How storms affect homes in South Florida

These three articles discuss how environmental changes, specifically storms and flooding, affect homes in South Florida. They describe the consequences both on housing structures and the real estate market. From studies about sinking buildings to the increasing consideration of climate risks in real estate pricing, these shared themes highlight South Florida's struggle with environmental changes.

Read the stories below.

Dr. Meghan Martin’s home in St. Petersburg was gutted after Hurricane Helene flooded her floors with water from the bay. Martin is moving on plans to raise her home 12 feet. By Ashley Miznazi

NO. 1: A TIKTOKER’S FLORIDA HOME FLOODED 3 TIMES IN 4 YEARS. NOW, SHE’S RAISING IT BY 12 FEET

Even at about $400,000, Dr. Meghan Martin said it’s the easiest and most affordable option she has. | Published October 17, 2024 | Read Full Story by Denise Hruby

Aerial view of high-rises along Collins Avenue in Sunny Isles, Florida, June, 2021. Photo by Pedro Portal

NO. 2: SUNNY ISLES BUILDINGS ’100 PERCENT SAFE’ BUT CITY REVIEWING THEM IN WAKE OF SINKING STUDY

Too much construction, too much load on sand, and too much water could all play a role | Published December 17, 2024 | Read Full Story by Denise Hruby

Despite a ‘rain bomb’ that flooded this home in the Edgewood neighborhood of Fort Lauderdale in April 2023, property values there have largely rebounded in the months since. By Matias J. Ocner

NO. 3: CLIMATE CHANGE IS COMING FOR FLORIDA’S REAL ESTATE. WHY DON’T PRICES REFLECT IT?

So far, property values have remained remarkably resilient to flood risks – more resilient than many of the actual homes. | Published May 6, 2025 | Read Full Story by Alex Harris

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.