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Distribution of Reported Sinkholes in Florida
The map on below shows the locations of sinkholes reported since 1954 in the Florida Geological Survey’s statewide Sinkhole Database. It does not include all sinkholes in Florida. The database is available for download at the website: dep.state.fl.us/geology/geologictopics/sinkhole.htm
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 Sinkholes…hazards and havens
Sinkhole formation has been accelerated in recent years by both natural and man-made events. An extended drought, punctuated by occasional heavy rains, commonly triggers increased sinkhole activity. Land development, heavy ground water pumping, diversion of natural water flow routes, and construction of retention ponds are among the manmade factors which may accelerate sinkhole formations.
Sinkholes are regarded as geologic hazards throughout Florida. In fact, sinkholes have closed roads, swallowed homes, and caused significant structural damage to homes and businesses statewide. Sinkhole repairs cost families, local governments, and the insurance industry millions of dollars annually.
Sinkholes can pose special environmental problems. Many of the carbonate rocks in which sinkholes develop are part of the state’s freshwater aquifer system. Open sinkholes provided direct assess to the aquifer for many kinds of pollutants. Fertilizers and pesticides may be carried into the holes by rainwater runoff. Gasoline, oil, and tire residues from urban areas may also funnel in environmentally sensitive areas may require special stewardship.
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| Despite the problems they pose for urban centers, sinkholes are a natural part of Florida ecosystems. Ancient sinkholes have formed many of the large lakes in Central Florida. Smaller sinkholes commonly comprise wetland habitats for unique species of plants and animals. Sinkholes provide havens for relict populations of many species that would be unable to survive in otherwise drier areas, including crayfish, isopods, and amphipods. Deeper wet sinkholes may be connected to extensive water-filled cave systems. These systems supply many of Florida’s pristine springs, and also comprise habitats for aquatic cave animals. |
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“AFTER EVERYTHING WAS FINISHED THE HOUSE LOOK LIKE NEW AGAIN” - Bill And Glenna |
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Region of exposed or thinly-covered carbonate rocks. Broad, shallow solutions sinkholes dominate, with less common collapse sinkholes in areas with thicker overburden sediments.
Region of in-cohesive, permeable sand ranging from 20-200 feet thick. Small cover subsidence sinkholes dominate, with less-common collapse sinkholes forming in areas with clayey overburden sediments.
Region of cohesive, low-permeability clayey sediments 30 to 200 feet thick. Abruptly-forming collapse sinkholes dominate. The size of these sinkholes depends upon the thickness and bearing properties of the overburden sediments.
Region of deeply-buried carbonate rocks. Overburden sediments are primarily cohesive clayey sand and inter-bedded carbonates in excess of 200 feet thick. Sinkholes are uncommon, but rare deep collapse types and small subsidence sinkholes formed in shallow shell beds or carbonate lenses are possible.
