Cremation Services in Miami

Daniela Fortino
Daniela Fortino
March 25th 2024 - 8 minute read
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Learn about cremation in Miami Florida and what the process and cost is. We review everything you need to know about final arrangements for a loved one.

Florida has one of the highest cremation rates in the U.S., making up 67.8 percent of the state’s arrangements, according to 2020 statistics. Because Miami is the largest city in Florida, cremation is a preferred disposition choice in line with the state trend.

This article, authored by the team at Eirene Cremations, answers some of the most common questions about cremation services in Miami, Florida, including:

What is the cremation process in Miami?

Here are typical steps involved in cremation services in Miami and across Florida.

Reporting the death in Miami

When a death occurs in Miami (and in any location in Florida), it must be reported to the appropriate authorities. General steps for reporting a death include:

  • Unexpected or sudden death (or if you are uncertain on who to contact). Call 9-1-1. If a death occurs under supervised care, the staff will handle this.
  • Expected Death. An expected death typically means that a post-death plan is in place (e.g., preneed contract). A funeral provider or physician is usually called first with a post-death plan. Emergency services need not be contacted unless the death is suspicious or there is no post-death plan.

A funeral provider such as Eirene Cremations may also be able to assist in reporting the death. The staff of a care facility can also report the death if someone dies under their supervision (e.g., nursing home).

Cremation services documentation in Miami

Funeral documentation can vary between jurisdictions. However, typical cremation paperwork includes:

  • Death certificate. It must be signed by an attending physician or medical examiner before cremation or burial can occur.
  • Vital Statistics Form. It contains identifying information about the deceased person (e.g., name, date of birth, etc.) necessary to complete other cremation paperwork.
  • Cremation authorization form. This form provides legal consent from the deceased person's family to allow the funeral providers to handle cremation services.
  • Release form. This authorizes the funeral home to transport the deceased person's body to the crematorium.

The documentation is often completed with the help of a licensed funeral provider. However, it is legal in Florida to conduct funeral services independently.

Cremation process

Regulations in Florida require a 48-hour waiting period after death before cremation can be conducted. Once this time period has passed, the deceased person's body is prepared for cremation. Medical implants (e.g., pacemakers) that pose a risk to crematorium staff are removed.

Non-hazardous materials, such as artificial joints, remain intact in the body during cremation. They are later separated from the ashes and recycled after cremation.

Next, the body is placed in a cremation container (or casket), which is placed in a retort (cremation chamber). In the retort, the body is exposed to extreme heat. Temperatures reach 1400 to 1800 F (760 to 980 Celsius).

The cremation process reduces organic matter, leaving behind bone fragments and non-combustible materials (e.g., metal dental fillings).

How much does cremation cost in Miami?


Florida's large population and high demand for cremation enable funeral providers to offer competitive pricing for arrangement packages. Therefore, cremation fees in Miami and across the state cost between $1,000 and $3,500+.

Simpler arrangement options (e.g., direct cremation) often fall on the lower end of this range (under $2,000).

To learn more, read our article on detailed assessment of cremation costs in Miami.

Is embalming required in Miami?

Embalming is a process that chemically preserves a body, slowing down physiological changes that occur after death. This is typically done in preparation for visitation, viewing, or wake. Embalming is not mandatory in Florida or any other U.S. state. However, Florida regulations require that a body be refrigerated or embalmed within 24 hours after death. Embalming may also be recommended for certain circumstances, such as international, long-distance, or long-duration transportation.

Is aquamation considered a cremation service? And is it legal in Miami?

Aquamation, sometimes called water cremation,  is a water-based form of disposition. It uses the chemical process of alkaline hydrolysis to reduce organic matter to ashes (or hydrolyzed remains). The process is legal in the state of Florida. (Learn more).  Also see our aquamation FAQ.

What are direct cremation services, and are they available in Miami?

Direct cremation involves having a deceased person cremated shortly after death, and the ashes are promptly returned to their loved ones. This eliminates fees that may be required with full-service cremations (e.g., embalming, casket purchase, etc.), making it more affordable. Eirene Cremations offers direct cremation in Miami.

Do Miami residents prefer cremation or burial?

National cremation rates have risen by over 30 percent from 2000 to 2021 and are projected to reach 64.1 percent by 2025 (source). Florida has followed this trend, producing one of the highest cremation growth rates from 2015 to 2019, which is expected to increase from 67.8 percent in 2020 to 77.2 percent in 2030 (source).

Where can I buy a cremation urn in Miami?

Cremation urns are sold online, through retailers or wholesalers, from funeral providers, etc. You can find a wide selection of urns for various needs and budgets on the Eirene Urn Store. Shipping is available across the U.S. and Canada.

Who regulates cremation services in Miami?

Cremation in Miami (and the rest of Florida) is regulated by the Division and the Board of the Funeral, Cemetery, and Consumer Services at the Florida Department of Financial Services.

The Division’s roles are described in Chapter 497  of the Florida Statutes. Chapter 69K of the Florida Administrative Code provides information about the death care industry. (Learn more).

Can I witness a cremation in Miami?

Witnessing involves viewing a deceased loved one before cremation and/or watching the start of the cremation process. Many providers across the state offer this service, including Eirene Cremations.

Is financial assistance available for end-of-life arrangements in Miami?

Many Miami residents are eligible for federal and state financial funeral assistance programs. Examples are listed below.

Miami/Florida assistance programs:

For more financial assistance programs for a funeral both at the state and federal level, see Eirene’s related article: How to get help with funeral costs in Florida.

What can I do with cremated remains?

Cremated remains are typically kept, buried, scattered, or interred in the ground or a columbarium. However, many unique activities can be done with ashes. This includes:

Related information

Here is some related information about cremation and final arrangements in Florida.

Articles about cremation cost in Florida

Articles that answer questions about cremation in Florida

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