Hiring an excavation contractor in Florida
Gradeline lists 2,142 excavating and site work contractors in Florida across 67 counties. This guide covers the Florida rules that affect a dig: licensing, frost depth and 811 notice through Sunshine State 811.
What to know before you hire in Florida
4.6★
Know what a good rating looks like here
Florida contractors average 4.6 stars on Google. Shortlist crews at 4.5 or better with a solid review count (460 qualify), and treat anything under 4.0 as a red flag.
Yes
Check the state license
Florida requires a contractor license (FL CUC (Contracting-Unlimited)), issued by Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. Get the number in writing before you sign.
2 days
Utilities get marked before digging
Florida law requires 2 business days notice to Sunshine State 811 before any digging. Ask whether your contractor files the request, and plan the start date around the wait.
32%
Most listed contractors have no website
Only 32% of listed Florida contractors run their own site. Judge them on reviews, photos, and years in business rather than web polish, and get at least three written quotes.
Get quotes from Florida contractors in one request.
Get free quotesArea-specific FAQ
How far in advance do I need to call before digging in Florida?
At least 2 working days. Sunshine State 811 takes locate requests statewide and has underground utilities marked before any excavation. Hitting an unmarked gas or power line can injure the crew and lead to costly repairs.
Do excavation contractors need to be licensed in Florida?
Yes. Florida requires a state contractor license (FL CUC (Contracting-Unlimited)) for this work, regulated by Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. Look up the license number before you sign a contract.
Does frost depth affect excavation in Florida?
Florida winters are mild, so the frost line rarely sets footing or foundation depth.
When is the best time of year to dig in Florida?
Digging is possible year-round in Florida. Winter rarely freezes the ground hard.
How busy is excavation work in Florida?
About 173,558 residential building permits were issued statewide in 2025. Most new homes need clearing, grading, and utility trenching before construction starts.
