Florida Retirees Find New Options in Inland Areas with Lower Flood Risk

Florida's popularity as a retirement destination has been threatened by hurricanes, flooding, and rising insurance costs. However, a new guidebook called Higher Ground Florida offers an alternative to coastal living for seniors and retirees.

Author Bruce Goldwell's book introduces readers to 12 inland areas across the state with lower flood risk, including Lake Wales and Iron Mountain, Clermont and Sugarloaf Mountain, Sebring, Avon Park, Lake Placid, Ocala, DeLand, Keystone Heights, Crestview, DeFuniak Springs, and Chipley.

The guidebook examines the elevation of these areas as well as other factors such as housing costs, healthcare access, shopping, recreation, and proximity to major cities and attractions like Walt Disney World and Kennedy Space Center.

Goldwell emphasizes that higher ground does not mean zero flood or hurricane risk. Buyers should investigate the exact property rather than relying on general elevation or flood reputation of a community.