Highlands County, FL FAQs

Is Highlands County Florida A Good Place to Live?

Highlands County, FL

Highlands County is located in the Heartland Florida region consisting of five other central inland counties (DeSoto, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, and Okeechobee). This county was formed in 1921 along with Hardee, Glades, and Charlotte as the 1920s Florida land boom was gaining traction.

Highlands was so named after the elevated terrain of its land territory which sprawls at 1,017 square miles. The county’s area also features 89 square miles of water accounted for by several large lakes and extensive river systems. The Kissimmee River bounds Highlands on the east, while Lake Istokpoga, the county’s largest lake, spreads from the middle to the eastern side of the county. Two canals—an inflow and an outflow—notably link this lake to the Kissimmee River.

Towns and Cities

Sebring is Highlands’ county seat and largest city, which was founded in 1912. It is known as the city on the circle and was named after a local pioneer, George Sebring. He conceptualized the circular plan that served as the focal point of the development of this city on the southern shores of Lake Wales Ridge.

Another city, Avon Park, the town of Lake Placid, plus 13 unincorporated communities constitute all of Highlands County. Among the pride of local residents is the Sebring International Raceway which hosts the sports car racing championship 12 Hours of Sebring. Another popular destination nearby is the Highlands Hammock State Park.

Prospective home buyers looking for dramatic residential views in Highlands County would be well-advised to prowl around Lake Placid. This community is located on the east flank of a high ridge of U.S. 27 beside its namesake lake. Downtown Lake Placid likewise stands out with the striking murals painted on the walls of its buildings, some covering several stories of the structures.

For a nostalgic 1940s community environment, the place to settle would be Avon Park. It also draws home buyers with its water-based recreational activities in Lake Verona which dominates the area between Highway 64 and the vast grounds of the Avon Park Shuffleboard Courts.

Total Community Package

The quality of living in Highlands County is further enhanced by local business and economic opportunities. Commercial enterprises thrive in this county because of its central Florida location providing strategic linkages with many of the state’s metro markets. Given this market connectivity advantage, operating costs are between 12 and 15 percent lower in Highlands compared with its neighboring business centers. Specific ventures that flock to this county are focused on agriculture, healthcare, logistics and distribution, aviation, manufacturing and information technology.

Business locators can bank on a robust, regional workforce of 125,000 in Highlands County, as well as a talent pipeline of over than 22,000 students. These assets are matched with quality infrastructure and a hospitable business climate with plenty of incentives and no impact fees. The county likewise provides a foreign trade zone, in addition to its picturesque and peaceful hometowns like Sebring, Avon Park and Lake Placid, that all combine to create form a perfect template bringing growth not only to businesses but also residential communities.

References:

Visit Florida highlights

Sebring

Lake Placid

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Are there any Highlands County, sinkhole news?

LAKE PLACID, FL
Aug 2012 – A sinkhole formed near the Eastern Mountain Sports store on Main Street and swept some lakeside equipment into Mirror Lake.

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Find Nearby Foreclosures

Central Florida’s unique geology makes the ground unstable often. The area sits on porous limestone bedrock, a key feature of karst landscapes. This rock structure lets water erode underground, causing sudden collapses on the surface.

A 2008 Florida Geological Survey study found 143 reported sinkhole incidents. These were in places like Sebring and Lake Placid. The study showed that water flow near the Arbuckle Creek Basin speeds up rock dissolution.

Karst-related formations caused 78% of the sinkholes in the study area. These happen when limestone is close to the surface, within 50 feet. Records show that sinkholes often occur in areas with changes in water levels and land use.

Geologists say it’s key to watch the thickness of clay layers and groundwater acidity. These factors affect the risk of sinkholes in certain areas. Today, we can track small changes in the ground with advanced technology, warning us of possible sinkholes.

Recent & Notable Sinkhole Incidents / Case Studies

Highlands County has seen a lot of sinkholes over 20 years. From 2003 to 2023, many sinkholes showed how prone the area is to ground collapses. Two big cases show how sinkholes affect buildings and keep people safe.

A 2008 Avon Park sinkhole damaged a road near Lake Glenada. The Florida Crash Incident Tracking (FCIT) said fixing it cost $287,000. Crews used 470 tons of gravel and asphalt to fill a 35-foot-wide hole, showing the big effort needed to fix sinkholes.

In February 2023, a sinkhole appeared near the Highlands-Polk County line. It was 8 feet wide and 20 feet deep, close to homes. Surveys found that the limestone beneath was unstable, like in many parts of Central Florida.

Location	Timeframe	Incidents	Depth Range
Lorida Vicinity	2015–2023	18 verified	3–22 ft
Sebring Area	2003–2023	27 reported	5–35 ft

Florida’s Department of Environmental Protection found three big sinkholes in Lorida. They were all over 15 feet deep and near farms. The farming might make the limestone dissolve faster.

Sebring’s sinkholes often happen during rainy seasons. A 2021 report said there was a 40% rise in sinkhole reports after storms. This shows why we need to keep watching the ground in places with lots of people.

Recent sinkholes remind us of the need to know about Highlands County’s history with sinkholes. Even though no one died, the damage has cost over $4.2 million. This is based on insurance claims from 2003 to now.

Risk Factors & What Homeowners Should Do

Reducing sinkhole risks in Highlands County starts with proactive steps. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection suggests quarterly foundation checks. This helps catch early signs of ground movement.

Polk County’s 2023 geotechnical protocols include dielectric logs and ground-penetrating radar. These methods are also useful in Highlands County. They help identify underground issues.

Watching local water tables through USGS gauges is key. Sudden changes in water levels can signal trouble. Homeowners should check their insurance to make sure it covers sinkhole damage.

Professional property damage assessments are vital when cracks or drainage problems show up. This ensures accurate damage evaluation.

Highlands County FL sinkhole insurance needs careful review. Standard policies often don’t cover earth movement. Licensed inspectors use tests like resistivity to find weak spots.

Polk County’s recent upgrades show the value of working with geologists. This teamwork makes communities safer and more resilient.

Keeping records of your property’s condition each year is important. It helps when you might need to file a claim. If you live near karst areas, make sure to keep water away from your foundation. Fixing drainage problems early can save money and prevent dangers.

FAQ

What geological factors make Highlands County prone to sinkholes?

Highlands County’s limestone bedrock is very porous. This makes it prone to sinkholes. The Florida Geological Survey found 143 sinkhole incidents here, mostly near the Arbuckle Creek Basin.

How does Florida differentiate between true sinkholes and infrastructure collapses?

The Florida Geological Survey checks for sinkholes by analyzing the bedrock and the shape of depressions. Infrastructure failures are caused by human actions like drainage problems. Karst-related collapses have unique signs like sediment chimneys in limestone.

What recent sinkhole events demonstrate ongoing risks in the region?

A 2023 sinkhole in Polk County near Highlands was 8ft wide and 20ft deep. It showed old collapse patterns. FDEP’s map shows 18 sinkholes near Lorida in 5 years, with three over 15ft deep. The 2008 Avon Park sinkhole cost 7,000 to fix.

What proactive measures do geologists recommend for Highlands County homeowners?

Geologists suggest regular foundation checks and watching USGS water levels. They also recommend subsurface drainage systems. Polk County uses special tools like dielectric logs for underground checks before building.

How does Florida Statute 627.7073 affect sinkhole insurance coverage?

This law requires insurance for “catastrophic ground cover collapse” that meets certain standards. Policyholders must show foundation damage from underground voids. Claims need a licensed engineer’s approval under Chapter 627.

Where are sinkhole clusters concentrated in Highlands County?

FDEP data shows more sinkholes near the Arbuckle Creek Basin and Lake Istokpoga’s west side. Sebring has 32 cases, and Lake Placid has 19 linked to its shallow water table.

Sinkholes in Highlands County, FL | Florida Sinkholes