Florida Homeowner Elevates House to Mitigate Flooding Risk

A resident in Pinellas County on Florida’s Gulf Coast is taking a bold step to prevent future flooding by lifting her home 24 feet above ground. This decision follows repeated storm damage and highlights the lengths many Floridians are going to as they face intensifying hurricanes and increased flood risks.

This action represents a broader trend in Florida. Homeowners are choosing to elevate their properties instead of abandoning them due to escalating insurance costs and recurring storm damage. Pinellas County, surrounded by water on three sides, holds one of the highest concentrations of properties located in FEMA-designated flood zones, according to local floodplain data.

A Rare 24-Foot Home Lift

Located in Madeira Beach, the property stands out due to its significant elevation height. Usually, house elevations range between 10 to 14 feet. However, Kristi Robinson from Modern House and Building Movers, the company managing the project, explained that lifting a house to 24 feet was unprecedented for them. The considerable height is also part of a plan to add a second floor.

The project was extensive, spanning about 18 months from contract signing to permitting before construction began. The actual lifting process started in February and finished by April. The method involved building structural columns around the house, installing beams, and slowly raising the building while removing the temporary supports. Robinson described the process: “They will form columns around the house, build the beams, and then start removing the columns.”

Cost and Timeline

The homeowner reported to WFLA that the elevation itself cost approximately $575,000, and there is still additional work in progress, including new walls, flooring, stucco, and painting. The entire project aims to conclude by December.

Despite the high cost, Robinson noted that many residents wish to preserve their community’s character while enhancing safety. She mentioned, “Many of these homes are the ones they grew up in, and they want to remain there. This approach allows them to do so while ensuring safety in future flooding events.”

Hurricanes and Flooding Driving Change

This home elevation project comes after a challenging period for Florida, marked by highly destructive hurricanes. In 2024, Hurricanes Helene and Milton hit the Gulf Coast back to back, causing strong storm surges, heavy rain, and tornado outbreaks. The aftermath of these storms resulted in over 78,000 flood insurance claims, with potential losses over $10 billion.

According to the National Hurricane Center, storm surges and flooding, rather than winds, account for the majority of hurricane-related fatalities and damage, making elevation an effective strategy for reducing risk.

Public Reaction

The elevation project has stirred conversations on social media. Gary Drucker, a commercial insurance broker, commented that lifting a house is a smart move before engaging with insurance companies. Realtor Peter Draschman pointed out that FEMA might cover some costs if certain conditions are met, like multiple claims within a decade under the NFIP.

Another user questioned compliance with local ordinances, assuming the pallets are temporary supports. Dan McGrath commented on future considerations, such as the homeowner’s ability to manage stairs as they age. Meanwhile, others noted similar projects used for practical purposes like storing RVs under elevated homes.