Sinkhole FAQ

The only sure way to know you have a sinkhole is to consult with a professional. Feel free to contact us to point you in the right direction.

Sinkholes typically form in karst terrain when surface sediments collapse into underground cavities in limestone bedrock. Groundwater slowly dissolves the limestone over time, creating voids. When these cavities grow large enough, the overlying earth can no longer support the weight, causing it to collapse. Sometimes, a depression forms instead of a collapse as surface sediments gradually settle into the void.

Florida is primarily underlain by karst terrain, which includes sinkholes, caves, and springs. While not all sinkholes cause immediate damage, they can be a significant issue when they affect infrastructure. The state’s geology contains many cavities, but few collapses to cause real-world problems. There are different types of sinkholes in Florida, including solution sinkholes, cover-subsidence sinkholes, and cover-collapse sinkholes, which occur depending on the thickness of surface sediments.

Sinkholes can grow rapidly. Once a cavity is large enough, the earth above it may collapse quickly, with initial damage occurring in minutes to hours. The surrounding sediments may continue to shift for a day or more. In less dramatic cases, such as cover-subsidence sinkholes, the depression may take years to fully form.

You can search Florida statutes by typing “sinkhole” into the search box on the official website. The majority of these laws are related to insurance and sinkholes, such as Florida Statute 627.706.

No comprehensive database of sinkholes exists, but the Florida Geological Survey (FGS) maintains a record of reported subsidence incidents. These incidents include sinkholes and similar events, though most have not been verified by professionals. The data covers incidents reported since 1954.

A subsidence incident refers to depressions or ground surface settling that may resemble sinkholes but are caused by different factors. These can include issues like decomposing organic material, faulty drainage systems, or improperly compacted soil. Only professional geologists can determine whether an incident is a true sinkhole.

You can access subsidence incident reports from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Map Direct website or GIS Open Data Portal.

Since Florida is largely made up of carbonate rocks, sinkholes could theoretically form anywhere. However, the risk is higher in areas where limestone is closer to the surface. Properties in karst regions are more likely to experience sinkhole activity, so it’s essential to learn about the local geology when purchasing land.

The FSRI was defunded in the early 1990s, and its database was transferred to the Florida Geological Survey. Today, the FGS continues to track sinkhole data and provide valuable resources about sinkhole risks in Florida.

Sinkhole repairs on private property are the homeowner’s responsibility, though some insurance policies may cover repair costs.

Call Helicon to handle sinkhole filling with native materials like clayey sand. Avoid using organic materials that may decompose. In most cases, no permit is required unless the sinkhole is in a wetland or impacts surface water. If you’re unsure, reach out to your local water management district for guidance.

Contact Helicon for Sinkhole Repair

Yes, licensed geologists can conduct tests like ground-penetrating radar or resistivity surveys to determine if a sinkhole exists or is likely to form. However, predicting when and where a sinkhole will appear is difficult.

How can I assess the risk of a sinkhole forming on my property?
You can hire experts from Helicon to perform geological surveys to assess sinkhole risks.

If the sinkhole repair was certified by a licensed engineer, it is likely safe.

Florida law requires sellers to disclose if a sinkhole claim was made against the property, including any repairs made. Always check the most current statutes for updates.

Insurance availability is a major factor to consider when purchasing property in a sinkhole-prone area. Be sure to shop for the best insurance and consider your personal tolerance for risk.