811 One Call Locating Services, What It Covers (and What It Doesn't)
Calling 811 before you dig is a legal requirement in Florida. Sunshine 811 connects you with the utility companies serving your area, who send locators to mark public utility lines near your excavation, at no charge. It’s an essential first step for any digging project.
But 811 has real limits contractors and property owners need to understand:
- It does not cover privately owned utility lines on your property (water, electrical, irrigation, communication lines installed by previous owners or contractors)
- It does not provide depth information for the utilities it does mark
- Response times and coverage areas vary depending on which utility companies serve your site
Venegroup ENG fills that gap. We locate both public and private utilities with GPR and EMI technology, mark them in the field with depth information included, and provide a digital utility map you can keep on file, going beyond what the 811 process alone can offer.
Recommended workflow for any excavation project
- Call 811 (or submit your ticket online) at least 2 business days before digging, as required by Florida law
- Schedule Venegroup ENG to locate private utilities and confirm depth on all lines, public and private, before crews mobilize
- Keep your utility map on file for future reference, permitting, or in case of a dispute
Related services: Private Utility Locating · Directional Drilling Clearance · Vacuum Excavation
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is 811 free?
Yes, 811 is a free public service, but it only covers utilities owned by member utility companies, not private lines. - Can Venegroup ENG submit my 811 ticket for me?
We recommend submitting your own Sunshine 811 ticket to start the clock on the required notice period, and scheduling us in parallel to handle everything 811 doesn’t cover.