Archaeology Consulting & Cultural Resource Documentation for Florida Projects

Archaeology for Public, Private & Residential Projects

Archaeology is a critical step in understanding how cultural resources may affect a project’s timeline, permitting, and development. ACI delivers the technical expertise and regulatory guidance clients need to confidently navigate every stage of the process, ensuring each project is a success.

How ACI Can Help

ACI provides comprehensive archaeology services to identify, evaluate, and manage cultural resources throughout every stage of public, private and residential projects. From Cultural Resources Assessment Surveys (CRAS) and archaeological monitoring to desktop analyses, site testing, and data recovery, our experienced team delivers the expertise needed to support planning, permitting, regulatory compliance, and responsible development.

What Archaeology Services Include

Successful archaeology requires more than investigations in the field. These projects demand a thorough understanding of governmental regulations, historical context, and project goals. ACI combines technical expertise with 50 years of cultural resource management experience to deliver clear documentation and defensible recommendations that support informed decision-making throughout the duration of each project. Explore our core archaeology capabilities to learn how ACI can fulfill your project’s needs.

Core Capabilities

Phase I Cultural Resources Assessment Survey (CRAS)

ACI conducts background research to determine known and potential site locations within and adjacent to the APE. Field methodology is developed in accordance with state and federal standards, with soils screened and artifacts collected as needed. When archaeological sites are identified, ACI establishes site boundaries and evaluates their eligibility for the NRHP. A Phase I survey is often the first step in project planning and permitting.

Phase II Site Testing

When sites appear to possess significant integrity, site testing is conducted to determine NRHP eligibility. ACI's work may involve shovel testing and the excavation of units to better define the sites layout, soil stratigraphy, and distribution of artifacts. If the SHPO determines sites are eligible, they may require "mitigation" of the effects of the proposed undertaking on the resource. Phase III archaeological excavations may be required if other mitigation methods are not possible.

Phase III Data Recovery Excavations

Phase III excavations are typically large-scale and designed to recover the site data prior to destruction. Such projects require extensive labor, a detailed sampling strategy, and preparation of artifacts for curation at an approved facility. Consultation with federal, state, and tribal entities may also be involved. Data reports are detailed and often focus on research questions designed to contribute to a better understanding of the archaeological record. Public outreach is often a requirement in this phase.

Archaeological Monitoring

ACI's archaeological monitoring expertise may be required prior to, or in lieu of, mitigation when archaeological resources are suspected but traditional testing cannot be conducted, such as the removal of existing buildings or roads scheduled for demolition. Monitoring allows observation of the demolition process and quick recording and/or recovery of the archaeological record as it is exposed.

Assistance With FEMA Grants & Recovery

ACI is familiar with requirements related to cultural resources and assessments for FEMA grants and FEMA recovery support. Whether private citizens or public entities are seeking funds to protect their property before a disaster or to repair it after the fact, our team of archaeologists and architectural historians complete what's necessary to ensure applicants can move forward.

Desktop Analysis

ACI offers desktop analyses to evaluate the potential for archaeological resources in an area before permitting to assess the possible affects to various alternatives on cultural resources. These services can also be a first step in the due diligence phase for developments.

EHP Checklists & Damage Assessments

ACI understands the requirements for the Environmental and Historic Preservation (EHP) checklist and can work with homeowners to list properties, helping them qualify for the 50% rule. We can also help assess damage to archaeological sites and historic structures after storms for private citizens, private organizations, or public entities.

When to Contact ACI

Archaeology May Be Needed to Adhere With Various Regulations

Within project areas, numerous federal, state, and local regulations require the consideration of cultural resources prior to permitting. These requirements are in place to allow for the investigation of cultural materials — like archaeological sites, buildings, and landscapes — to inform our understanding of the history and development of the United States from pre-Contact to present. If you have concerns regarding cultural resources and historic resources, the first step is starting a conversation with our team at ACI.

From the First Conversation to a Clear Path Forward

Every project begins with understanding the entire situation. ACI reviews your project location, timeline, available documentation such as photos or descriptions of what was found, known requirements, and any concerns regarding cultural resources to determine the most appropriate path forward.

Your Details Help Us Determine the Scope

Using the information you provided, our team determines whether additional research, field investigations, technical studies, or other services are appropriate. We then develop a clear plan and provide the documentation or recommendations needed to support your project.

Need Archaeology Guidance for a Project or Property?

If you know archaeology expertise is what your project requires, or are unsure which services you need from ACI, we are always available to answer questions. Contact our team, tell us about your project, and we will place you on a clear path forward.

Ground-Penetrating Radar (GPR)

Cemetery Studies

Bioarchaeology

Historical Research

Tribal Consultation