There is no naturally formed rock that is as versatile as limestone. The term “limestone aggregate” refers to limestone that has been crushed and screened. Limestone aggregate serves as an essential ingredient to concrete, asphalt, and mortar, as well as paper and glass.

In Florida, the highest quality limestone for producing aggregate is found in the Lake Belt Region of western Miami-Dade County. Members of the Miami-Dade Limestone Products Association (“M-DLPA”) are involved every step of the way, from extracting the limestone to the manufacture of construction materials.  Florida ranks 2nd nationally in limestone production and 4th in consumption. The M-DLPA provides 50% of the state’s total aggregate – approximately 60 million tons of aggregate material is produced from western Miami-Dade County, more than anywhere else across the United States.

Limestone quarrying in the Lake Belt Region is an efficient method to obtain limestone aggregate material.   Local extraction and efficient production keep construction costs in Florida the lowest in the country. Without the M-DLPA, limestone aggregate would have to be imported from other locations, at great expense, significantly driving up construction costs. Local limestone quarrying keeps our building costs the lowest in the nation, provides 7,500 jobs and $550 million in wages to South Florida workers, and generates approximately $70 million in tax revenue annually.