Business Details
33 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Trusted Underground Utility Locating Services in Florida
Sunshine 811 has been a trusted leader in excavation safety since its establishment in 1993 under Florida's Underground Facility Damage Prevention and Safety Act. Our organization processes over 1.9 million locate requests annually, serving all 67 Florida counties with a 24/7 online ticket system and comprehensive safety education programs. With decades of experience in utility damage prevention, we maintain strict compliance with Chapter 556 Florida Statutes while providing critical communication between excavators and utility companies.Our team of experts operates the Positive Response system, ensuring clear communication between stakeholders, and maintains APWA color code standards for underground facility identification. As a non-profit corporation funded by utility members, we combine regulatory authority with practical safety solutions to make Florida the safest place to dig.
Services
Locate Ticket Processing
Utility Notification Service
Positive Response System
Excavation Safety Training
Damage Prevention Education
Details
- Year established: 1993
Highlights and features
- Established in 1993 as Florida's official damage prevention organization
- Processes 1.9 million locate requests annually across all 67 counties
- Maintains 24/7 online ticket system for excavation safety coordination
- Operates under Florida Statute Chapter 556 regulatory framework
- Provides free safety education and training resources for excavators
Services
Locate Ticket Processing
Our 24/7 ticket processing system handles excavation notifications across Florida. When you contact 811 or use our online system, we immediately notify member utility companies to mark underground facilities. This free service ensures compliance with Florida's two-business-day notice requirement before digging.
Utility Notification Service
We coordinate between excavators and utility companies to ensure safe digging. When you submit a locate request, we notify all relevant underground facility owners to mark their lines. This critical service prevents accidental damage to gas, water, electric, and communication infrastructure across all 67 Florida counties.
Positive Response System
Our Positive Response system provides real-time status updates for locate requests. Excavators and utility companies use this communication tool to confirm marking completion and coordinate safe digging schedules. This ensures all underground facilities are properly identified before any excavation begins.
Excavation Safety Training
We offer comprehensive training programs for professional excavators and homeowners. Our educational resources cover APWA color codes, proper ticket submission, and emergency response procedures. These programs help maintain Florida's high safety standards for underground utility protection.
Damage Prevention Education
Our educational initiatives promote safe digging practices across Florida. Through online resources, printed guides, and community outreach, we teach proper excavation procedures to homeowners, contractors, and emergency responders. This proactive approach reduces accidental utility damage and enhances public safety.
Questions
What is Sunshine 811's primary service?
We coordinate underground utility locating services for all excavation projects in Florida. When you call 811 or submit an online ticket, we notify utility companies to mark underground lines before digging.
Is there a cost for Sunshine 811 services?
Our basic locate coordination service is completely free for all Florida residents and contractors. This includes processing locate requests and notifying utility companies about planned excavations.
What should I do if I hit an underground utility?
Stop digging immediately. If gas or hazardous materials are involved, evacuate the area and call 911. Then contact the utility owner using emergency information provided in your ticket confirmation.
How can I check the status of my locate request?
Use our Positive Response system by calling 811 and selecting option 5. This provides real-time updates from utility companies about marking completion for your excavation site.
