Florida is a unique area with a distinctive climate and ground composition that make it different from most other states. These differences mean that things have to be done differently at times, and with Tucker Paving’s near-30 years in concrete and asphalt paving, we can assure you those differences extend to the construction industry too. For example, the special considerations required for a concrete foundation in Florida are many.

A Look at Florida Geology

Florida is different from the rest of the US in that it sits on a piece of the African Plate. The African Plate is a major tectonic plate that is located under the African continent, and the piece under Florida broke off during the breakup of the supercontinent known as Pangea many millions of years ago. This led to Florida being submerged under the waters of The Gulf of Mexico.

The Gulf of Mexico flowed across the area, depositing sand, silt, and clay. Dead marine life added to the mix, creating today’s Florida geography, which is made up of sandy soils sitting atop limestone. Sinkholes are common.  

Additionally, Florida is very close to sea level, and its water tables are very low. This means that water is very close to the surface; in some places, water starts to seep in after digging down just a few feet. Furthermore, the chance for hurricane-level winds and storm surge flooding are high. 

All of this presents a challenge when pouring a concrete foundation. Because of this, there are a number of special considerations when it comes to concrete foundations in The Sunshine State.

Florida Concrete Foundation Considerations  

Florida’s unique geological makeup means that foundations must be constructed differently than in most of the rest of the country. These differences include:

  • The use of concrete slabs rather than below-ground foundations for buildings.
  • Using a deep foundation and pouring the slab on top.
  • Foundation walls that are usually eight inches or thicker and that extend from the top of the footings to the base of the building.
  • Use of a monolithic slab, which is where the slab and the footing are the same piece of concrete.
  • The use of a vapor barrier or heavy-duty plastic as part of the foundation construction.
  • The addition of a pre-termite treatment during the construction phase.

Tucker Paving in the asphalt and concrete paving industry. We complete projects for residential, commercial, and municipal clients. Contact us by calling (863) 299-2262, or fill out our contact form online, and let us assist you with your next concrete project.