Cremation Specialists of Florida

Cremation is the process of using very high heat for final disposition of a deceased body. The body is placed in a chamber that heats up to around 1,500 degrees Fahrenheit (over 800 degrees Celsius). During the process, the body converts into smoke, cremated remains and steam. A strong magnet is used to collect any metallic remnants, and any large remaining bone fragments are pulverized into a fine powder before being placed into the temporary urn.

A single cremation typically takes between two-and-a-half to three hours. This includes the time to get the chamber up to temperature and bring it back down to temperature so the cremation chamber can be opened at the end of the process.

No, you cannot cremate more than one body at the same time. Not only is this practice illegal, at Cremation Specialists, we consider it unethical. We want to ensure you receive the cremated remains, and only the cremation remains, of your loved one.

Yes, however no objects can be placed in the cremation chamber that contain large metallic items, rubber items or glass items. Rubber is prohibited because it is harmful and potentially toxic. Glass is prohibited because it interferes with the collection of cremated remains and can melt in the high heat, enveloping cremated remains in cooled glass.

Your loved one is covered in a gown made from natural, non-toxic fibers. At very high temperatures, this gown disintegrates completely.

Metallic objects (except pacemakers) do not need to be removed prior to cremation. These include artificial hips, knees, ankle or elbow screws, metal fillings, crowns or dentures, etc. After cremation, both visual inspection and a strong magnet are used to collect any metallic items so they can be separated from the rest of the cremated remains. Any reclaimed metallic objects are properly recycled.

We will need to remove the pacemaker prior to cremation. When exposed to very high heat, certain parts of the pacemaker could explode and not only damage the cremation chamber, but also injure the personnel working.

The most common thing that people do with cremated remains is place them in an urn. For a more personal touch, a small portion of the cremated remains can also be separated from the bulk remains and placed in a small keepsake urn, or placed in pendant jewelry that can be worn around the neck. Cremated remains can also be converted into diamonds.

Some wish to scatter remains. It is always best to check your state and local regulations as there are regulations regarding scattering remains in public parks, scattering from airplanes, scattering in waterways, etc. Be sure to check if your religion has any views on this topic. For instance, the Catholic church discourages the scattering of remains.

These vary from state to state. It is important to work with an established, experienced and professional crematory because they will know and work within the proper state guidelines. Some states mandate that you cannot cremate a body within 48 hours of death.

At Cremation Specialists, we use a digital identification system. Every decedent that comes into our care receives an identification bracelet that stays with them through the entire cremation process. From the time the decedent comes into our care until the time they leave the cremation chamber, this ID bracelet has an identification number on it so the deceased can be tracked through the entire procedure.

Almost universally, it comes down to dignity. Instead of putting an exposed, naked body in the cremation chamber, some families feel it preserves a part of the deceased person's dignity to be covered. For those opting for no casket, reasons include not wanting mixed ashes and reducing environmental impact by not cremating excess materials.