Are sink holes a problem in Florida?

So are sinkholes a problem in Florida? Sinkholes are a common occurrence in Florida. Unfortunately, the state’s geology makes it prone to sinkholes. While many of Florida’s sinkholes are small and relatively harmless, others have been known to swallow lawnmowers, cars, houses, or even neighborhoods.

Can a sinkhole swallow your house?

Sinkhole size ranges from just a few feet in diameter to hundreds of acres large, according to the USGS. They can contaminate water, swallow whole buildings, and even killed one man in Florida in 2013.

What are some of the early signs that a sinkhole is forming in your house?

The Warning Signs of Sinkholes

• Cracks around door and window frames.
• An increasing number of exposed tree roots on your property.
• Cracks in your foundation, walls, or swimming pool.
• Sagging fence posts, utility poles or trees, or loosening of the soil around them.
• Sloping floors.
• Problems closing doors or windows.

Which area in Florida has the most sinkholes?

WHERE ARE SINKHOLES MOST COMMON IN FLORIDA? Three counties in the Tampa region are known as “sinkhole alley.” Two-thirds of the sinkhole damage claims reported to the state Office of Insurance Regulation from 2006 to 2010 came from Hernando, Hillsborough and Pasco counties.

Is there a way to detect sinkholes?

Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is the best way to detect sinkholes. A GPR survey is a low-risk method to determine the location of sinkholes. This can form part of a risk assessment to check the integrity of the ground or to determine the extent of voids when remediation planning.

Where are the most sinkholes in Florida?

Sinkholes are particularly common in the Florida counties of Pasco, Hernando and Hillsborough—known collectively as the state’s “Sinkhole Alley.”

Where in Florida has the most sinkholes?

Sinkholes can form anywhere in Florida, but the highest activity level occurs in west central Florida because of the karst limestone environment.