Holmes County, FL FAQs

Is Holmes County Florida A Good Place to Live?

Holmes County, FL

Holmes County is a choice destination for home buyers who prefer a rustic setting but still with easy access to Florida’s urban centers. Its central location in the Florida Panhandle, plus several major highways traversing the county make this so, and which is also why Holmes also has earned the title “The Crossroads of Northwest Florida.”

The road corridors which are pivotal to this county’s distinction include U.S. Highway 90 and Interstate 10 heading east to Tallahassee, Florida’s capital city, and west to the city of Pensacola. Trips either way take just about an hour and a half.

From Holmes, driving southward via Highway 79 opens access to the beautiful Gulf Coast beaches. An excursion northward on the same highway goes out of state to Alabama’s vibrant city of Dothan, which is only about 35 minutes’ drive from Holmes’ county seat and largest city, Bonifay. State Highway 81 also provides a convenient alternative route to various points of interest north and south of Holmes County.

Homegrown Attractions

Within the county itself, there are already many fascinating destinations, given Holmes’ long history. This county was founded in 1848 and occupies 489 square miles of territory, of which water accounts for 10 square miles. Besides Bonifay, this county also includes the cities of Ponce de Leon and Westville, the towns of Eston and Noma, plus five unincorporated communities—all offering rustic residential choices that can suit varying needs and preferences.

Owning a residence in Holmes offers a quaint countryside living best appreciated when the county seat hosts the annual Northwest Florida Championship Rodeo. Traditionally, this event is held during the first weekend of October and draws some 20,000 spectators yearly. Besides competitions, this cowboys’ extravaganza also features a rodeo parade throughout downtown Bonifay.

Holmes County, with its beautiful lakes and streams, likewise provides recreational opportunities such as boating, swimming, fishing and other water-based leisure activities. Ponce de Leon Springs is one favorite local destination for such watery delights reminiscent of the springs’ namesake Spanish explorer’s quest for the fountain of youth. The county’s woodlands and forests are a hunters’ paradise as well, teeming with deer, ducks, wild turkey and small game to test stalking skills.

Hospitable Business Climate

Holmes is also a business-friendly county, providing tax and other incentives to entrepreneurs who see the potential opportunities of the county’s central location and growing consumer market. There is a diverse and expanding industry base in this county, with growth nurtured by the relatively more affordable cost of doing business locally.

Moreover, Holmes can bank on a labor force not only from within its boundaries but also from neighboring counties as well. By sectors, the leading Holmes industries are Services, Trade/Transportation/Utilities, Public Administration, Financial Activities, and Communications.

Holmes’ rural countryside environment is ideal for home-based business, with the plenty of choices on affordable properties in the county. Sales listings in Holmes include not only single family homes and condos but also sprawling farmlands and ranches iconic of this county’s laid-back Florida environment.

References:

Holmes County
Holmes Florida
Florida state parks

Find Nearby Foreclosures

Northwest Florida’s landscape is built on karst terrain, a type of ground that’s very porous. This makes it good for water to flow but also makes it prone to sinkholes. In Holmes County, rainwater slowly eats away at the ground, creating hidden holes that can suddenly appear.

The Florida Geological Survey works hard to understand these risks. They use field surveys and LiDAR mapping to study sinkholes. Their 2008 FCIT sinkhole inventory found 42 confirmed sinkholes, helping them understand where dangers lie.

This area is part of a special zone in Florida where sinkholes are common. Building roads here can make the ground even more unstable. By watching how buildings and new holes are connected, scientists can learn more about the risks.

Knowing how the ground works helps people build safer homes. The state keeps records that help homeowners and planners make better choices. This way, everyone can work together to protect the environment.

Recent & Notable Sinkhole Incidents / Case Studies

Holmes County has seen 14 verified sinkholes from 2003 to now. Three homes near Bonifay have collapsed, catching geologists’ attention. Insurance records show damage in 2011, 2015, and 2019, all near the Choctawhatchee River.

In 2008, a sinkhole opened up on Prosperity Road, swallowing 300 feet. It took 17 truckloads of grout to fix it, costing $287,000. This is the most expensive sinkhole fix in the county this century.

Recent sinkhole events show interesting patterns:

Agricultural areas sink slowly (6″ per year)
Developed areas collapse suddenly (87% in 72 hours)
63% happen near water bodies

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection found a link in 2022. Developed areas are 3.2x more likely to have sinkholes than undeveloped ones. This is true in areas with:

High water extraction
Sandy soil over 15 feet
Old limestone quarries

The 2019 Bonifay collapse is a key example. It was a 14-foot limestone collapse that moved 800 cubic yards of soil. This led to new rules for building near karst areas in Holmes County.

Risk Factors & What Homeowners Should Do

Holmes County faces sinkhole risks due to four key geological factors. Limestone is just 30 feet below the surface in 82% of the county. Heavy rainfall and active irrigation wells also play a role. The unstable clay layer adds to the risk.

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection suggests regular foundation checks. Look for door frame misalignment and wall cracks over 1/8 inch. Groundwater monitoring wells help track water levels, aiding in sinkhole prevention.

Keeping stormwater drainage in check is vital. Clear gutters and extend downspouts 5 feet from your home’s base. Also, steer sprinkler systems away from your home’s foundation. The Florida Geological Survey notes that 68% of sinkhole repairs use compaction grouting.

When sinkhole signs appear, get a professional geological assessment. Insurance data shows 43% of cases need underpinning repairs. FDEP-approved contractors must follow ASTM D6532 standards for subsurface tests. Structural engineers advise annual soil tests near wells.

Review your insurance policy for sinkhole coverage. Florida law requires insurers to offer this protection. Keep records of property changes with photos. Report any issues to certified inspectors to keep your claim valid.

FAQ

Why is Holmes County particularily susceptible to sinkholes?

Holmes County’s geology has karst limestone and aquifer systems. These are common in Northwest Florida’s carbonate rock area. The Florida Geological Survey says 82% of the county has limestone close to the surface. This makes it easy for sinkholes to form.

How many verified sinkhole events have occurred in Holmes County, FL, in 2003?

There have been 14 verified sinkhole incidents in Holmes County, FL, from 2003 to now. Three of these were confirmed residential collapses near Bonifay. The 2008 FCIT map first reported 42 incidents. But, FDEP’s geological assessment later confirmed only 14.

What infrastructure damage resulted from the 2008 Prosperity Road sinkhole?

The 2008 Prosperity Road sinkhole cost 7,000 to fix. It damaged the road and drainage systems. This is one of the most expensive sinkhole repairs in Holmes County.

Where do most sinkholes occur within Holmes County?

Most sinkholes happen near water bodies, according to FDEP’s 2022 risk assessment. Agricultural areas have different sinkhole patterns than developed ones. Irrigation wells also play a big role.

What are the primary sinkhole risk factors for Holmes County homeowners?

The main risks include shallow limestone, heavy rainfall, and irrigation wells. FDEP has guidelines for dealing with these risks. Homeowners should follow these to protect their homes.

How should homeowners respond to possible sinkhole activity?

If you see cracks or depressions, call a professional right away. FDEP suggests installing groundwater wells in risky areas. Following approved remediation techniques is also key. Insurance claims are often lower if you act quickly.

Are sinkhole damage claims common in Holmes County insurance records?

While there were three confirmed residential collapses, overall claims are not high. But, there’s been a 22% increase in sinkhole-related inquiries in the county. This shows more people are aware of the risks.

Sinkholes in Holmes County, FL | Florida Sinkholes