​Underground facilities that deliver gas, electricity, internet, and water are safe. But when they are ruptured by a shovel or digging equipment, the consequences can be inconvenient - even deadly - resulting in major road closings, evacuations, and no communications. Stopping preventable digging accidents from ending like this is the purpose behind the Underground Facility Damage Prevention and Safety Act, Chapter 556, Florida Statutes. 

Who can enforce Chapter 556?

Florida's State Fire Marshal or its agents (fire chief of the special district, municipality, or county), local or state law enforcement officers, government code inspectors, and code enforcement officers.

What can you do?

When you see digging, make sure the excavator has a valid ticket, that marks are present and that digging did not start too early. With the new $2,500 enhanced penalty for violations involving PHMSA-regulated lines gas company representatives may contact you to issue a citation. 

How can I find out more about Chapter 556?

Effective July 1, 2020, the Underground Facility Damage Prevention and Safety Act, Chapter 556, Florida Statutes, introduced higher penalties for violations involving gas facilities, investigations of gas facility damages that result in incidents by the Florida Fire Marshal, new protections for permanent markers, a new violation for digging in the tolerance zone, and more.

Visit: sunshine811.com/law to learn more about the Underground Facility Damage Prevention and Safety Act
Visit: Florida Senate Statutes for 556.107 Violations
Visit: Florida Senate Statutes for 556.108 Exemptions

For more information, please call 850-729-4700.