New homes need water, sewer or septic lines and power brought in, and long driveways on acreage mean long runs.
Per-foot prices
| Trench | HomeAdvisor, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Standard | $5 to $12 per foot |
| Large or difficult | $13 to $40 per foot |
| 100 feet | $1,300 to $4,000 |
At $5 to $12 a foot, a 300-foot run would be about $1,500 to $3,600 before pipe or wire, by our arithmetic.
How deep
Licenses
Under F.S. 489.105, sewer, water and storm mains and the service lines running from them to each meter are the work of an underground utility and excavation contractor. A plumbing contractor may dig as part of plumbing work.
Before digging
Notify Sunshine 811 at least 2 full business days ahead; marks are good for 30 calendar days. 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)
Reviewed October 20, 2026. Rules, prices and contacts change, so check the source before relying on it.
Questions and answers
What does a long utility trench cost?
HomeAdvisor's 2026 guide lists standard trenching at $5 to $12 per foot; a 300-foot run would be about $1,500 to $3,600 before materials.
Get your trench quoted
Call, or fill out the form, and a contractor who digs in south Lake County will contact you. Quotes are free.
Got voicemail? Leave your name, number, the property address and what you need dug.