Choosing a funeral home often happens within hours of a death, when families have little time or energy to compare. A few focused steps can still help you find a provider you trust at a price you understand.
If time is short
If a death has just occurred, it is fine to choose a funeral home quickly so your loved one can be brought into its care. You can review prices and make detailed decisions at the arrangement meeting. Moving your loved one to a different funeral home later is possible, but it usually adds cost.
What to look for
- A valid Florida license. Funeral establishments and funeral directors are licensed by the Florida Department of Financial Services. You can look up a license online.
- Clear, itemized prices. Every funeral home must give you a General Price List. See your rights when planning a funeral.
- The services you want. For example, an on-site chapel, cremation, a specific religious or cultural tradition, livestreaming, or experience arranging military honors.
- Location and facilities. Parking, accessibility and seating capacity matter for visitations.
- How staff treat you. You should feel listened to, not rushed or pressured.
Questions to ask
- Can you send me your General Price List?
- What does your package include, and what would the itemized total be for the same items?
- What is your least expensive option for the type of service we want?
- Do you own the crematory, or use a third party? (For cremation.)
- Can we bring our own casket or urn?
- What are the cash advance items, and are they estimates?
- Who will be our main contact, and how can we reach them after hours?
Comparing prices
Call two or three funeral homes and ask for prices by phone; they are required to provide them. Enter the figures in our price comparison worksheet, and use the funeral cost calculator to check whether quotes look reasonable.
When comparison shopping feels like too much
Grief makes every task harder. It is reasonable to ask a trusted friend or relative to make the calls, or to rely on a funeral home your family has used before. Planning ahead, when there is no time pressure, is the best way to compare calmly. See funeral planning.
Local options
Browse the Orlando funeral home directory. Postell’s Mortuary is this website’s featured sponsored provider; other listings are for information only.