As digging season ramps up, Peoples Gas urges homeowners and contractors to use 811 to prevent injuries, outages and costly damage
Florida ranks worst in the nation for damaged underground utility lines, a statistic safety experts say is driven largely by one preventable mistake – digging without calling 811 first.
April is National Safe Digging Month, and Peoples Gas is urging homeowners, contractors and do-it-yourselfers to make one call — to 811 — before starting any project that disturbs the ground. From planting trees and installing fences to major construction projects, even shallow digging can strike natural gas lines, electric cables, water mains and fiber optic lines hiding just inches below the surface.
Hitting an underground utility line can cause service outages, serious injuries, and costly repairs. A call to 811 connects homeowners and contractors with Sunshine 811, which notifies affected utility companies to mark the approximate location of underground lines for free before digging begins.
By the Numbers: Damage That Didn’t Have to Happen
Last year, Peoples Gas locators responded to more than 570,000 locate requests across Florida. Despite that volume, preventable damage remains a serious concern: Of the 1,700 incidents involving Peoples Gas facilities in 2025, 45 percent occurred when no call was made to 811.
The threat is increasing as more homeowners tackle outdoor projects. A recent national survey found that nearly three quarters of U.S. homeowners plan a digging related project this year, yet almost one in five admit they won’t contact 811 first. Many mistakenly believe shallow projects are safe — a misconception utilities say is among the most dangerous.
How 811 Works – and Why It Matters
Calling 811 or submitting a request online through Sunshine811.com connects homeowners and contractors with the state’s one call notification center. Sunshine 811 then notifies underground utility operators, who send professional locators to mark the approximate location of buried lines at no cost.
Utility markings help excavators know where it is safe to dig – and where extra caution is required. Florida law requires that locate requests be made at least two full business days before digging begins.
Sunshine 811 also recommends that the contractor performing the work request their own ticket, rather than relying on a homeowner’s request, ensuring the correct scope and timing of the project is covered.
Safe Digging Reminders
- Call 811 or visit Sunshine811.com at least two full business days before digging
- Utility companies mark underground lines for free
- Always check ticket status at Sunshine811.com before starting work
- Dig carefully within 24 inches of marked lines
- Leave all paint and flags in place – they indicate active or upcoming utility work
One Call. One Big Difference.
As warmer weather draws more Floridians outdoors, Peoples Gas says the message is simple: calling 811 is fast, free and can prevent injuries, outages and expensive repairs.
Visit Sunshine811.com and PeoplesGas.com for more information about safe digging.
Peoples Gas System Inc., Florida’s largest natural gas distribution utility, serves more than 520,000 homes and businesses across the state. Through investments in people, technology and infrastructure, the company is committed to fueling Florida responsibly. Peoples Gas is a subsidiary of Emera Inc., a leading North American provider of energy services headquartered in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. To learn more about the benefits of natural gas for Florida, visit FloridasEnergy.com. Find more information about the company, its culture, career opportunities and community investments at PeoplesGas.com.