Sunshine 811 is a great starting point before any excavation project — but its coverage stops at a specific point. Knowing what 811 does not mark can save you from a costly mistake.
The Legal Boundary
811 locators mark utility company-owned infrastructure up to the property’s service point (usually the meter). Anything past that point — even if it’s technically connected to a utility service — is the property owner’s responsibility to locate. Sunshine 811’s own APWA color code guide explains exactly what their markings represent, which makes the boundary clear.
7 Things Typically Not Marked by 811
1. Irrigation and sprinkler systems — installed by landscapers, never registered with utilities.
2. Pool equipment and bonding grids — buried electrical grounding around pool areas.
3. Propane lines — especially common ahead of hurricane season for generator hookups.
4. Private electrical wiring — runs to sheds, detached garages, outdoor kitchens, or additions.
5. Septic tanks and drain fields — often undocumented or only in old permit records.
6. Invisible pet fencing — thin wire, easy to miss and easy to damage.
7. Old or abandoned lines — from previous structures, pools, or landscaping no longer in use.
Why This List Matters More in Florida
Florida properties tend to have more of this private infrastructure than average — irrigation is common due to landscaping demands, pool ownership rates are high, and propane use spikes ahead of storm season. That means what 811 does not mark is often a longer list here than in other states.
What to Do About It
Before any digging project that touches these categories, schedule a private utility locate in addition to your 811 ticket. It’s the only way to get a complete picture of what’s actually underground.
Bottom Line
811 not marking something doesn’t mean it isn’t there — it means it’s outside their scope. A private locate closes that gap.
Related reading: Does 811 Locate Private Lines? | What Utilities Are on My Private Property?
Quick FAQ
Will 811 mark my sprinkler system? No — irrigation lines are private infrastructure, not utility-owned. Is it legal to dig without checking for private lines? It’s not illegal, but it’s high-risk — private line damage isn’t covered by the 811 process or its liability protections.
