Six-Step Guide to Preplanning a Funeral or Cremation in Florida

Preplanning your funeral or cremation is one of the most thoughtful and protective steps you can take for your family. It ensures your wishes are honored, locks in today’s prices, and removes the burden of urgent decision‑making during a time of grief.

This guide walks you through the process in six clear steps, so you can move from uncertainty to a complete, documented plan.

Step 1: Decide on Disposition

Your first choice is whether you want cremation or burial.

• Cremation — Lower cost, flexible memorial options, and portability of remains.
• Burial — Traditional, may align with religious or family customs, and offers a physical place for visitation.

If you’re unsure, start by reading our Cremation vs. Burial: Costs, Traditions, and Environmental Impact article. It compares costs in Florida, outlines cultural considerations, and explains environmental impacts.

Step 2: Choose a Provider

Not all funeral or cremation providers are the same. In Florida, you have the right to:

• Request an itemized price list before making any decisions (required by the FTC Funeral Rule)
• Compare multiple providers for transparency, reputation, and service options

Ask for contracts in plain language

• Look for: Clear, written pricing with no hidden fees
• No‑pressure consultations
• Positive reviews and a history of ethical practices

Step 3: Select Services & Merchandise

Think about:

• Ceremony type — religious, secular, military honors, or a celebration of life
• Location — funeral home, place of worship, outdoors, or private property (where permitted)
• Merchandise — urn or casket, flowers, printed programs, memorial videos

This is your opportunity to personalize your arrangements so they reflect your life and values.

Step 4: Fund Safely

Funding is where many families make costly mistakes. In Florida, prepaid arrangements are typically funded in one of two ways:

1. Funeral Trust — Funds are held by the provider in a trust account
2. Life‑Insurance Escrow — Funds are held by a licensed life insurance company until services are provided

We strongly recommend life‑insurance escrow for safety, portability, and oversight.

Why this matters:

The Neptune Society, National Cremation Society, and Trident Society — all owned by Service Corporation International (SCI), which operates under the Dignity Memorial brand — have faced major legal actions in Florida and California over alleged under‑trusting of prepaid funds and misrepresentation of refund rights.

• Florida: $209 million settlement for up to 87,000 consumers
• California: $23 million settlement with state and local prosecutors

These cases show how provider‑controlled trusts can be vulnerable. With life‑insurance escrow, 100% of your funds are deposited with the insurer from day one, the funeral home cannot access them early, and the insurer acts as an independent gatekeeper — releasing payment only after services are delivered. Your plan is portable nationwide and protected by the Florida Life & Health Insurance Guaranty Association.

Step 5: Put It in Writing

Document your choices in a formal preplan agreement. Keep copies with:

• Your provider
• Your family

Your estate planning documents
Make sure the contract clearly states:

• What is included
• How funds are held
• Refund and cancellation terms
• Portability provisions

Step 6: Communicate Your Plan

Have an open conversation with loved ones so there are no surprises. Share:

• The location of your documents
• The name of your provider
• Any personal touches you’ve chosen for your service

This conversation can be emotional, but it’s far better than leaving your family to guess.

✅ The Bottom Line

Preplanning is a gift of clarity and protection. By following these six steps — and especially by choosing a safe funding method — you ensure your family can focus on honoring your life, not worrying about logistics or costs.

Related Resources:

Why Preplanning Your Cremation Is the Greatest Gift You Can Give Your Family

Why You Should Avoid Funeral Trusts in Florida — and Use Life Insurance Escrow Instead

Red Flags When Shopping for a Prepaid Funeral Plan