Florida has more sinkholes than any other
state in the nation.
Section 627.706(2)(a), Florida Statutes requires authorized
insurers to cover catastrophic ground cover collapse, but
damage, outside a catastrophic ground cover collapse, caused by
a sinkhole may not be covered by your policy if it does not
specifically include sinkhole coverage. For more information on
what every Floridian should know about Sinkholes and
Catastrophic Ground Collapse, see the
Department of Financial Services guide. For tips on settling
your sinkhole claim where to find help, click
here.
For more detailed information about Sinkholes and Catastrophic
Ground Collapse in Florida, please see the following studies Web
sites:
Sinkhole Data Call Report -- 2010
Deloitte Sinkhole Report -- 2006
Insurance Study of Sinkholes -- 2005
Sinkholes in Florida (County Maps) Fla. Center for Instructional
Technology, University of South Florida
Areas of Sinkhole Occurrence: Florida, 2008
Dept. of Environmental Protection
Office of Insurance Regulation News Releases on Sinkholes:
/PressReleases/viewmediarelease.aspx?ID=3669
/PressReleases/viewmediarelease.aspx?ID=2657/PressReleases/viewmediarelease.aspx?ID=2550
/PressReleases/viewmediarelease.aspx?ID=2423
During the 2010 Legislative Session, the Office identified
increased sinkhole claims as one of the cost drivers affecting
homeowners rates. The Office heard from the industry that there
has been a substantial increase in the frequency of claims, and
that these claims are being filed outside the traditional
sinkhole alley in Hernando and Pasco Counties. In August 2010,
the Office issued a data call to commercial residential property
insurers to collect claims data related to sinkhole frequency
and severity of claims, and the geographic location of those
claims. On November 8, 2010, the Office issued its report based
on the data provided (see first Web site link, above).