A Method of Quantifying Sinkhole Risk

The State of Florida has developed statutes that provide the most comprehensive set of rules and regulations for the investigation of sinkholes. These rules are more comprehensive than those developed by any other state. However, an unexpected consequence of the statute is confusion in the interpretation of subsurface conditions as they relate to sinkhole claims. An example is provided of the typical abuse that occurs in the use of the Florida Statute and a solution is presented in a method for quantifying sinkhole risk by ranking sites into three categories corresponding to a sinkhole risk score. This method is intended to reduce some of the problems that have caused unprecedented increases in the cost of Florida sinkhole insurance.