Homeowner Elevates House to Avoid Flooding in Florida

A homeowner in Pinellas County on Florida’s Gulf Coast decided to raise her house 24 feet high to avoid future flooding problems after suffering repeated storm damage. This initiative, reported by Tampa’s WFLA News Channel 8, underlines a trend where more Florida homeowners choose elevation over relocation due to increasing storms and flooding risks.

Pinellas County is known for its high number of properties in FEMA-designated flood zones, as it is surrounded on three sides by water. This particular homeowner, who wished to remain anonymous, opted to elevate her home following floods during the 2024 hurricane season. Hurricanes Helene and Milton contributed significantly to storm surge and flooding, leading to numerous insurance claims and substantial financial losses throughout Florida.

A Rare 24-Foot Home Lift

The house, reportedly located in Madeira Beach, is notable for its 24-foot elevation. Kristi Robinson of Modern House and Building Movers stated to WFLA that the usual elevation is much less. “Typically, we do 12 to 14 feet, sometimes 10. But 24 feet, this is the first,” said Robinson. The added height is also meant for a second-floor addition.

The entire process began from contract signing to permitting, taking about a year and a half before actual work commenced. The physical lifting started in February and concluded by April, as reported by WFLA. It involved constructing structural columns, installing beams, and gradually raising the house before removing temporary supports. Robinson explained the method: “They will go in and they will form columns around this house… then they’ll build the beams, and then they’ll start removing the columns.”

Cost and Timeline

The homeowner reported to WFLA that the elevation alone cost around $575,000. Additional renovations, such as new walls, flooring, stucco, and paint, are still ongoing, with a completion aim by December. Despite the cost, Robinson remarked that this investment serves to preserve community 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,” Robinson stated. She added, “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.”

Hurricanes and Flooding Driving Change

This elevation project follows a destructive period for Florida. In 2024, Hurricanes Helene and Milton hit the Gulf Coast with storm surges, heavy rain, and tornado outbreaks. These events resulted in over 78,000 flood insurance claims, with potential losses exceeding $10 billion.

According to the National Hurricane Center, storm surge and flooding account for most hurricane-related deaths and damage, making home elevation a vital measure for risk reduction.

What People Are Saying

The Pinellas County project initiated discussions online. User @garydruckercic, a commercial insurance broker, commented: “Smart move. I always tell my Florida clients to lift the house first and call the insurance company second. That is just sound advice.”

Peter Draschman, a Florida realtor, noted: “That’s wild! FEMA could have paid up to 100 percent to elevate this home. If the owner had 4 NFIP claims in a 10-year window, they could have been approved for the Flood Mitigation Assistance program.”

User @jzell2285, a microbiologist, expressed skepticism: “I can’t imagine local ordinances will allow that? Building codes n such. I’m guessing the pallets are just temporary while they put the real supports in?”

Dan McGrath (@IRMAARetirement), an author and financial planner, raised a concern: “No one ever plans for the future. How will this homeowner navigate the stairs when they are older?”

User @ChaosCruxFL shared an image of another elevated home, suggesting: “They are doing this to store RV’s underneath, there are several on Madeira Beach like this.”