Florida Homeowner Elevates House to Avoid Flooding

A homeowner in Pinellas County, located along Florida’s Gulf Coast, has decided to raise her home 24 feet to prevent future flood damage. This significant project underscores the growing efforts by Floridians to adapt to the increasing threat of hurricanes and rising flood risks. Many homeowners across the state are choosing to elevate their properties instead of abandoning them, driven by the rising costs of insurance and recurring storm damage.

Efforts in Pinellas County

Pinellas County, surrounded by water on three sides, has a high concentration of properties in FEMA-designated flood zones. Local floodplain data confirms this. The property owner decided on this costly endeavor after her home flooded during the 2024 hurricane season, marked by destructive storms like Hurricanes Helene and Milton, which caused significant storm surge and flooding across Florida. These events led to numerous insurance claims and financial losses.

The Pinellas County home, reportedly in Madeira Beach, stands out due to its elevation height.

A Unique 24-Foot Elevation

Kristi Robinson of Modern House and Building Movers, the company responsible for the project, mentioned that most homes they elevate rise 10 to 14 feet. “But 24 feet, this is the first,” Robinson shared with Tampa’s WFLA News Channel 8. The tall design is partially driven by plans to add a second floor. The project took a year and a half from the signing of the contract to the issuance of permits before actual work commenced. The physical lifting began in February and concluded in April.

The method involved constructing columns around the house, installing beams, gradually raising the building, and then removing the temporary columns. Robinson explained, “They will go in and they will form columns around this house… then they’ll build the beams, and then they’ll start removing the columns.”

Financial Implications and Community Impact

The homeowner revealed that the elevation alone cost around $575,000. Additional work is still pending, including walls, flooring, stucco, and paint. The project is set for completion by December. Despite the expenses, Robinson expressed that the investment preserves community character while enhancing safety. “A lot of these homes are homes they grew up in… they want to stay in their home. This is an option where they can stay,” she said.

Robinson added, “We want to see homes and safety… when or if we ever do have a flood again, they won’t have a problem with that.”

Impact of Recent Hurricanes

Florida has faced a challenging period with hurricanes recently. In 2024, Hurricanes Helene and Milton significantly impacted the Gulf Coast, bringing storm surge, rainfall, and tornado outbreaks. The combined effects led to over 78,000 flood insurance claims, with estimated losses possibly surpassing $10 billion. The National Hurricane Center states that storm surge and flooding, more than wind, account for the majority of hurricane-related deaths and damage, making elevation a crucial risk-reduction strategy.

Public Reactions

The elevation project in Pinellas County has prompted discussions among users on social media. User @garydruckercic, a commercial insurance broker, commented: “Smart move. I always tell my Florida clients to lift the house first and call the insurance company second.” Peter Draschman, a Florida realtor, noted that FEMA could have funded the elevation. User @jzell2285 questioned the local ordinances and construction process, while Dan McGrath (@IRMAARetirement) expressed concerns about future accessibility regarding stairs for older homeowners.

Sharing an image of an elevated home, @ChaosCruxFL noted that some residents use the space underneath for RV storage, as seen on Madeira Beach.

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