Should You Worry About Sinkholes in Clermont, Winter Garden, or Windermere?

If you’re buying a home in Central Florida—particularly in Clermont, Winter Garden, or Windermere—you may wonder whether sinkholes are a serious threat. The short answer is: the risk exists, but with the right precautions and knowledge, it doesn’t have to be a dealbreaker. Here’s a clear breakdown of what you should know.

Why Sinkholes Happen Here

The geology under much of Central Florida includes limestone bedrock, which is common to karst environments. Over time, water can dissolve this rock, creating voids underground. If the surface layer collapses, that’s when a sinkhole forms. Wikipedia+1
Orange County has documented sinkhole risk in several areas, including parts of Windermere and Winter Garden. MCC Meetings Public In Lake County (where Clermont sits), similar geological conditions contribute to occasional sinkhole events. Interactive Sinkhole Maps

Actual Local Incidents

• In Clermont, a large 60-foot-wide sinkhole opened near a shopping plaza. FOX 35 Orlando

• Around Clermont, there have been multiple smaller sinkholes over the years, including in residential subdivisions. WESH

• Windermere has seen at least one very large sinkhole decades ago — reports cite a 60-foot-wide hole that threatened nearby homes. MyNews13

• According to Windermere’s own comprehensive plan, the town lies in one of the more “vulnerable” zones for sinkholes. town.windermere.fl.us

That said, sinkhole collapses remain rare for individual homebuyers, and not every property is at equal risk.

Insurance and Financial Protection

Standard homeowners insurance often does not cover many sinkhole scenarios—especially gradual subsidence. fivestarclaimsadjusting.com In Florida, you typically need a supplemental sinkhole policy to get full coverage, and it may require geological or engineering inspections to qualify.

If you’re buying in one of these areas, it’s smart to:

• Ask sellers for a “sinkhole history” or any paid geological reports

• Order a site inspection that checks for signs of subsidence or ground depression

• Talk to an insurance agent about sinkhole coverage in addition to standard home insurance

Risk Management and Real-World Perspective

Sinkholes are part of the Florida story, but they aren’t ghost stories. For most buyers, they’re a manageable risk if you do your homework. Because the geology is known, and many local governments track risk zones, you’re not flying blind.

If you buy wisely, fact-check property disclosures, and evaluate insurance options, you can mitigate the risk effectively.

Bottom Line

Yes, sinkholes are possible in Clermont, Winter Garden, and Windermere. But they are not an everyday occurrence for all properties. With proper due diligence and insurance planning, the risk can be managed — and shouldn’t automatically rule out these communities.

If you’re thinking about buying in one of these areas and want help assessing sinkhole risk — or navigating insurance options — I can walk you through the process, connect you with trusted inspectors, and help you protect your investment. Let’s talk.