Dive Into Summer Projects with Safety in Mind
Sunshine 811 Offers Eight Tips to Help You Dig Safe for the Summer
DEBARY, Fla. (June 2, 2026) – The official start of summer is right around the corner, and Floridians are diving into home projects. Whether you are installing a new fence, building a deck, refreshing landscaping or putting in a new pool, Sunshine 811’s got you covered with safe digging reminders.
Before you start your digging project, the law requires you to contact 811. When you contact Sunshine 811 (via phone at 811 or online at Sunshine811.com – clicking on “Create a Ticket”), the organization sends your information to its member utilities who then mark or clear the lines so you can dig safely.
“Summer is go-time for outdoor projects across Florida,” said Wendy Schaefer, education and awareness manager for Sunshine 811. “When you’re putting time and money into home upgrades, it’s easy to get excited and jump right in, but safety should always come first. That’s where Sunshine 811 can help.”
According to Schaefer, many homeowners don’t realize that contacting 811 before they dig is a law in Florida. In fact, a nationwide survey by the Common Ground Alliance shows that 46% of homeowners plan to dig without notifying 811, putting themselves and their communities at risk. To help educate homeowners about the process and other important factors, Sunshine 811 offers eight tips and reminders on digging safe for the summer:
Doing a DIY project? Contact 811 at least two business days before your project starts so underground lines can be marked. If you’re hiring a contractor, make sure that they contact 811.
Follow the essential six steps to safe digging: (1) Plan your project. (2) Contact 811. (3) Wait for utility lines to be marked. (4) Verify positive responses from utilities. (5) Respect the marks – don’t remove them. (6) Dig with care.
Private lines on your property are not marked by utility companies and are your responsibility. Examples of private lines include water, sewer, irrigation, electrical lines to sheds, lighting and pool pumps, and gas lines to grills.
Ensure you have the right tools for the right project. In addition to the timeless shovel, your project may require some other must-haves such as a spade, digging bar, pickaxe and post hole digger. Use caution as some of these hand tools cause the most damage to underground lines.
Installing a pool? After a soil test, underground internet, electricity and gas lines need to be marked.
If you are removing bamboo, trees or plants and plan to dig up roots or use a stump grinder, make sure you contact 811 first. Those roots may have grown into the utility lines.
Use extra caution when installing a new fence or mailbox and landscaping as underground utilities often run in these areas – sometimes at a very shallow depth.
Contact your utility immediately if you hit or damage a buried line.
For more information, visit Sunshine 811’s online Learning Center.