Frequently Asked Questions

Cremation is a process which uses extreme heat to reduce the body to ashes and bone fragments. 

Human populations have used cremation to care for their dead for centuries, and today's technological advances have made cremation a cleaner, more environmentally-friendly alternative to traditional burial. 

Not to mention it's one-third or less, the cost of traditional burial. Cremation simplifies the choices a family would be required to make for a traditional funeral service at an already difficult time.

A direct cremation is the least expensive cremation service you can opt for.

The term "direct cremation' refers to where there is no embalming, ceremony, or services offered by the funeral home or crematory.

Individual charges that make up the final cremation cost can include: 

• Collection of deceased from place of death
• Basic services of funeral director and staff to file necessary paperwork and permits
• Temporary storage
• An alternative cremation container
• Transportation of the deceased to the crematory
• Fees that may be charged by the crematory for the cremation process.

Other additional expenses could be:

• Collection from a residential address as opposed to a hospital, morgue or nursing home.
• Barometric charges if the deceased is overweight.
• Selection of a cremation urn

No, you do not require a casket for cremation.

Most state laws stipulate that an 'alternative container' is required. This can be any rigid, combustible container.

Both have their pro's and con's. The decision that you choose will come down to what's right for you and your family.

Cremation

• One-third, or less, the cost of traditional burial. There is no requirement for a casket purchase, embalming, burial plot or other additional expenses.
• Environmentally friendly.
• Is portable. Cremains can be transported via an urn or other container which can be taken with you should you relocate.
• Provides more time for family's to decide what to do with the ashes after cremation. Ideas include scattering land or sea, interment, and cremation jewelry, are just a few.

Burial

• Usually acceptable option for a wide range of beliefs among family members.
• Provides a burial place for family to visit.
• A graveside funeral can be very comforting and emotionally satisfying for family and friends.
• Generally, burial costs more than a cremation.

Because cremation is irreversible, there are several safeguards in place to insure that a cremation is not performed prematurely.

The State of Florida requires a mandatory 48 hour waiting period from the time of death before cremation can be performed.

The Certifying Physician has 72 hours to complete, sign and return the medical certification to the funeral home.

The Medical Examiner then must review the medical certification. Once reviewed and signed off on, they will issue the cremation permit.

A certified death certificate is an official document which records the date and specific circumstances of a person's death.

Florida also has two formats for a Death Certificate:

• Long Form – Lists Cause of Death
• Short Form – Omits Cause of Death

Who will need a death certificate?

• Probating estates
• Insurance claims
• Social Security
• Veterans' benefits
• Retirement benefits
• Banks and other financial services companies

How many death certificates do I need?

• This will depend on your individual situation. It's a good idea to obtain at least two (2).
• Some organizations will not accept a photocopy: they will want an original document.

Sunshine Cremation staff will assist you in obtaining any requested certified copies of death certificates or you can order online via the Vital Check website.

Jewelry

• Incorporating the loved ones ashes in jewelry is comforting. It allows you to keep your loved one close to you even after their death.

Place in a Columbarium

• The remains can be placed in a columbarium niche, often located in a mausoleum within a cemetery.

Bury in a Cemetery

• You could choose earth burial in either a regular grave or in a special urn section is a cemetery.

Scatter

• You can either choose to scatter on land or scatter at sea.

Notify Social Security

• You may be eligible to receive Social Security death benefits.
• Contact SSN by calling 1-800-772-1213, www.socialsecurity.gov or visit your local Social Security office.

Credit Reporting Agencies

• Minimize the chance of identify theft by providing copies of the death certificate to the three major firms as soon as possible. Ask for the account to be flagged as:  "Deceased. Do Not Issue Credit."
• Equifax        1-888-548-7878
• Experian      1-888-397-3742
• TransUnion  1-800-916-8800

Terminate Insurance Policies

• Homeowner's
• Auto
• Health
• Life Insurance

Close The Following

• Bank Accounts - will need to bring original copy of death certificate
• Safety Deposit Boxes - will need to bring original copy of death certificate
• Investment Accounts - will need to bring original copy of death certificate
• Credit Card Accounts - change or reestablish join accounts
• Cell Phone - turn off
• Internet / Cable - turn off or change account information
• DMV - change title to cars or other vehicles. Do the same for watercraft with the appropriate agency.