The Vital Role of Miami-Dade’s Limestone Industry in Shaping South Florida

Did you know? Florida ranks as the 6th largest state in both the consumption and production of aggregates, with over half of its aggregate production occurring in Miami-Dade County. Aggregate is crucial for building and maintaining the economy, infrastructure, homes, and businesses throughout South Florida and the entire state.

Concrete is the second most-used substance in the world after water. In Miami-Dade, we rely heavily on a robust local supply of limestone products, including aggregate. This supply not only helps in producing concrete and keeping building costs affordable but also contributes to the local tax base. Furthermore, it plays a significant role in ensuring a high standard of living by supporting the construction and maintenance of essential infrastructure.

What is Aggregate? 

“Aggregate” simply means crushed rock. It is an essential ingredient used to strengthen construction materials like concrete, asphalt and mortar. 

People often use “concrete” and “cement” interchangeably, but they are actually completely different products. 

Cement is a binder. It sets and hardens to bind other normal materials together and is the main ingredient in ready-mix concrete. 

Concrete is a mixture of cement, aggregated like limestone, water, and admixtures. 

How is Cement Made?

Cement is made using a process called calcination. Lake Belt limestone is heated with other materials to 1,450 degrees celsius (that’s hot!) making a hard substance called “clinker.” The clinker is then transformed into a fine powder. Just add water, and you’ve got cement! 

High-Quality Lake Belt Limestone

Florida’s highest quality limestone aggregate comes directly from western Miami-Dade County. The sunshine State uses more than 140 million tons per year, with more than 60 million of those tons produced by local quarry workers. 

High-Quality Jobs in Miami-Dade County

Miami-Dade’s Limestone Products industry is not just another industry sector; it is the backbone of Florida’s construction and infrastructure supply chain. Quarry workers are essential to the community, producing millions of tons of aggregate per year, making everything from roads, bridges, stadiums, arenas, malls and grocery stores possible. In total, the industry supports over 14,000 jobs and generates around $544 million in payroll that supports local families and businesses. 

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