Osceola County Sinkhole, FL

Central Florida’s landscape has a secret story beneath its surface. Under Osceola County, a thick layer of limestone dissolves slowly. This happens because of natural water movement. It leads to the karst terrain that causes sinkholes in the area.

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection points out three main reasons for sinkholes. These are acidic groundwater, rock structures that let water pass through, and changes in the water table with the seasons. Studies show that areas like Kissimmee and Saint Cloud are more prone to sinkholes. This is because the limestone is closer to the surface there.

Recent studies have found clear patterns in how stable the ground is. Places with shallow limestone are more likely to sink. But, these studies don’t consider how human actions like pumping too much water or building can also affect the ground.

Local officials use data from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to watch for changes in the karst landscape. But, experts say there are big challenges ahead. “Natural erosion takes a long time,” says a state geologist, “but human actions can make the ground move much faster.” This is very important for people who live in Florida to know about the risks to their properties.

Recent & Notable Sinkhole Incidents / Case Studies

From 2008 to 2025, Osceola County saw a big jump in sinkhole cases. The worst happened in July 2025 in Kissimmee, FL. A huge sinkhole, 32 feet deep, formed under McLaren Circle.

Engineers quickly found problems with two homes. They said the buildings were unsafe. WESH 2 News reported the sinkhole grew to 85 feet wide, forcing 17 families to leave.

People noticed big changes fast. They said “floor tiles separating overnight” and “doors jamming against warped frames”. The city put in steel beams to help, then told people to leave.

The county quickly gave $4.2 million for studies and help moving people.

Florida Center for Insurance Trends (FCIT) found three areas with lots of sinkholes:

• Poinciana: 14 verified karst events (2008-2025)
• Buena Ventura Lakes: 9 incidents with mixed infrastructure/subsidence causes
• Narcoossee: 5 cases linked to aging stormwater systems

Experts say some sinkholes are natural, while others are caused by humans. The 2025 Kissimmee sinkhole was natural, with clear signs of karst. But in 2021, a sinkhole near Neptune Road was caused by a sewer problem, found with radar.

Now, Osceola County checks properties near sinkholes. This rule came after the McLaren Circle disaster. The damage cost $8.9 million, according to insurance records.

Risk Factors & What Homeowners Should Do

Osceola County is at high risk for sinkholes because of Florida’s limestone bedrock and changing water levels. Signs include sudden holes in the ground, cracks in foundations, or cloudy well water. It’s important to tell the difference between sinkholes and septic system failures, which smell bad but don’t cloud the water.

Call the Florida Geological Survey Helpline at (850-245-2118) if you think you have a sinkhole. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection says to take photos of any changes and not try to fix it yourself. Insurance will cover the cost of fixing it if a geologist says it’s needed.

For small holes, filling them with clean sand is a good idea. But using mulch or trash can pollute the water and cause more damage. It’s best to get help from certified contractors for more serious problems.

Checking your home’s exterior walls, pools, and irrigation systems often can help find problems early. In Florida, it’s better to prevent sinkholes than to fix them after they happen. Keeping an eye on your home is the best way to stay safe.

• Author
• Recent Posts

Sinkholemaps.com Team

We are a team passionate about providing sinkhole related information to the public.

Latest posts by Sinkholemaps.com Team (see all)

• Wayne County Sinkhole KY - September 29, 2025
• Woodford County Sinkhole KY - September 29, 2025
• Washington County Sinkhole KY - September 29, 2025