A house pad is the raised, compacted area a slab sits on. Building one means bringing in or moving fill, compacting it in layers, and grading the lot so rain runs away from the house.
Ground and weather
Angi's Orlando guide flags several local factors:
- Sandy soil is common, and the region's susceptibility to sinkholes and shifting ground calls for careful handling.
- High water tables make soil testing essential.
- Tropical downpours saturate the ground, which complicates access and makes excavated dirt heavier to haul.
- Daily summer thunderstorms and lightning can shut equipment down and stretch the schedule.
Published prices
| Work | Angi, Orlando |
|---|---|
| Grading and leveling | $410 to $6,600 |
| Leveling | $5 to $15 per cubic yard |
| Hauling | $10 to $30 per cubic yard |
| Operated machine | $105 to $255 per hour |
| Labor | $125 to $155 per hour |
The state's stormwater permit
Florida DEP's Construction Generic Permit applies when construction disturbs 1 acre or more, or is part of a larger common plan of development, and stormwater reaches surface waters or a storm sewer system. The steps:
- Prepare a SWPPP.The stormwater pollution prevention plan the site follows.
- Submit the Notice of Intent.With the fee, at least 2 calendar days before work: $250 for 1 to under 5 acres, $400 for 5 or more.
- Terminate when done.Within 14 days of final stabilization; coverage lasts up to five years.
Sources
- Angi: How much does excavation cost in Orlando, FL? (updated June 17, 2026)
- Florida Department of Environmental Protection: Construction Activity (stormwater Construction Generic Permit)
Reviewed October 20, 2026. Rules, prices and contacts change, so check the source before relying on it.
Questions and answers
How much does grading cost around St. Cloud?
We don't have St. Cloud data. Angi's Orlando guide lists grading and leveling at $410 to $6,600, with hauling at $10 to $30 per cubic yard.
Get your pad or grading quoted
Ring the number or use the form, and a contractor working in Osceola County follows up. Quotes cost nothing.
If the call goes to voicemail, say your name, number, where the property is and what needs doing.