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Yes, you must call 811 (Sunshine State One Call of Florida) before you dig. This is required by Florida Statute Chapter 556 ("Underground Facility Damage Prevention and Safety").

Timeline:

Notice: At least two full business days before digging (excluding weekends/holidays).
Valid for: 30 calendar days. If work extends beyond that, you must request a refresh.
Start time: The 2-day clock starts the next business day after you call.

How to request:

Dial 811 or use sunshine811.com / mobile app.
Provide: County (Clay), address/nearest intersection, type of work (sewer line replacement), excavation area (white-paint marks or flags help), and contact info.

What happens: Member utilities (electric, gas, telecom, water, sewer, drainage) will mark their lines with paint/flags per APWA color code. Private laterals (your sewer line from house to main) are typically NOT marked by 811. You/your plumber must locate that privately.

Critical for sewer work:

Cross bores: Gas/electric lines often bore through sewer laterals. Never use mechanical cleaning/cutting tools blindly. Verify with camera/locator first.
Clay County/utility specifics: Check if Clay County Utility Authority (CCUA) or your municipality (Green Cove Springs, Orange Park, Keystone Heights) requires a separate right-of-way or excavation permit for work in the front yard/easement. Pull that permit before calling 811 if possible.

Penalties: Digging without a ticket risks fines (up to $5,000/violation per FS 556.107), liability for damages, and safety hazards.

Bottom line: Call 811 ≥2 business days ahead, get your local permit, locate your private lateral, and camera-inspect before cutting.

Yes, you must call 811 before digging in Clay County, Florida — this is required by Florida Statute § 556.105 and enforced by the Sunshine State One Call system.

Call 811 at least 2 full business days (48 hours) before you plan to dig.

Weekends and holidays do not count toward the 48-hour window.
For example: If you plan to dig on Monday morning, call by Thursday at the latest.
You can also submit a request online at www.sunshine811.com or via the mobile app.

Why this matters: Underground utilities — including gas, electric, water, telecom, and sewer lines — are commonly buried in residential yards. Striking one can cause serious injury, service outages, environmental damage, or costly repairs. Even if you’re replacing a sewer line, other utilities may run nearby or cross your path.

After calling 811:

Utility locators will mark the approximate location of buried lines with paint or flags (typically within 2–3 business days).
You must respect the tolerance zone: 24 inches on either side of the marked line — hand dig only within this zone to avoid damage.
Marks are valid for 14 calendar days. If your work extends beyond that, you must renew the ticket.

Note: If you’re working in a public right-of-way or easement, additional permits may be required from Clay County Public Works or the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). Always verify with the county’s Building or Public Works Department.

Bottom line: Call 811 — it’s free, the law, and could save you from a dangerous or expensive mistake. Never assume you know what’s underground. Source: Florida Statute § 556.105; Sunshine811.com

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