Building Resilience: How Florida’s Hurricane-Proof Homes Are Shaping the Future of Coastal Living
Title: Florida’s Hurricane-Proof Future: How One Man Defied the Storm and What It Means for Resilient Living
As Hurricane Milton barreled toward Florida’s Gulf Coast, the mayor of Tampa was on television urging residents to evacuate or face dire consequences. Yet, 76-year-old William Fulford, a retired homebuilder, remained steadfast in his decision to stay put in his $1.25 million home in Hunters Point, a community designed to withstand the fiercest of storms.
"A lot of people would say I’m crazy," Fulford told Business Insider on October 8, as the storm intensified. "But my house is great." His confidence was not misplaced; Fulford’s home suffered minimal damage during the hurricane, a testament to the innovative design and construction methods employed in his community.
Hunters Point, located in Cortez, Florida, features homes elevated 16 feet above ground and reinforced with steel straps, making them resilient against storm surges and high winds. Fulford’s experience highlights a growing trend in Florida’s real estate market: the shift toward hurricane-resistant homes as climate change intensifies the frequency and severity of storms.
The aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton has left Florida grappling with an estimated $21 to $34 billion in damages, prompting homeowners to seek safer living options. Developers are responding to this demand by creating communities like Hunters Point and Babcock Ranch, which prioritize resilience and sustainability.
Babcock Ranch, located two hours southeast of Hunters Point, has positioned itself as "The Hometown of Tomorrow." With 4,000 homes planned on 17,000 acres, the development incorporates underground utilities and smart lakes designed to manage flooding. In the days leading up to Hurricane Milton, Babcock Ranch saw a staggering 390% increase in website visits, indicating a rising interest in resilient living.
Experts agree that while no home can be entirely hurricane-proof, the designs at Hunters Point and Babcock Ranch exemplify the future of hurricane-resistant construction. Leslie Chapman-Henderson, president and CEO of the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes, praised these developments as models for what hurricane resiliency can look like.
Hunters Point homes are built with a unique structure: the bottom floor serves as a garage and storage space, while living areas begin on the second floor, ensuring that residents are elevated above potential floodwaters. The homes are constructed with reinforced walls and airtight designs, making them capable of withstanding hurricane-force winds.
Despite the advancements in construction, experts caution against complacency. Chapman-Henderson emphasizes the importance of heeding evacuation orders, regardless of a home’s resilience. "We can build to withstand these events, but we should never say it’s absolute without fail," she warned.
The movement toward resilient homes is gaining momentum, with homeowners increasingly seeking certifications for stronger roofs and construction methods. The Fortified program, which evaluates and certifies hurricane-resistant homes, has seen a significant rise in participation, reflecting a growing awareness of the need for safety in the face of climate change.
As Florida continues to confront the realities of its changing climate, the stories of residents like William Fulford serve as a beacon of hope. His decision to stay in his hurricane-resistant home not only highlights the potential for safer living but also underscores a broader shift in how communities are being built to withstand the storms of tomorrow.
In a state where hurricanes are a part of life, the future of homebuilding is clear: resilience is not just an option; it’s a necessity.