soil test?

[adriana]

what is it? how much does it cost? is it required in FL?

one of the architects had it on their estimate

[roger g]

A soil test sees what the soil is made of to see if it will hold the weight of your addition. Whether you need it depends on your addition and your location. Ask the archtect why he was the only one asking for it. It usually is an engineering question. Some architects cover their butts by asking for it and put the fear of god in you if you don't get it. It's a judgement call on your part. Check around.
Cost: anything to do with architects and engineers cost a llot.

Roger

[Rich]

I think our soils report (5 acres) with 12 potholes (essentially a soil core) ran around $1200 with a nice write up with percolation rates, soil stability, and recommendations for foundation construction and perimeter drain specifications.
I have no idea if it's a good idea in FL - ask around to see what others have seen in the way of expansive soils. Expansive soils is one of the biggest reasons for a soil report - and to see if a standard foundation is sufficient or if it needs to be built on piers (caissons).