I'm digging footings for a block addition in Clay County, Florida next week.

Call 811 (Sunshine 811) at least two full business days before you dig. Florida Statute §556.105 requires any person excavating to notify the one-call center no later than two full business days (excluding weekends/holidays) prior to starting. The locate ticket is valid for 15 calendar days; if work extends beyond that, you must place a new request.

Practical steps for your block addition:

1. Mark your proposed footing lines with white paint/flags before calling—this defines the “excavation area” utilities must locate.
2. Call 811 or enter online at sunshine811.com—provide address, cross streets, type of work (“footing excavation for block addition”), and the exact dig date.
3. Wait for the “all clear” (positive response codes from all member utilities) before breaking ground. Do not assume “no marks = no lines.”
4. Hand-dig within 24 in. of any marked facility (F.S. §556.105(9)); mechanical equipment is prohibited in that tolerance zone.
5. Preserve marks until footings are poured; refresh if they fade.

Clay County note: The county follows state law—no additional local waiting period. If you hit an unmarked line, stop immediately and call 811 for an emergency locate.

Bottom line: No locate ticket = no legal dig. Violations carry fines up to $5,000 per occurrence plus repair liability.

In Clay County, Florida, and statewide under Florida Statute §556.101–105 (the “Call Before You Dig” law), you must contact Sunshine 811 at least two full business days (not including weekends or holidays) before beginning any excavation—including digging footings for a block addition.

Action required:

• Call 811 or submit a request online at www.sunshine811.com at least 48 hours prior to digging.
• Provide your exact dig location (address, GPS, or description), type of work, and planned depth.
• Sunshine 811 will notify all member utilities (electric, gas, water, sewer, telecom, etc.) to mark their underground lines with paint or flags.
• Do not dig until all utilities have responded and marked their lines—or confirmed “no conflict.”
• Maintain a 24-inch tolerance zone on either side of marked lines; hand-dig only within this zone if excavation is necessary near utilities.

Important notes for Clay County:

• Clay County Utilities (CCU) and other local providers are Sunshine 811 members—so they’ll be notified automatically.
• If you hit an unmarked line, you’re liable for damages and repair costs—even if you called 811.
• For private lines (e.g., sprinkler, septic, landscape lighting) not owned by utilities, you’re responsible for locating them yourself—811 does not cover these.

Failure to comply can result in fines up to $5,000 per violation and potential criminal liability if injury or service disruption occurs.

Bottom line: Call 811 before you break ground. It’s free, fast, and the law. Never assume lines are shallow or absent—especially in Florida’s sandy, shifting soils where utilities can be deeper or shallower than expected.

Source: Florida Statutes §556.101–105; Sunshine 811 Guidelines (2024)