The Rise of Construction in Florida: How Utility Locating Saves Time, Money, and Mitigates Risk

Florida’s construction industry is booming, with Northeast Florida at the heart of this growth. From sprawling residential developments to infrastructure projects, the state added over $30 billion in construction value in 2024 alone. But with rapid growth comes increased risk—underground utilities like gas lines, water pipes, and fiber optics are often hidden, posing challenges for contractors. At SafeScan Utilities, our expert utility locating services, including ground penetrating radar (GPR) and utility mapping, help construction firms mitigate risks, save time, and reduce costs. Here’s how.

Florida’s Construction Surge: Opportunities and Challenges

Florida’s population grew by 2.3% in 2024, driving demand for housing, commercial spaces, and infrastructure. Jacksonville and surrounding Northeast Florida areas are seeing record-breaking construction, with projects like the Downtown Plaza Redevelopment and new subdivisions transforming the region. However, this growth increases the likelihood of utility strikes, which occur every 26 seconds in the U.S., causing injuries, project delays, and millions in damages. The Common Ground Alliance (CGA) reports that 68% of utility damages stem from improper locating or excavation practices. SafeScan Utilities steps in to ensure your project stays on track.

Mitigating Risk with Precision Utility Locating

Striking an underground utility can lead to catastrophic consequences—gas leaks, electrical outages, or water main breaks endanger workers and halt projects. SafeScan’s utility locating services minimize these risks through:

• Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR): Our state-of-the-art GPR detects both metallic and non-metallic utilities, ensuring no pipe or cable goes unnoticed. By eliminating interference (e.g., from cell phones), we achieve pinpoint accuracy.

• Electromagnetic (EM) Locating: Using direct connections or sondes, we precisely locate conductive utilities, reducing errors that account for 66% of damages (CGA DIRT Report).

• Accurate Markings: Our technicians verify peak/null signals and cross-check with complementary tools, ensuring clear, reliable markings that prevent costly mistakes.

By identifying utilities before excavation, SafeScan helps you comply with Sunshine 811 regulations and avoid safety hazards, keeping your crew and community safe.

Saving Time with Efficient Utility Mapping

Time is money in construction, and delays from utility strikes can derail tight schedules. SafeScan’s utility mapping services streamline your project timeline:

• Comprehensive Site Assessments: Before breaking ground, we map all underground utilities, identifying their exact locations and depths. This prevents unexpected discoveries that could pause work for days.

• Digital Deliverables: Our detailed maps and reports, compatible with project management software, allow your team to plan excavations efficiently, reducing downtime.

• Rapid Response: Based in Northeast Florida, SafeScan offers fast, local service, ensuring locates are completed on your schedule.

For example, on a recent Jacksonville project, our GPR and mapping services helped a contractor avoid a gas line strike, saving an estimated three days of downtime and $50,000 in repairs.

Cutting Costs with Proactive Locating

Utility strikes are expensive, with repair costs often exceeding $100,000 for a single incident. SafeScan’s services help you avoid these expenses:

• Prevent Repair Costs: Accurate locates eliminate the need for costly utility repairs or redesigns, protecting your budget.

• Avoid Fines: Compliance with Sunshine 811 through precise markings prevents regulatory penalties.

• Minimize Delays: By providing clear utility data upfront, we reduce project delays, saving labor and equipment costs.

Our 99% accuracy rate ensures your project stays within budget, whether it’s a small residential site or a large municipal development.

Why Choose SafeScan Utilities?

As Florida’s construction boom continues, SafeScan Utilities is your trusted partner in Northeast Florida. Our SIM-certified technicians use cutting-edge GPR and EM technology, backed by rigorous training and quality control. We provide clear reports, digital maps, and on-site markings, empowering you to excavate with confidence. Trusted by homeowners, contractors, and the Army Corps, SafeScan delivers results that save time, money, and lives.

Get Started with SafeScan Today

Don’t let hidden utilities derail your Florida construction project. Contact SafeScan Utilities at SafeScanUtilities.com for a free quote or to schedule a locate. Let us help you mitigate risks, streamline timelines, and keep your budget on track—because in construction, precision makes all the difference.