Did you know…?
You have the right to shop for comparison over the phone.
By law, funeral directors must give you specific answers to specific questions regarding the types of services available, especially when it pertains to pricing. If you inquire in-person at a funeral home about arrangements, the funeral director must provide you with a pre-printed “General Price List” before discussing any further. Designed for retention, this list will contain a complete itemization of all services offered, corresponding prices and their effective date. This requirement is strictly regulated by the Federal Trade Commissions (FTC). Failure to comply exposes the funeral establishment to a fine of $10,000 per incident.
Common Family Questions
Q: What is the purpose of embalming?
A: The purpose of embalming is to create a natural, life-like appearance of the deceased to help start the grieving process. It also gives family and friends the opportunity to say goodbye to their loved one.
Q: Is embalming required?
A: No. Except in certain special cases, embalming is not required by law. Embalming may be necessary, however, if you select certain funeral arrangements i.e. service with a viewing, or if the deceased will be transported over long-distances. Any arrangement in which the deceased will be outside of refrigeration for an extended period of time presents a health risk to the public – embalming serves to negate that risk. If you do not want embalming, you usually have the right to choose an arrangement that does not require you to pay for it, such as direct cremation, or immediate burial.
Q: Can you select embalming if they’re going to be cremated?
A: Yes. Florida law requires a deceased to be buried, refrigerated, or embalmed within 24 hours after death. We generally use refrigeration for cremation, however, for those requesting a public visitation or service with the body present prior to cremation, embalming is required for the health and safety of the general public.
Q: Will embalming preserve the remains indefinitely?
A: Funeral providers are strictly prohibited from making any claims that a product or service will indefinitely preserve the remains.
Q: Is a casket required?
A: A casket is not required for a direct cremation. In this situation, an inexpensive alternative container will be used. The alternative container is made of a readily combustible material and is used to encase the body for safe transport.
Q: Can I purchase my casket somewhere else?
A: Yes. We started out as a casket store and have continued to maintain prices that help families by presenting them with affordable options.
Because casket stores have had such a dramatic impact on the funeral industry, funeral homes are doing everything possible to discredit casket retailers in an attempt to eliminate options for consumers. However, the funeral industry is regulated to combat this. Therefore, funeral homes cannot directly eliminate the consumer’s rights to compare prices or purchase caskets elsewhere.
Though we are also a full-service funeral home, we’ll deliver anywhere in Florida and supply the same caskets that you’d get at another funeral home at a much lower cost. We understand the financial difficulties families face when shopping for funeral services which is why our prices are generally 40-60% less than other funeral homes.
Q: Corporate funeral home vs independently owned – what’s the difference?
A: Corporate owned funeral homes are governed by a board of directors who value commission-based profit. With their focus on financial gain, they’re not as sympathetic with families. Most corporate chains will even mislead customers by disguising ownership. After purchasing the property, they continue to use the local business’ name to create the illusion of a family-owned establishment. In truth, they don’t understand the passion and commitment it takes to serve a grieving family.
Unfortunately, many funeral homes are owned by large publicly traded corporations. To that effect, market research confirms that majority of these funeral homes tend to be significantly more expensive. The reality is many of the funeral directors at these locations are trained to up-sell a family merchandise because they receive a commission. As an independently owned funeral home, we prioritize family and community above profits.
As a consumer, you’re encouraged to ask the funeral director if their funeral home is independently owned and operated or part of a chain.
Q: Can I move my loved one to a different funeral home?
A: Yes. There are multiple reasons as to why a family would seek relocation. Whether the nursing staff contacted the wrong funeral home, the selected funeral home’s prices are too high, or you’d simply prefer making arrangements with someone else, you shouldn’t feel obligated to stay at the original location.
A funeral home can’t stop you or hold the body for ransom – it’s against the law, the same as kidnapping. However, it’s important to note that you may be liable to pay for the services of the initial removal and for embalming if you authorized it. They may try, but it’s your money. If you sign a contract, you have 72 hours to cancel it; after all, you were under duress.
Q: What does Central Florida Casket Store & Funeral Chapel do differently?
A: Central Florida Casket Store & Funeral Chapel is part of a growing trend across America to make more financially informed decisions about funeral arrangements. We offer consumers the opportunity to make an important decision-making process as easy as possible by offering a selection of beautifully crafted caskets, monuments, markers, urns and flowers for every need and financial situation.
Remember: “Pay your respects, not your life savings.”