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Funerals and Final Arrangements

Helpful resources for you and your family when finalizing plans.

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Final arrangement planning

The funeral planning process can be overwhelming. Making a decision at this time may be difficult for your family. It might be beneficial to take a friend or family member with you when deciding on services. Cost can also be a factor. Prices vary at funeral homes and crematories. Some funeral homes are willing to make payment arrangements.

Things to consider while planning should include:

  • The wishes of your loved one with regard to cremation vs. burial
  • Religious and ethnic beliefs
  • Viewing services, memorials, burial and cremation are all individual services
    and can often be purchased as a package or separately

Our social work staff and chaplains are available to offer you support during this difficult time. To request their support, please call (352) 265-0224.

Final arrangement planning resources

Community resources

  • Alachua County Social Services: If your loved one is indigent, and dies in Alachua County, information on indigent cremation is available through Alachua County Social Services. Their contact number is (352) 264-6750.
  • U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: Information, resources and options for veterans on final arrangements and memorial planning can be found on the VA website.
  • Final Friends: An independent group of community volunteers who provide free education, guidance and support for a “home funeral” to any individual or family who wants to care for their own deceased loved ones prior to burial or cremation.

Local funeral homes

Local crematoriums

Conservation "green" burial

Natural (or “green”) burial is a safe and legal burial practice that uses biodegradable containers and avoids embalming fluids and vaults. Conservation burial goes a step further to commit burial fees to pay for land acquisition, protection, restoration and management.

Donating your body

  • Anatomical Board of the State of Florida
    The Anatomical Board provides donated bodies for the training of physicians, dentists, physician assistants, and other health workers. The board has offices at the UF College of Medicine, the University of Miami School of Medicine and UCF College of Medicine.
  • MedCure
    MedCure is the leading non-transplant tissue bank devoted to compassionate, ethical services that connect whole-body donors to medical research and education while providing innovation and opportunity for scientific medical advancements.
  • Science Care
    Science Care is a program that gives you the opportunity to donate your body to science and research. The Science Care whole body donor program links those who wish to leave a lasting legacy through medical research with the researchers and educators that need human tissue to do their important work.