City of Palm Bay News Release

police to enforce laws governing pre-construction excavation

Posted: 08/24/07

Officers with the Palm Bay Police Department’s Neighborhood Policing Unit will begin stricter enforcement of a Florida Statute requiring individuals involved in construction and excavation activities to obtain what’s called a “utility locate” prior to beginning active dig operations.  The statute is known as the Underground Facility Damage Prevention and Safety Act and it assesses fines to those who fail to provide notice of a dig operation, digging without completion of a utility locate and other restrictions requiring state notification.  Contractors and homeowners are reminded of the Sunshine State One Call of Florida, also known as, “Call before you dig at 1-800-432-4770 or just dial 811.”  Failure to make the call and abide by the requirements of the statute can result in civil fines ranging from $250 to $5,000.  The statute and targeted enforcement are designed to reduce injuries resulting from exposed utility lines and prevent loss of essential utility services.

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Yvonne Martinez

Public Information Coordinator
Phone (321) 952-3456 ext. 4678
Cell (321) 426-5194
130 Malabar Road
Palm Bay, FL 32907

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