Cremation Cost in Jacksonville Florida

Cremation costs in Jacksonville range from $1,000 to $3,500, falling well below the median average funeral cost of $7,070 noted for the South Atlantic region of the U.S. which includes Florida) in a a 2021 study published by the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA).  

Florida’s large population and high cremation rate foster a competitive market for funeral arrangements. This is especially true in large cities in Florida. In this article, we outline the expected services and costs for cremation funerals in Jacksonville.

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Summary of Jacksonville cremation costs

The following chart provides an itemized summary of the expected fees associated with cremations in Jacksonville.

Note: References to the "median cost" in this article are based on the 2021 NFDA study linked above.

Detailed cremation costs in Jacksonville by category

The following sections break down standard cremation services and fees in Jacksonville, providing additional information on the itemized list in the table.

Cremation documentation in Jacksonville

Cremation documentation in Jacksonville is the same as in the rest of Florida. It is often completed with the help of a licensed funeral home. However, it is legal for the deceased person's family to handle paperwork independently.

Cremation paperwork in Florida includes:

• Death certificate.
• Vital Statistics Form.
• Cremation authorization form.
• Release form.

Documentation costs

On average, paperwork costs range from $100 to $400 when completed by a funeral provider.

If completed by the family, the main fee would be ordering a death certificate, costing $10 for a certified copy and $5 for additional copies. (Learn more).

Transportation of a body in Jacksonville

Transportation or "transfer" services are responsible for moving the deceased person's body from the place of death to the funeral home or crematorium. These fees often start around $100+. However, traditional services (e.g., viewing, visitation, etc.) may add extra transportation costs (e.g., additional mileage and gas).

Storage and preservation

Storage (refrigeration) and embalming are preservation techniques that slow down physiological changes that occur after death.

Embalming is optional but may be recommended or necessary depending on the circumstances (e.g., international transport). However, Florida state laws require that a body be embalmed or refrigerated within 24 hours after death.

Body storage or "sheltering" fees start around $20 to $50 per day or between $200 to $500.

Embalming cost $600 to $800 on average in Jacksonville.

Cremation vs. aquamation

Cremation and aquamation both reduce a deceased person's body to ashes. However, cremation achieves this by exposing a deceased person's body to extreme heat, which results in coarse grey or brown ashes.

In contrast, aquamation uses alkaline hydrolysis, which treats bodies with heat, pressure, water, and alkali (potassium hydroxide) to speed up decomposition. Ashes produced from aquamation are white or tan colored, with a fine consistency.

Body preparation

Medical implants that contain a battery or pose a safety risk to crematorium staff (e.g., pacemakers) must be removed before cremation. Other implants (e.g., metal hips) remain with the body and are destroyed or recycled afterward.

Medical implants are not destroyed during aquamation, so they do not need to be taken out (unless legally required). However, clothing that is not protein-based (e.g., wool) must be removed.

Additional body preparations, such as embalming, makeup, dressing, etc., may be performed if desired.

Body preparation for cremation costs between $50 to $300.

Body disposition costs

Cremation is cheaper than aquamation, with direct cremation ranging from $600 to over $2,000, and direct aquamation costing between $1,000 and $3,000 on average. (Note: Aquamation ranges are based on national estimates as the service is not currently offered in the city).

Funeral packages typically include a separate fee for crematorium processes and services. The price starts at around $300.

Professional and staff fees

Funeral providers charge a fee for basic services and products (e.g., planning, logistics, event coordination, etc. Items discussed above (e.g., documentation) may be included in this charge. Prices range from $200 to $1,000.

Urn purchase

A cremation urn is a decorative container that holds cremated remains. The cost can range anywhere from $10 to over $2,000 depending on the type, material, size, etc. Learn more.

Casket or cremation container

Some providers charge an additional fee for the cremation container, but this is often minimal (under $500).

Families that opt for traditional services may purchase a casket for a viewing or visitation. Caskets are priced between $100 to $5,000.

Urn interment

Ashes can be interred in the ground or in a columbarium (structure with niches for housing urns). Interment fees include the cost of a burial plot or niche, maintenance fees, grave markers, etc.

Burial plots are often cheaper than above-ground niches. However, pricing can vary drastically based on location, demand, size, etc.

Urn interment can cost between $200 and $3,000, often starting on the higher end of that range.

Cremation ceremonies and celebrations of life

There are endless possibilities for funeral ceremonies or celebrations at various price points. However, formal ceremonies (e.g., viewing) typically cost over $2,000, and informal memorial events (e.g., celebration of life) tend to be more affordable ($0 to $1,000).

Sales tax in Jacksonville

Expect to have Florida's sales tax of 6.5 per cent on most products and services discussed in this article.

Programs to help with cremation costs

See our helpful guide on help for low income families with funeral costs in Florida.

Related Articles on Cremation Cost in Florida

• Cremation cost in Orlando
• Cremation cost in Miami
• Cremation cost in Fort Lauderdale

Articles that answer questions about cremation in Florida:

• Miami
• Jacksonville
• Orlando
• Fort Lauderdale