Burial and Cremation Costs in Pasco County
If you’re in Pasco County and comparing burial and cremation costs, this guide explains the typical prices, what’s included (and not), and where to get help.
We focus on New Port Richey, Zephyrhills, Dade City, Wesley Chapel, Land O’ Lakes, Hudson, and Trinity, as well as the surrounding areas in Pasco.
I intend to answer most of your questions in this article, but if I miss something, please email me at support@myphss.com, and I will answer your question.
🪦 Quick answer: what people pay here
Direct cremation (no ceremony): commonly $895–$1,400 in Pasco/Tampa Bay, plus small county fees and death certificates. Many local providers advertise $995–$1495 base pricing.
Cremation with a memorial/service: often $3,000–$5,700 in Florida, depending on venue, staff, and extras.
Traditional funeral with burial: the national median for the funeral home portion is $8,300 (not including vault, cemetery plot, or opening/closing). With a typical vault, the median reaches $9,995 before cemetery charges. Cemetery plot and opening/closing in our area can add several thousand dollars.
Death certificates in Pasco cost $10 each (first copy) from DOH-Pasco. Most families order 5–8 copies.
💰 What each option includes (in plain language)
1) Direct cremation (the simplest, lowest cost)
Includes transport, refrigeration, permits, and the cremation itself. No embalming or ceremony. You receive the ashes in a basic container; an urn is optional. Local examples list $895–$1,495 in New Port Richey. Expect small add-ons like the medical examiner authorization fee (see below) and death certificates.
About medical examiner (ME) approval: Florida requires ME authorization before any cremation. In Tampa Bay counties, this approval has a small fee (often $30–$60) paid by the funeral home and passed through to you; exact amount varies by county. Pinellas publicly posts a fee framework; Pasco references fee schedules by resolution. Ask the provider to confirm the current ME fee on your quote.
2) Cremation with a memorial or viewing
Adds staff time, facility or chapel use, and printed materials. One local price sheet shows a viewing/service add-on of $2,595 on top of the simple cremation, while Florida averages for a full memorial service run higher. Costs depend on venue and timing.
3) Traditional funeral with burial
Usually includes basic services, transport, embalming (if viewing), use of facilities, hearse, printed package, and a casket. National medians: $8,300 for the funeral home portion; add $1,695 for a burial vault where required by the cemetery (Florida law does not require vaults, but many cemeteries do). Cemetery charges (plot, opening/closing, marker) are separate.
Cemetery costs (Pasco examples): public listings around New Port Richey/Trinity show plot asking prices from $1,500–$3,900+ and opening/closing often $1,400–$1,800. Prices vary by section and seller.
✅ What drives the price (itemized basics)
Basic service fee & overhead (non-declinable)
Transport (“first call”) & refrigeration
Embalming (only if you choose viewing)
Use of facilities/staff for viewing or service
Casket or alternative container; urn if cremation
Vault/liner (often required by cemeteries, not by Florida law)
Cemetery: plot, opening/closing, marker/engraving
Crematory fee (usually bundled in direct cremation quotes)
ME authorization fee (small, varies by county)
Permits & Death Certificates (Pasco: $10 per certified copy)
🧾Financial help if money is tight
Pasco County Indigent Cremation & Burial Program – County-funded cremation help for eligible low-income residents.
Social Security – One-time $255 lump-sum death payment to a qualifying spouse or child (apply within 2 years).
VA burial benefits (for Veterans & some family members) – For non-service-connected deaths on/after Oct. 1, 2024, VA can reimburse up to $978 for burial and $978 for a plot (if not in a national cemetery). Burial in a VA national cemetery (e.g., Florida National Cemetery—Bushnell or Bay Pines) covers gravesite, grave liner, opening/closing, and marker at no cost to the family.
Whole-body donation (no-cost cremation) – Some accredited programs cover direct cremation after research (eligibility required).
📍 Straight talk on vaults, caskets & rules
Florida does not require a burial vault; many cemeteries require one in their rules. You’re not required to buy the vault from the cemetery—compare prices.
No law requires a casket for burial or cremation; an alternative container (e.g., cardboard) can be used for cremation.
A simple way to plan ahead (and protect family budgets)
For many of our Pasco clients, a small final expense insurance policy (often $5,000–$25,000 in coverage) is an affordable way to set aside funds for cremation or burial and spare family members from financial stress. When planning, it is important to plan on prices being more tomorrow as we see with everything. We can help you estimate a right-sized amount for your wishes—no pressure.
Get a personalized quote (free & fast)
Tell us your preferences (simple cremation, graveside service, or full funeral), and we’ll build a coverage plan with only the items you want.
I intended to answer most of your questions in this article, but if I missed something, please email me at support@myphss.com, and I will answer your question.
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Disclaimer
Prices shown are typical ranges from local and national sources as of 2025. Your actual cost will vary by provider, location, timing, and selections. Always request an itemized General Price List and a written estimate.
