Effective February 1: New 3F Comment Requirements for Members and Locators

What’s Changing February 1 — and Why It Matters

Beginning February 1, 2026, any members and locators who respond to a Sunshine 811 locate ticket with the 3F positive response code must include a comment. The comment must document the agreement between the locate technician and the excavator to reschedule the locate date. The 3F Unmarked code indicates a marking delay was requested by the locate technician and agreed to by the excavator.

 

📌 Required 3F Comment Must Include:

  • Date and time the agreement was made [##-##-##; ##:## AM/PM]

  • Name and phone number of the excavator who agreed to the delay [first name, last name; ###-###-####]

⚠️ No Comment Impacts

  • Exactix will not accept 3F codes without a required comment

  • If a valid response is not received before the end of two full business days, you will receive a late notice.

 

Steps Members and Locators Can Take Now

Members and their locators using a ticket management system will need to configure them to capture 3F comments and make them available through Exactix. For assistance, use the information below.

  • Sunshine 811 hosted Utilisphere/IrthNet Users (sunshine.irth.com)
    Email [email protected]; or
    Call 811or (800) 432-4770 and select option 3.

  • Other Ticket Management System Users – If your developers need more information
    Submit a support request at [email protected]

Working Better Together

This update supports clearer coordination in response to increased ticket volumes and inconsistent use of the 3F code. Our underground infrastructure is a shared public asset and protecting it depends on accurate communication and coordination across the 811 system. We appreciate your help in ensuring accurate responses.



*Regulatory Reference: 556.105(5)(a) …If the member operator is unable to respond within such time, the member operator shall communicate with the person making the request and negotiate a new schedule and time that is agreeable to, and should not unreasonably delay, the excavator.

W Schaefer