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Utility construction forms the backbone of every community, especially in the Florida Keys. It’s the system that keeps homes livable, businesses operating, and visitors safe. From freshwater delivery to storm drainage, every pipe and conduit plays a critical role.
But building underground in a coastal environment presents unique challenges: high groundwater, coral rock substrate, strict environmental protections, and tight working corridors around active businesses and tourism hubs.
That’s why the region relies on Charley Toppino & Sons: one of the most experienced utility construction companies in Florida. With more than four generations of local expertise, we understand how to build resilient essential services in one of the country’s most complex coastal environments.
Working along Florida’s coast requires deep regional knowledge, specialized equipment, and a commitment to protecting marine ecosystems. Utility construction here is a carefully engineered process.
Before crews ever begin trenching or installing pipe, coastal conditions shape every decision. Working in the Florida Keys adds layers of complexity that inland projects rarely face. Some of the most significant challenges include:
In short, coastal utility work requires specialized experience earned over decades.
Wet utilities form the essential network that moves water safely and reliably through our communities. In coastal regions like the Keys, installing these systems requires materials and methods that withstand a constantly shifting environment.
High groundwater and saltwater migration increase pressure on system integrity. To protect infrastructure, Charley Toppino & Sons commonly installs corrosion-resistant materials such as:
Charley Toppino & Sons also manages complex tie-ins to municipal systems, including nighttime cut-ins, bypass pumping, and real-time coordination with local utility departments.
Dry utilities keep the Keys connected by providing the infrastructure for electricity, internet service, street lighting, and more. Without this critical infrastructure, residents and tourists would have a much more primitive experience.
Working in narrow corridors — especially in places like Duval Street or downtown Marathon — requires precision and coordination. Additionally, salt intrusion, flooding, and storm surge necessitate elevated designs, protected conduits, and corrosion-resistant materials.
Charley Toppino & Sons understands how to protect these sensitive lines while maintaining access routes for businesses, visitors, and emergency services.
Charley Toppino & Sons uses a proven, Florida Keys-specific approach for underground utilities construction. Every project follows a coastal-smart installation workflow:
And because Charley Toppino & Sons is more than a utility contractor, clients benefit from in-house sitework, aggregates, trucking, and paving services.
One team, one schedule, one accountable partner.
Our capabilities also include drainage and flood control. As a large storm contractor, Charley Toppino & Sons builds systems designed to protect communities from the impact of severe weather, sea-level rise, and king tides.
Coastal flooding is a daily consideration that simply cannot be ignored when building in the Florida Keys. Charley Toppino & Sons designs stormwater systems that perform today and remain adaptable for the future.
From large-scale municipal improvements to private development, Charley Toppino & Sons delivers full-service utility construction across the entire island chain. We are the trusted partner among Gulf Coast utility contractors, backed by our:
We’ve called the Florida Keys our home for over 100 years, and our responsibility to the region extends well beyond projects. Charley Toppino & Sons supports storm cleanup, disaster response, and critical infrastructure recovery. When you choose us, you’re choosing a qualified partner that gives back.
If you’re planning a utility infrastructure project anywhere from Key West to Key Largo, Charley Toppino & Sons is the local team to get it done right. Contact us today.
