I'm trenching for irrigation mainline and a few landscape lighting runs on a residential lot in Clay County next week.

Call 811 (Sunshine 811) at least two full business days before you dig.

• Florida Statute 556.105 requires notice no later than 5 p.m. two business days prior to excavation (the day of the call doesn’t count).
• Weekend/holiday days don’t count toward the 48-hour window.
• You’ll receive a ticket number—keep it on site.

Mark your proposed dig area with white paint/flags before locators arrive (APWA color code).

Depth & tolerance:

• Hand-dig or vacuum-excavate within 24 inches of any marked utility (F.S. 556.107).
• Maintain 18-inch minimum separation between your new irrigation mainline and any electric/gas/communication line (Clay County typical spec; verify with local inspector).

Landscape lighting:

• Low-voltage (<30 V) lighting cable is not a “utility” for locate purposes, but do not assume—treat unknown lines as live.
• If you’ll cross an existing electrical service, call for a locate anyway.

Exemptions:

• “Routine maintenance” (e.g., replacing a sprinkler head) doesn’t require a new ticket, but any new trench does.

Penalties:

• Failure to notify: up to $5,000 per violation (F.S. 556.115) plus repair costs.

Bottom line: Call 811 (or use the Sunshine 811 app/portal) by Tuesday 5 p.m. for a Thursday start. Document the ticket, photograph marks, and hand-dig near flags.

In Clay County, Florida (and statewide), you must call 811 or submit a ticket online at Sunshine811.com at least two full business days before digging for any excavation, including trenching for irrigation mainline or landscape lighting.

This is required under Florida Statute § 556.105 (Underground Facility Damage Prevention and Safety Act). Failure to call can result in fines, liability for damages, and serious safety risks (e.g., hitting gas, electric, or communication lines).

Key rules:

• Notice period: Minimum 2 business days (not counting weekends or holidays). Maximum 14 days.
• Ticket duration: Valid for 20 calendar days from the start date/time on the ticket.
• White lining: While not always required for small residential jobs, it’s recommended to mark your dig route with white paint or flags to help locators.
• Depth: Irrigation and lighting lines are typically shallow (12–18"), but you still must locate—utilities can be at any depth.
• Hand digging: Within 24 inches of a marked utility, you must use hand tools or vacuum excavation to avoid damage.

Do not rely on property maps, past work, or assumptions. Even if you think you know what’s underground, call 811 every time.

If you hit an unmarked line due to failure to notify, you’re liable. If you call 811 and a utility is mismarked, the locator may share liability.

Bottom line: Call 811 or use Sunshine811.com before you trench. It’s free, fast, and the law. For urgent same-day needs, emergency tickets are available but only for true emergencies (e.g., water main break). Routine irrigation/lighting work does not qualify.

Stay safe—call before you dig.