The applicability of the florida mandatory endorsement for sinkhole collapse coverage. Part II. Case history: Foundation settlement of a residential structure—was it a sinkhole?

Abstract

The Winter Park sinkhole created publicity for sinkhole activity in the state of Florida. In fact, Florida requires insurance companies to provide sinkhole coverage to residential homeowners However, to receive payment on a sinkhole claim, the homeowner must have sustained “sinkhole loss” according to the definition presented in Florida statue §627 706

In this article, the author presents an analysis used to evaluate the applicability of the Florida Mandatory Endorsement for Sinkhole Collapse Coverage clause taken from Florida statute §627 706 for a residence located in Lakeland, Florida. Pertinent geologic and hydrologic information was reviewed, borings were drilled, laboratory tests were performed, and groundwater was monitored during the author's investigation. From the investigation, the author concluded that, although the residence was generally within an ancient sinkhole, the foundation settlement appeared to be influenced by compression of a peat layer found under part of the residence. It appears the compression of the peat occurred because of the induced loading on the peat from (1) seasonal groundwater fluctuation, (2) the structural loading of the residence on the foundation soils, and (3) the placement of fill before construction of the house Consequently, the Florida Mandatory Endorsement for Sinkhole Collapse Coverage clause was not applicable.