What’s Beneath Your Bounce? Why Marking Utilities Matters
When you’re planning a party, your mind is juggling cake flavors, decorations, guest lists—and, of course, the bounce house. But one crucial detail often gets overlooked: marking your underground utility lines.
Why should I have my utility lines marked?
As a bounce house rental company, Citrus Jump Inflatables adheres to safety standards across the U.S.—including regulations for anchoring inflatables properly. Most inflatables require stakes (also known as anchors in our industry) that are at least 18 inches long. But here’s the thing: some utility lines may be buried as shallow as 6 inches. That’s a risky surprise we all want to avoid.
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But I already know where my septic and phone lines are...
It’s great to be familiar with your property—but even when you think you know, there could be more below the surface. I recently found that out firsthand. After switching to a fiber internet provider, I noticed temporary lines running across my yard. They planned to bury them once Sunshine 811 came to mark the utilities. Easy, right?
Well, not quite. I got a message asking me to confirm whether gas lines were on the property. I confidently assumed there weren’t any—everything in my house is electric. Turns out, there were gas lines I had no idea about. That discovery launched me into some research, where I found out that Florida law requires underground lines to be marked before digging—under something called Florida Statute 556.
What is Florida Statute 556?
Florida Statute 556, also known as the Underground Facility Damage Prevention and Safety Act, requires you to contact 811 at least two full business days before any digging project. And yes—installing bounce house stakes counts as digging under the law.
To learn more, visit [sunshine811.com/law](https://sunshine811.com/law).
So how do I get my property’s lines marked?
It’s simple. Call 811 or visit [sunshine811.com](https://sunshine811.com) at least two full business days before your scheduled delivery. Since we do most weekend deliveries on Fridays, it’s best to make your request by the Monday of that week.
To submit online:
1. Go to sunshine811.com
2. Click "Submit Ticket"
3. Under the Homeowner category, select "Create a Ticket"
4. Follow the step-by-step instructions to finish your request
Who’s responsible for making the call—me or Citrus Jump Inflatables?
As the homeowner, you are responsible for ensuring your utility lines are marked. If they're not and a stake damages an underground line, the responsibility—and any consequences—fall to you. This is clearly stated in our rental agreement.
Need help?
We’re happy to assist. If you're unable to submit a request or have questions about the process, just reach out to Citrus Jump Inflatables:
📞 Call/text: (352) 462-4893
📧 Email: info@citrusjumpinflatables.com
We can submit the request on your behalf—just provide us with written permission, and we’ll take it from there.
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