Holey Florida! 9 facts about sinkholes

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  1. Sinkholes are typically caused naturally because of the bedrock and the rapid dissolution of carbonate rocks.
  2. Sinkholes can form gradually or suddenly, even without warning.
    1. Your windows and doors suddenly not closing properly.
    2. Cavities developing in your yard/gardens.
    3. Weird noises your home may be making as the ground moves or settles.
  3. Sinkhole insurance is offered in Florida.
  4. Springs and other bodies of water can contribute to the forming of sinkholes.
  5. Sinkholes are nearly impossible to predict.
  6. Sinkholes can form when the rain and floodwaters brought by hurricanes start to recede.
  7. Failure of pipes can cause depressions. Depressions are not necessarily sinkholes but can lead the ground to collapse.
  8. A sinkhole can be repaired if caught early. Like a tooth cavity, grout can be injected into the hole, rebuilding a foundation over the degrading limestone.

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