Cemetery charges are separate from funeral home charges and are often a large share of the cost of a burial. Cemeteries set their own prices and rules.
Common cemetery charges
| Charge | What it is |
|---|---|
| Burial space (plot) | The right to be buried in a specific grave. Prices vary widely by cemetery and location within it. |
| Opening and closing | Digging and closing the grave, or opening a crypt or niche. Often charged at the time of burial, even if the space was bought years ago. |
| Outer burial container | A vault or grave liner. Not required by Florida law, but many cemeteries require one to keep the ground level. |
| Mausoleum crypt | Above-ground entombment; usually costs more than a ground plot. |
| Columbarium niche | A space for an urn. |
| Marker or headstone, and setting fee | Cemeteries often set size and material rules and may charge to install. |
| Endowment or perpetual care | A fee for long-term maintenance, sometimes included in the plot price. |
Our funeral cost calculator uses a general range of about $2,500 to $7,500 for a plot plus opening and closing, and more for a mausoleum. Actual prices vary widely.
Questions to ask a cemetery
- What is included in the plot price, and is perpetual care included?
- What are the opening and closing fees on weekdays, weekends and holidays?
- Do you require an outer burial container? What types are accepted?
- What are the marker rules (flat or upright, size, material)? Is there a setting fee?
- Can cremated remains be buried in an existing family plot?
Already own a plot?
Find the deed or certificate of ownership. You will still usually pay opening and closing fees. If the family owns plots in another state, the funeral home can coordinate transportation.
Veterans
Eligible veterans, and in many cases their spouses and dependents, may be buried in a VA national cemetery with the gravesite, opening and closing, vault or liner, and government headstone or marker provided at no cost. See Florida veterans cemeteries.
Prices mentioned on this page are general ranges for planning purposes, not quotes. Actual costs depend on the provider and the goods and services you choose. Funeral homes must give you an itemized General Price List on request. Editorial policy.