Final Expense & Burial Insurance in Florida

In Florida, the average funeral costs about $6,500, and that price is rising. If you or your loved one passes away with no plans to pay for final expenses, family members may be left figuring out how to cover rising funeral costs.

Funeral insurance, also known as burial insurance or final expense life insurance, can help your family pay for any and all death care costs. Furthermore, planning for your burial expenses ahead of time will allow you to define how you would like to be remembered. In the event you leave behind debts like credit card balances, your loved ones can use the funds to pay those off as well.

Buying final expense insurance is similar no matter where you live, but Florida has a few unique rules. This guide will outline the steps you should take to secure burial insurance, including how Funeral Advantage can assist your loved ones after you’re gone.

Funeral & Burial Expectations in Florida

In regards to death certificates, embalming, and cremations, each state determines and enforces its own set of laws.

Death Certificates

In Florida, the funeral director, physician, or medical examiner must file a death certificate within five days of a deceased’s passing. This action must take place before a person can be buried or cremated.

Embalming and Refrigeration

Florida law does not require embalming, but a body must be refrigerated if the burial or cremation will not take place within 24 hours.

Cremation Services

Florida requires a 48-hour waiting period before cremation. The legal next of kin must also sign a cremation permit. State law does not require a casket for cremation, however, you must use a suitable, rigid container made of a material like plywood or reinforced cardboard.

You may retain or scatter cremation ashes, or you may scatter them on any land. Check with landowners and/or the Department of Environmental Protection if you intend to spread ashes on private property. You cannot spread ashes in any Florida fresh water, however. For burials at sea, you will need a permit from the United States Coast Guard or the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Learn more about how cremation works.

Average Funeral Costs in Florida

Funeral expenses in Florida average $6,500. These costs do not include a casket, cemetery plot, or grave marker. Depending on which products and types of services you choose, exact costs may be more or less.

 

Service Costs by Type

Service Type	Description	Price Range
Direct Cremation	No viewing or ceremony	$395 - $3,290
Immediate Burial	No viewing or ceremony	$1,370 - $4,535
Cremation Memorial	Includes facility fees, viewing, & service	$1,600 - $5,390
Full Service	Includes facility fees, embalming, viewing, hearse, & graveside service	$4,325 - $8,660

 

Consumers may buy funeral products locally or online to save money. Many funeral homes also offer rental caskets for use during viewings and services. These sample costs are from local funeral homes and retailers.

 

Funeral Product Costs

Product	Description	Price Range
Casket	Available in a variety of materials & finishes	$1,095 - $7,490
Casket Rental	May or may not include cost of alternative container for cremation or burial	$795 - $1,295
Alternative Containers	Used for cremation or eco-friendly burial	$150 - $7,490
Urn	For cremation remains	$95 - $2,595
Cemetery Plot	Single space for a casket or cremated remains	$200 - $12,000
Grave Marker	Available in a variety of styles & materials	$250 - $20,000

 

Jacksonville Funeral Costs

Service Type	Average Cost	Price Range
Direct Cremation	$1,650	$695 - $2,940
Immediate Burial	$2,320	$1,945 - $4,535
Cremation Memorial	$3,610	$1,910 - $5,115
Full Burial	$6,870	$4,880 - $8,660

 

Miami Funeral Costs

Service Type	Average Cost	Price Range
Direct Cremation	$1,295	$395 - $3,110
Immediate Burial	$2,140	$1,745 - $2,335
Cremation Memorial	$3,250	$1,680 - $4,780
Full Burial	$6,220	$4,380 - $8,125

 

Orlando Funeral Costs

Service Type	Average Cost	Price Range
Direct Cremation	$1,810	$795 - $3,290
Immediate Burial	$1,755	$1,615 - $3,090
Cremation Memorial	$3,315	$1,600 - $5,390
Full Burial	$6,945	$4,325 - $8,760

 

Tampa Funeral Costs

Service Type	Average Cost	Price Range
Direct Cremation	$1,640	$695 - $2,295
Immediate Burial	$2,550	$1,370 - $4,265
Cremation Memorial	$3,615	$1,690 - $4,710
Full Burial	$6,820	$4,375 - $8,255

Help with Funeral Costs in Florida

The loss of a loved one is hard enough without having to worry about paying for final expenses. With the right mix of planning and insurance, you can ensure your family will be ready to handle the cost and find the help they need to plan your memorial service. You can use our funeral planning checklist as a guide.

Life Insurance

Planning for your death is a necessary part of life. Everyone should have a last will and testament and a written statement of end-of-life wishes. When possible, you should also arrange a way to pay for the expenses that come after death through life insurance or final expense insurance.

• Term Life Insurance - Depending on factors like age, sex, and general health, term policies may cost less than other types of life insurance. However, term policies expire after a set time period. To extend coverage, you have to buy a new policy. As you age and your health changes, it may be more difficult to qualify. Policies will also cost more.
• Whole Life Insurance - A whole life policy stays active from the time you sign up until you pass away. You will usually pay a higher premium for this kind of policy, so purchasing early in life, while you are in good health, will get you the best rates. Rates typically do not rise, even if you become ill.
• Final Expense Insurance - Florida families who are concerned about covering final expenses should consider burial insurance. Like whole life insurance, funeral insurance remains in place until you die. Payments are based on factors like age, sex, and overall health. There is no medical exam, and most people qualify.

Funeral Advantage, a program offered by Lincoln Heritage, can be used anywhere in the United States to cover funeral costs and other end-of-life expenses. This policy pays cash to family members, which they can use at any facility for any style of service. A burial insurance policy from Funeral Advantage also includes a free membership to the Funeral Consumer Guardian Society®. This nonprofit, consumer advocate organization’s sole mission is to help its members save money. A dedicated representative will help the member’s family price shop services in their area.

Government Funeral Assistance

The federal government offers a one-time $255 Social Security death benefit, which is payable to the spouse or dependent children of the eligible deceased person. If the deceased was a veteran, additional benefits may be available (read more about funeral planning for veterans).

There are also some forms of assistance available at the state level when no other source of payment for funeral expenses is available. Victims of crime and natural disasters are eligible for assistance from the Division of Victim Services. The Florida Department of Health and Human Services will cover funeral costs for deceased residents whose income meets poverty guidelines.

Average Overall Costs/Rates for Final Expense Insurance in Florida

If you are between the ages of 50 and 80, you can expect to pay between about $15 and $160 per month for $5,000 to $10,000 in benefits. The exact cost will depend on your age, gender, health, and coverage amount.

Most of the time, premiums will be less for younger people and females. Most burial insurance policies don’t require an exam, but plans with no health questions usually cost more than those that verify health status. Naturally, your monthly costs will be more for plans with more benefits. The charts below show what you can expect to pay:

Monthly Premium Rates for Men*

Monthly Premium Rates for Women*

Leading Causes of Death in Florida

Florida’s leading causes of death differ slightly compared to those in the United States overall, with more accidents and cases of suicide than the national statistics. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics, the top 10 causes are:

1. Heart disease
2. Cancer
3. Accidents
4. Lower respiratory disease
5. Stroke
6. Alzheimer’s disease
7. Diabetes
8. Chronic liver disease/cirrhosis
9. Kidney disease
10. Suicide

No Exam in Florida

Most final expense insurance plans don’t require a medical exam. Insurers determine coverage using responses to a health survey. Coverage is available to almost anyone of any age. Read more about no exam life insurance.

Burial Insurance in Florida for People with Medical Conditions

Relaxed underwriting guidelines make it easier for people with disabilities, chronic illnesses, or long-term medical conditions to obtain final expense insurance compared to traditional life insurance. This is possible, in part, because the policy amount is smaller, usually between $5,000 and $25,000. Some policies may offer up to $50,000 in benefits.

Free Look Period

In Florida, if you are not satisfied with your policy for any reason, you have at least 14 days from the time the contract is delivered to cancel it and receive a refund on any premiums paid. Even after the free look period, you can cancel your policy at any time without penalty. If you cancel after your free look period, insurance companies do not have to refund payments.

How to Get Burial Insurance in Florida

Finding a provider you trust is the first step to getting burial insurance. Select a company with experience in the funeral insurance industry and a current insurance license. Most suppliers will provide a free, no-obligation quote.

When it comes to the policy itself, be on the lookout for two things: the coverage amount you need and payments you can afford. A good plan does not expire and provides a cash payout to a designee, not a funeral home. Some policies include added benefits, like family support and planning services, to ease the burden on your loved ones.

Contact Lincoln Heritage today for your free, no-obligation quote on burial insurance, and see why people all over the Sunshine State choose Funeral Advantage.