ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — The Garden of Remembrance near state routes 50 and 417 in Orange County is the final resting place for hundreds of people whose remains went unclaimed.
"You have to have a way to take care of any unclaimed remains that are within your county," said Dianne Arnold, of Orange County Family Services.
In fiscal year 2014, the county cremated or buried 425 people, the most ever. Arnold said the economy plays a role, along with growth.
"More people are coming back into Florida, so any time the population goes up, other things go up along with it," said Arnold.
State law requires the county to provide the service. Unclaimed can mean that a family hasn't claimed a body or that a family can't afford the costs.
"It's not much when somebody's in that kind of grief but it's something to be able to say we're going to take care of it and we're going to take this burden off of you," said Arnold.
The most recent numbers from 2012 show the average cost of a funeral is about $7,000. The county cremates most bodies because it's cheaper, officials said.
Last year, Orange County taxpayers paid about $185,000 for the services. Families who need help are required to show proof to prevent abuse.
While there are a few John Does, Arnold said the county generally has a harder time locating the family than identifying the body.
Either way, the quiet field makes sure everyone can rest in peace.