Direct Cremation Services | Affordable & Dignified Care for Families in Manatee & Sarasota Counties

Direct cremation is the simplest, most affordable way to care for a loved one after death. There is no formal funeral service, no embalming, and no viewing — your loved one is transported directly into our care, cremated, and the cremated remains are returned to your family. It is a straightforward, respectful choice that gives families the freedom to hold a private gathering, memorial service, or celebration of life on their own terms and timeline.

At AM Cremation & Funeral Care, we are a family-owned, licensed funeral home with our own crematory located in Palmetto, Florida. Your loved one stays in our care from the moment of removal through the completion of cremation — never transported to an outside facility. We serve families throughout Manatee, Sarasota, DeSoto, Pinellas, Hillsborough, and Charlotte Counties, including Bradenton, Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Palmetto, Venice, Port Charlotte, and surrounding communities.

We offer three direct cremation packages to meet the needs of different families. If none of them is exactly right, we can build a custom package starting from any option below.

If a death has occurred and you need immediate assistance, please call (941) 212-1093 ext. 1.

Our Direct Cremation Packages

Our Simple Cremation Package is our most affordable option — no unnecessary extras, no hidden fees. It includes everything your family needs to complete the cremation process with care and dignity at a straightforward price.

This package includes:

• Refrigeration and shelter of your loved one at our facility

• Arrangement conference — at our office, by phone, or online

• All required documents prepared and filed

• 1 certified copy of the Death Certificate

• Social Security Administration notified

• Cremation fee (up to 350 lbs.) and alternative container

• Cremation performed by one of our certified crematory operators at our own facility

• Basic polymer urn for cremated remains

• Obituary posted on our website at no charge

Pricing notes: This package assumes prompt payment by personal check, cash, or credit/debit card, due on the day arrangements are made and prior to cremation. If payment is not made as agreed, the prompt pay discount is void and pricing reverts to our standard Direct Cremation price of $1,345. The discounted removal fee of $250 is additional, within a 50-mile radius with up to 2 technicians. Outside the service area or additional technicians will incur additional fees. An atypical weight surcharge may apply for decedents over 350 lbs.

Cremation is generally completed within 10–12 business days and is dependent on receipt of all required authorizations, approvals, payment in full, and the current crematory operating schedule.

Please note: Obituary placement assistance with newspapers is not included in this package. Additional charges will apply for composition and newspaper publication fees.

When timing is a priority, our Expedited Simple Cremation Package prioritizes every step that is within our control. We expedite all arrangements, paperwork, and the cremation process itself so your family receives the cremated remains as quickly as possible. This package includes everything in the Simple Cremation Package with the addition of full expedited handling.

This package includes:

• Refrigeration and shelter of your loved one at our facility

• Arrangement conference — at our office, by phone, or online

• All required documents prepared and filed — expedited

• 1 certified copy of the Death Certificate

• Social Security Administration notified

• Cremation fee (up to 350 lbs.) and alternative container

• Cremation performed by one of our certified crematory operators at our own facility

• Basic polymer urn for cremated remains

• Obituary posted on our website at no charge

• Expedition of all arrangements and paperwork under our control

• Expedition of the cremation process — cremation completed within 24 hours of receipt of all required authorizations, approvals, and payment, regardless of the current crematory operating schedule

Important: Expedited handling applies to all steps that are within our control. The speed at which the attending physician completes their portion of the death certificate is outside our control and may affect overall timeline.

Pricing notes: This package assumes prompt payment by personal check, cash, or credit/debit card, due on the day arrangements are made and prior to cremation. If payment is not made as agreed, the prompt pay discount is void and pricing reverts to our standard Direct Cremation price of $1,345 plus a $300 Rush Fee. The discounted removal fee of $250 is additional, within a 50-mile radius with up to 2 technicians. Outside the service area or additional technicians will incur additional fees. An atypical weight surcharge may apply for decedents over 350 lbs.

Please note: Obituary placement assistance with newspapers is not included in this package. Additional charges will apply for composition and newspaper publication fees.

Our Premium Cremation Package builds on the Simple Cremation Package with added services that take more off your family's plate — more death certificates, obituary assistance, a premium urn, and local delivery of the cremated remains and death certificates included. It is the right choice for families who want a more complete level of care without the cost of a full funeral service.

This package includes:

• Refrigeration and shelter of your loved one at our facility

• Arrangement conference — at our office, by phone, or online

• All required documents prepared and filed

• 6 certified copies of the Death Certificate

• Social Security Administration notified

• Cremation fee (up to 350 lbs.) and alternative container

• Cremation performed by one of our certified crematory operators at our own facility

• Assistance with composition and submission of obituaries to your newspaper and/or our website (newspaper publication fees are the responsibility of the family)

• A premium urn — choice of wooden laminate, brushed bronze snap-lock, or premium brass or alloy urn — up to $195 value, or a $195 credit toward a higher-value urn

• Delivery of cremated remains and death certificates within a 50-mile radius

Pricing notes: This package assumes prompt payment by personal check, cash, or credit/debit card, due on the day arrangements are made and prior to cremation. The discounted removal fee of $250 is additional, within a 50-mile radius with up to 2 technicians. Outside the service area or additional technicians will incur additional fees. An atypical weight surcharge may apply for decedents over 350 lbs.

Cremation is generally completed within 10–12 business days and is dependent on receipt of all required authorizations, approvals, payment in full, and the current crematory operating schedule.

Which Package Is Right for Your Family?

Every family's situation is different. Here is a quick guide to help you choose:

Choose Simple Cremation if you want the essentials handled with care at the lowest possible price, and you are comfortable managing obituary placement and pickup of cremated remains yourself.

Choose Expedited Simple Cremation if timing is a priority — whether due to out-of-town family, personal circumstances, or a preference to complete the process as quickly as possible.

Choose Premium Cremation if you want additional death certificates ready to go, obituary assistance, a quality urn included, and local delivery taken care of without having to add those items individually.

Not sure which fits your situation? Call us and one of our staff members will walk you through the options without any pressure.

What Is Direct Cremation?

Direct cremation means your loved one is cremated without a formal funeral service or viewing beforehand. It is a legal, dignified, and increasingly common choice — and it does not limit your family's ability to gather and remember. Many families who choose direct cremation hold a private memorial, celebration of life, or graveside service after the cremated remains are returned to them, on a date and in a setting of their choosing.

Because there is no embalming, formal viewing, or funeral service facility involved, direct cremation is significantly more affordable than a traditional funeral. It also gives families more flexibility — the cremated remains can be kept at home, scattered, buried, or divided among family members according to your wishes and Florida law.

For a full overview of your options after cremation, see our guide: What to Do With Ashes After Cremation: 10 Meaningful Options →

Why Choose AM Cremation & Funeral Care?

We own our own crematory. Your loved one never leaves our care to go to an outside facility. Cremation is performed at our licensed crematory at 2000 14th Avenue East, Unit 104, Palmetto, FL.

No hidden fees. The price we quote is the price you pay. We offer a No-Hidden-Fee Guarantee on all packages.

Family-owned and operated. We are not affiliated with any large funeral corporation. Every family we serve receives personal, attentive care from our staff.

Arrangements on your terms. You can make arrangements in person at our office, by phone, or completely online from the comfort of your home.

Serving the entire region. We serve Manatee, Sarasota, DeSoto, Pinellas, Hillsborough, and Charlotte Counties — including Bradenton, Sarasota, Palmetto, Lakewood Ranch, Venice, Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda, St. Petersburg, Tampa, and surrounding communities.

Medical Examiner Fees

Florida law requires Medical Examiner review and approval before any cremation can occur. This fee is not included in package pricing and varies by county:

• Manatee County: $35

• Sarasota County: $35

• Pinellas County: $40

• Charlotte County: $0

• Hillsborough County: $50

• DeSoto County: $35

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add services to any of these packages? Yes. Any package can be customized by adding individual services or merchandise from our General Price List — including additional death certificates, witness cremation, keepsake jewelry, urns, and more. Call us to discuss your specific needs.

Can I witness the cremation? Yes. Witness cremation is available for an additional fee of $300. Your loved one's cremation is performed at our own facility, so this can be arranged directly with our staff.

Where is the cremation performed? All cremations are performed at our crematory located at 2000 14th Avenue East, Unit 104, Palmetto, FL. Your loved one stays in our care throughout the entire process.

How long does the process take? For the Simple and Premium packages, cremation is generally completed within 10–12 business days from when we receive all required authorizations, approvals, and payment. For the Expedited package, cremation is completed within 24 hours of receiving all authorizations, approvals, and payment.

Is a casket required for direct cremation? No. All of our direct cremation packages include an alternative container — a fiberboard container — which meets all state and crematory requirements. Families may also choose to purchase a cremation casket if they prefer.

Questions? We're Here to Help.

Our staff is available to answer any questions about our packages, pricing, or what to expect during the process. There is no pressure — just honest, straightforward information to help your family make the right decision.

Call (941) 212-1093 ext. 1 for immediate assistance. Toll free: 1-800-516-2188