Florida 811 yard digging starts before the shovel

A fence post, mailbox, tree, deck footing, or sprinkler repair can feel like weekend work. In Florida, the underground line check should come first.

Sunshine 811 is the locate-ticket system for planned digging. Homeowners can create a ticket online or call 811. For a normal dry-land ticket, the request should be made at least two full business days before digging. Weekends and listed holidays do not count in that wait.

The ticket helps member utilities mark their lines. It does not mean every private line on the property will be marked. Pool lines, irrigation, gas to a grill, landscape lighting, and other private runs may need a separate private-line check.

Before digging, outline the work area, save the ticket number, wait for responses, and keep the marks visible. If the marks get washed away or the project area changes, stop and refresh the ticket path.

This is one of those Florida chores that feels small until it saves a much bigger problem.