Ponce de leon, FL Funeral Homes | Funeral Services

The world is changing. This is reflected in several areas of everyday life including the choice of funeral services. When it comes to Florida, funeral homes will tell you that alternative funerals are becoming more popular. Florida funeral services are including more than the traditional funeral these days. In fact, the current trend is to embrace everything from a simple modification of a traditional rite to a radical approach. From using recycled paper for programs, to direct cremation to aquamation to burial at sea, funeral homes in Florida and elsewhere are seeing it all.
Alternative Approaches
Arranging a funeral is never an easy thing to do. A variety of choices helps as does the ability for funeral directors to modify traditional services to suit the religious beliefs, culture and/or personal philosophy of the deceased. It is important that they recognize the need to help create decidedly individualized alternative funeral services. Florida funeral services now consist of the following alternatives:

• Cremation
• Direct cremation
• Green Burial - this includes natural and home burial
• Aquamation or resomation
• Burial at sea - includes both sprinkling the ashes and burying the deceased's body
• Life Celebrations - of various types and in various venues

Cremation and Direct Cremation in Florida Funeral Homes
Cremation is quickly altering the approach to funeral services. In Florida funeral homes, cremation has become increasingly popular. In fact, while nationally, the result of 42% of all deaths in 2012 was cremation, the rate in Florida and several other states was trending much higher. The figure will continue to increase unto at least 2025 when the figure will climb to 65%.
In Florida, the law states that a body cannot remains unattended for 48-hours, before cremation. This becomes particularly applicable when direct cremation is the chosen means for Florida funeral services. Direct cremation means the process occurs immediately without a service.
Environmentally Friendly Burials Increasing in Popularity
The �green' funeral is popular among environmentalists. They are inexpensive and vary according to preference and state law. Characteristics include lack of traditional casket and such things as a green cemetery or home burial. In some instances, the services of a funeral director are requested. In some cases, the individual will talk to a funeral director for advice. Sometimes, the individual will not include funeral homes or planners at all. It depends upon the individual, their philosophy, the wishes of the deceased and the specific type of Green Burial. While many states do not perform Green Burial services Florida funeral homes can legally do so.
Aquamation or Resomation
Not as popular as other green methods of disposing of the deceased, aquamation is, nevertheless, a viable alternative. It involves the use of a particular substance to break down the body of the deceased. This makes it easier to place the remains into an urn or other container for keeping or dispersion - perhaps at sea. It is legal in several states. Florida funeral homes are able to utilize this process.
Burial at Sea
Burial at sea is an alternative to traditional burial services. It is perfect for those who love water. It can be part of Florida funeral services. If this is your choice, be forewarned it is inexpensive only if you wish to scatter the ashes, but very costly if you wish to bury the deceased's body at sea.
You are also restricted by Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. EPA Regulations 21-5.3 states the burial can only occur at a minimum of three nautical miles from land and at least at a depth of 600 feet. The deceased's body must also be weighted enough to ensure it will sink to the bottom of the sea.
Celebrating a Life
Instead of a traditional funeral, many opt for a celebration of the individual's life. These "life celebrations" are a means of commemorating the life of the deceased. They tend to mix tears with laughter and sadness with gladness. This alternative to a traditional funeral service can take place anywhere - in a funeral home, on a beach, in a small venue or a large hall.
Florida funeral services can incorporate this personalized form of commemoration or memorial. They can include it as part of a mainstream funeral, a cremation or even a Green Burial. The cost of such a service may be inexpensive or pricey. It all depends upon the needs and wishes of the individual.
Florida Funeral Homes and Alternative Funeral Services
Florida funeral homes are listening to the wishes of the family. They understand that alternative funerals are a viable and even desirable option to many families. They provide families a chance to express how they feel and grieve. Alternative funerals also provide the family with the freedom to pay respect in their own way and style to the beloved departed. Florida funeral services providers understand this and know how to help your loved one take the final steps of this journey.