individual must give permission for the cremation in writing. Third, the District Medical Examiner must give approval for the cremation which requires a completed death certificate by a physician for their review.

Question 3

How long does the cremation process take?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the size of the individual and the type of cremation container. Typically, the process takes about 2 hours at a normal operating temperature of 1600 to 1800 degrees Fahrenheit.

Question 4

What happens following the cremation process?

Accepted Answer

Following the actual cremation, all bone particles and other materials are retrieved from the cremation chamber by sweeping them into a stainless steel collection pan for cooling. Once cooled, all metal materials (metal casket parts, hip joints, & bridgework) are removed by both visual inspection and use of a strong magnet. The remaining bone particles and ash are then reduced into a small, consistent size and placed in the selected urn.

Question 5

Can I have a service with cremation?

Accepted Answer

For those desiring cremation, you actually have more options and flexibility when it comes to service offerings. Everything is available from a traditional funeral ceremony followed by cremation and then burial, private family viewing to have closure, to a memorial service after the cremation has occurred. Furthermore, since we are not restricted by the operating hours of the cemetery, you have the flexibility to schedule your ceremonies for day or night.

Question 6

Is embalming required?

Accepted Answer

No. Florida law does require that the body be embalmed or held in refrigeration following 24 hours after death. We provide on-site refrigeration in which the deceased may be held for the necessary waiting period. Embalming, however, is necessary when a cremation ceremony involves a public viewing. Families may choose to have a private family viewing within the first 48-hours after death with or without embalming.

Question 7

Is a casket necessary for cremation?

Accepted Answer

Florida law does require that the body be held in a rigid, leak-proof container for dignified storage, transfer and handling. Today, we have a variety of cremation containers that are very economical and manufactured specifically for cremation.

Question 8

Do I need an urn?

Accepted Answer

If an urn is not purchased through us or included in a package, the family must provide a container suitable to accommodate the cremated remains of at least 200 cubic inches.

Question 9

What can be done with the cremated remains?

Accepted Answer

Your options are many. The cremated remains can be buried in a cemetery, placed in a columbarium niche, kept at home, scattered on private property or at least 3 miles offshore in the Gulf of Mexico, placed in a necklace or have a diamond created. Our staff can assist you in exploring those options.

Question 10

What do cremated remains look like?

Accepted Answer

Cremated remains resemble coarse beach sand. They are typically light gray in color, but may be very dark depending on several factors. The cremated remains of an average size adult would weigh between 5-8 pounds and usually take up 200 cubic inches of volume or less. Except for some minuscule amount of cremated remains which cannot practically be removed from the cremation chamber, all remains are placed in the selected urn. If the amount of cremated remains cannot fit in the selected urn, then any excess remains would be returned in a temporary urn supplied by our crematory.

Question 11

If I wish to be cremated, what options do I have?

Accepted Answer

There are several choices available, and the following pages offer some options for you to consider. These options should be used as a guide to help you create a personal ceremony that best suits your individual and family needs. The decisions you make truly do depend on the manner in which you choose to recognize the life that has been lived. Cremation may actually present you with additional options in funeral planning. You can choose to have the casketed remains present for the ceremony or to have a memorial ceremony without the casket present. Some individuals may choose to have a viewing followed by a ceremony at a later date and others may wish to have a ceremony in conjunction with the scattering or placement of the cremated remains. The combination of options are limited only to your wishes and the personal needs of your family members.

Question 12

Do all religions permit cremation?

Accepted Answer

Religious positions vary widely regarding cremation. Some require it, others disallow or advise against it, and others take no position at all. Most, however, will allow you to decide. If you are uncertain as to the position your religion embraces, speak directly with your clergy.

Question 13

Is a Funeral Director necessary

Accepted Answer

Yes. Florida law does require a Funeral Director if you are going to have any type of ceremony, view the body and for disposition of the remains by cremation or burial. Cremation Societies/Direct Disposition facilities are not allowed to assist families with ceremonies or viewing the deceased. Funeral directors are caregivers and administrators. They make the arrangements for transportation of the deceased human remains, complete all necessary paperwork, and implement the choices made by the family regarding the service and final disposition of the deceased human remains. Funeral directors also link survivors with support groups at the funeral home or in the community.