New homes on former pasture or woods need lines run in from the road: water from the main or a well, sewer or a septic line, and power. Each one is a trench.
Costs
| Trench | HomeAdvisor, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Standard | $5 to $12 per foot |
| Large or difficult | $13 to $40 per foot |
| 100 feet | $1,300 to $4,000 |
HomeAdvisor recommends a 15 to 20 percent cushion for problems found underground.
How deep
Who's licensed
Florida Statutes 489.105 defines the underground utility and excavation contractor: main sewer, water and storm systems, and the lines from those mains to an individual meter. Plumbing contractors' scope includes the excavation incidental to their plumbing work. Match the license to the line.
Before the trench
Notify Sunshine 811 at least 2 full business days ahead. The homeowner exemption only reaches 10 inches deep, shallower than any utility trench. See Sunshine 811.
Sources
- HomeAdvisor: How much does trenching cost? (updated June 19, 2026)
- Florida Statutes 489.105 (2025): Definitions (contractor categories)
- Florida Statutes 556.105 (2025): Procedures (notice to Sunshine 811)
- Florida Statutes 556.108 (2025): Exemptions
Reviewed October 20, 2026. Rules, prices and contacts change, so check the source before relying on it.
Questions and answers
How much does a utility trench cost?
HomeAdvisor's 2026 guide lists $5 to $12 per foot for standard trenching and $13 to $40 for large or difficult trenches.
Get your trench 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.