Florida sinkhole incident: What happened and what you need to know

When a sinkhole, a sudden collapse of the ground caused by underground erosion, often in limestone-rich areas. Also known as ground collapse, it can swallow cars, homes, and even roads in seconds. opens up in Florida, it’s not science fiction—it’s geology. Florida’s bedrock is mostly limestone, which dissolves over time when water flows through it. This creates empty spaces underground. When the surface layer can’t hold up anymore, it gives way. That’s a sinkhole. And yes, they happen here more than anywhere else in the U.S.

One of the most famous Florida sinkhole incident, a 2013 event in Seffner that swallowed a man whole while he slept. Also known as the Jeff Bush sinkhole, it shocked the nation because it was so sudden and deadly. Not every sinkhole is that dramatic. Most are small, appear in backyards or along roads, and cause minor damage. But when they do hit, they’re unpredictable. The state has over 2,000 reported sinkholes every decade. Some form slowly over years. Others appear overnight after heavy rain or a burst pipe. That’s why Florida homeowners often get sinkhole insurance—it’s not optional in high-risk zones like Pasco, Hernando, or Hillsborough counties.

What makes Florida different? It’s not just the rock. It’s the water. Heavy rainfall, frequent storms, and groundwater pumping all speed up the process. Even something as simple as a leaking sprinkler system can trigger a collapse. And while theme parks and vacation rentals dominate headlines, the real story is what’s happening under your feet. A sinkhole doesn’t care if you’re on vacation or living here full-time. It just needs the right mix of water, soil, and time.

You’ll find posts here that cover related topics—from how to spot early signs of ground movement to what your insurance actually covers when a sinkhole hits. Some posts talk about Florida’s geology in plain terms. Others show real cases where families had to evacuate or rebuild. There’s even advice on how to check if your property is in a high-risk zone, without paying for a costly survey. These aren’t just warnings—they’re practical steps anyone living in or visiting Florida should know.

So if you’ve heard about a Florida sinkhole incident on the news and wondered, "Could this happen to me?"—you’re not alone. The answers aren’t in Hollywood movies. They’re in the ground beneath you, and in the real stories from people who’ve lived through it. Below, you’ll find guides that break it all down: how to protect yourself, what to do after a collapse, and how to tell if your yard is quietly sinking.