Florida is one of the more fortunate states for pet owners facing this decision: both flame cremation and aquamation are legal and available here, so the choice comes down to what matters most to your family, cost, timing, or environmental impact, rather than what's simply allowed.
Here's what to expect from each option in Florida, with real, current pricing from actual providers.
Flame Cremation in Florida
Flame cremation is the more established and widely available option across the state, from the Panhandle down to the Keys. Most providers offer private cremation, where your pet is cremated alone and their ashes are returned to you, and communal cremation, where multiple pets are cremated together and ashes generally aren't returned.
As one real example, Orlando Pet Crematory prices private cremation by weight, starting at $95 for pets under 10 lbs and scaling up to $135 for pets in the 81–100 lb range, with a basic urn, fur clipping, ink paw print, and certificate included. A separate pickup fee typically applies. Worth noting: that specific price list was last published in 2022, so treat it as a starting reference and confirm current pricing directly before booking. Turnaround for standard cremation across Florida providers is generally a few days.
Aquamation in Florida
Aquamation, also called water cremation or alkaline hydrolysis, is newer to Florida but growing, with dedicated facilities now operating in South Florida and the Tampa Bay area. Rather than heat, the process uses a gentle water-and-alkali solution over roughly 20–24 hours to break down soft tissue, leaving the bones behind, which are then processed into a fine, ash-like powder. Because nothing is burned away, aquamation typically returns somewhat more remains than flame cremation.
As a real, current example, Monarch Pet Memorial Services in West Palm Beach — one of South Florida's dedicated aquamation facilities, prices individual aquamation by weight, from $275 for pets up to 19 lbs to $475 for pets in the 160–199 lb range. That price includes an engraved wooden urn, a clay paw impression, a fur clipping, and a cremation certificate. The full process, including memorial item creation, typically takes about two weeks.
Is Aquamation Legal in Florida?
Yes. Florida law defines cremation broadly enough to cover both flame-based and water-based methods, so aquamation falls under the same regulatory framework as traditional cremation rather than requiring separate approval. Florida is one of the more established states for aquamation nationally, for both pets and people.
How to Choose Between Them
If cost and speed matter most, flame cremation remains the more affordable and widely available option nearly anywhere in Florida. If environmental impact and a gentler process matter more to your family, aquamation is a real, legal option here — you may just need to check whether a facility serves your part of the state, since it's currently concentrated in specific metro areas rather than available everywhere yet.
Either way, pricing varies significantly by provider, pet size, and what's included, so a direct, current quote is always worth getting before you decide.
After the Process
However you choose to say goodbye, most families want the same thing afterward: somewhere meaningful to keep their pet's memory close.
If you're at that stage, explore our handcrafted pet urns, each one made with care and available with personalization.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is pet aquamation legal in Florida? Yes. Florida's legal definition of cremation covers both flame-based and water-based methods, so aquamation is regulated the same way as traditional cremation.
Is aquamation available everywhere in Florida? Not yet everywhere, though it's growing. Dedicated aquamation facilities currently operate in areas including South Florida and Tampa Bay, with flame cremation remaining more widely available statewide.
How much does pet cremation cost in Florida? It varies by provider and pet size. As one published example, Orlando Pet Crematory prices private cremation from $95 to $135 depending on weight, plus a separate pickup fee. Always confirm current pricing directly.
How much does pet aquamation cost in Florida? As one current example, Monarch Pet Memorial Services in West Palm Beach prices individual aquamation from $275 to $475 depending on pet weight, including an engraved urn and keepsakes.
How long does aquamation take compared to cremation? Flame cremation is typically completed within a few hours, with ashes returned within a few days. Aquamation takes longer, the process itself runs 20–24 hours, and with memorial item creation, the full turnaround is often around two weeks.