A resident in Pinellas County, situated on Florida’s Gulf Coast, is taking unconventional measures to shield her home from flooding. She is elevating her house 24 feet high following damage from repeated storms. This initiative, reported by Tampa’s WFLA News Channel 8, showcases the lengths Floridians are employing to counteract intensifying hurricanes and rising flood risks.
Florida homeowners are increasingly choosing to elevate their homes instead of abandoning them. Rising insurance costs and recurrent storm damage are significant factors influencing this trend.
Pinellas County, surrounded by water on three sides, has one of the highest concentrations of properties in FEMA-designated flood zones in the United States, according to local floodplain data.
A Rare Home Elevation
The homeowner, who wishes to remain anonymous, chose to lift her house following floods during the 2024 hurricane season. The period saw multiple destructive storms, notably Hurricanes Helene and Milton, causing widespread floods and storm surges across the state. This resulted in tens of thousands of insurance claims and losses reaching billions of dollars.
The Pinellas County home, reportedly in Madeira Beach, is notable for its elevation height. Kristi Robinson from Modern House and Building Movers, the company managing the project, told WFLA that most edifices are raised to much lower heights.
TYPICALLY, WE DO 12 TO 14 FEET, SOMETIMES 10. BUT 24 FEET, THIS IS THE FIRST, ROBINSON SAID.
The house’s elevation is intended not only for flood prevention but also to accommodate an additional floor. The overall process spanned about a year and a half, from contract signing and permitting to the commencement of work. The physical lift began in February and concluded in April, according to WFLA.
The procedure involves erecting structural columns around the house, installing beams, and gradually lifting the structure before removing temporary supports.
Project Costs and Timeline
The homeowner disclosed to WFLA that the elevation alone cost approximately $575,000. Additional work, such as new walls, flooring, stucco, and paint, is still incomplete, with project completion anticipated by December.
Robinson remarked that despite the substantial cost, the investment underscores a commitment to preserving neighborhood 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. 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 Hurricanes and Flooding
This elevation effort follows a notably destructive era for the state. In 2024, Hurricanes Helene and Milton impacted the Gulf Coast consecutively, delivering powerful storm surges, heavy rainfall, and even tornado outbreaks.
The combined effects of these storms led to more than 78,000 flood insurance claims, with potential losses surpassing $10 billion.
Data from the National Hurricane Center shows that storm surge and flooding, rather than wind, are the primary causes of hurricane-related fatalities and damage. Therefore, elevating homes becomes crucial for risk mitigation.
Community Reactions
The elevation project in Pinellas County sparked varied reactions on social media platform X.
- @garydruckercic, a commercial insurance broker, stated, SMART MOVE. I ALWAYS TELL MY FLORIDA CLIENTS TO LIFT THE HOUSE FIRST AND CALL THE INSURANCE COMPANY SECOND. THAT IS SOUND ADVICE.
- Peter Draschman, a Florida realtor, highlighted possible FEMA assistance, remarking, THAT’S WILD! FEMA COULD HAVE PAID UP TO 100 PERCENT TO ELEVATE THIS HOME.
- @jzell2285, a microbiologist, questioned local ordinances, stating, I CAN’T IMAGINE LOCAL ORDINANCES WILL ALLOW THAT? BUILDING CODES AND SUCH.
- Dan McGrath (@IRMAARetirement), expressed concerns about future accessibility, noting, NO ONE EVER PLANS FOR THE FUTURE. HOW WILL THIS HOMEOWNER NAVIGATE THE STAIRS WHEN THEY ARE OLDER?
- @ChaosCruxFL, shared an image of another raised home and speculated on its purpose, noting, THEY ARE DOING THIS TO STORE RVS UNDERNEATH. THERE ARE SEVERAL ON MADEIRA BEACH LIKE THIS.
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