What are the most common natural hazards in Florida?

The most common natural hazards in Florida include hurricanes, floods, tropical storms, tornadoes, wildfires, and sinkholes.

1. Hurricanes: Florida is particularly susceptible to hurricanes due to its geographical location between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. The hurricane season lasts from June 1st to November 30th, with the peak period from August to October. These hurricanes often bring strong winds, storm surges, heavy rainfall, and can result in widespread damage.

2. Floods: Owing to its low-lying geography, especially in the southern part of the state, and prevalence of hurricanes and tropical storms, Florida experiences significant flooding risks. Heavy rains during storm events can lead to overflow of rivers and increased water in urban drainage systems, causing floods.

3. Tropical Storms: In addition to hurricanes, tropical storms also pose a threat to Florida. While being less severe compared to hurricanes, tropical storms can still cause heavy rainfall leading to flooding and damage due to their winds.

4. Tornadoes: Florida experiences a relatively high number of tornadoes, particularly during the hurricane season, though they tend to be less intense than those in other parts of the United States like the Midwest.

5. Wildfires: During periods of drought, Florida has an increased risk of wildfires. The state has a mix of urban and rural areas that are interspersed with forests and swamplands, which are susceptible to fire during these dry spells.

6. Sinkholes: Florida sits on bedrock made of limestone and other carbonate rocks, which can dissolve over time as water erodes them, leading to the formation of sinkholes. Sinkholes can cause significant damage to infrastructure and property.