Q&A: Why Sinkholes Form in Florida

Sections of a building at a resort near Orlando’s theme park district collapsed into a sinkhole on Aug. 12, forcing the evacuation of 105 guests in the structure and also dozens of visitors staying in two adjacent three-story buildings. Sinkholes are as much a part of the Florida landscape as palm trees and alligators. Florida has more of them than any state in the nation. Earlier this year, a man near Tampa died when a sinkhole opened up underneath his bedroom. Experts say sinkholes aren’t occurring at a greater rate than usual but that the high-profile nature of recent one in populated areas has drawn attention to them. There also has been a rise in sinkhole claims in Florida, but insurance officials believe some of those claims are questionable. Here are some answers about why sinkholes form and their costs.