South Florida has enjoyed a condominium boom in recent years. In fact, more than 200 new residential towers have been proposed near the Atlantic coast since mid-2011 alone. And, about 50 high-rises have been completed or have at least broken ground during that time. While the draw of living on the South Florida coastline needs no explanation, as hurricane season begins some are voicing concerns about these buildings being in storm paths.
Florida has enjoyed eight years free of hurricanes, but the state is nonetheless the riskiest in the nation in terms of storm damage. And, with the coastal damage that Hurricane Sandy brought to the New York area still fresh on everyone’s minds, it is difficult not to think of South Florida in terms of what-ifs.
Insurance companies and other organizations have formed a coalition to discourage further high-rise developments in areas that could be ripe for hurricane devastation.
“The reality is, on balance, the state is in a worse position in terms of sensible decisions about building and putting things in harm’s way in the coastal area,” Charles Lee of the Florida Audubon Society recently told the Claims Journal.
What do you think? Does Florida need to rethink its coastline development priorities? It sure is a complicated issue.
Of course, it is important for the state of Florida to focus on preventing the devastating losses that hurricanes and storms can cause. At the same time, hurricanes are a fact of life in the Sunshine State, so in many ways all we can do is be prepared to rebuild in the event of a storm.
If you live on the coast, or anywhere in Florida for that matter, now is the time to ensure you have adequate hurricane and storm coverage under your homeowner’s insurance policy.
Has Your Home Insurance Company Denied Or Undervalued Your Property Damage Claim In Florida?
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