Glossary

Catastrophic ground cover collapse

A Florida-defined event in which the ground abruptly collapses, a visible depression forms, the building is structurally damaged and authorities condemn it.

Also called: CGCC

Catastrophic ground cover collapse (CGCC) is a defined term in Florida law, found in section 627.706 of the Florida Statutes. It means geological activity that results in all four of the following: the ground cover abruptly collapses; there is a visible depression in the ground; the covered building suffers structural damage, including to its foundation; and a government agency condemns the structure and orders it vacated.

Because all four elements must be present, the bar is high. The statute requires every Florida property insurer to provide coverage for a CGCC loss, so it is part of your homeowners policy even if you declined optional sinkhole coverage. The broader sinkhole loss coverage, sold for additional premium, applies to structural damage from sinkhole activity that falls short of those four elements.

Say a sinkhole opens beneath one corner of a house, the ground drops several feet, the foundation cracks and the county orders the home vacated (hypothetical). That fits the definition and falls under the base policy. Slowly widening cracks in drywall and door frames do not, and they are covered only if you bought sinkhole coverage.

Insurers investigate whether each element is met, usually with an engineer's report. The guide sinkhole and catastrophic ground cover collapse coverage covers the process, and earth movement explains the underlying exclusion.

Last reviewed October 10, 2026

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Related terms

Sinkhole loss Structural damage to a building, including its foundation, caused by ground settling into underground voids, excluded unless the policy adds sinkhole coverage. Earth movement A group of ground-shifting events, including earthquake, landslide, mudflow, subsidence and sinkhole, that homeowners policies exclude from coverage. Collapse Under most policies, the abrupt falling down or caving in of a building or part of it so it cannot be used as intended, covered only for listed causes. Exclusion A policy provision that removes coverage for a stated cause, type of loss, property or circumstance that the coverage would otherwise reach. Endorsement A written change attached to a policy that adds, removes or alters coverage, limits or conditions, and controls over the base form wherever the two conflict.

Related guides

Sinkhole and catastrophic ground cover collapse coverage explained Standard policies exclude sinkholes. Florida requires collapse coverage and an offer of sinkhole cover; here is how those claims work.

Related insurers

Southern Oak Insurance Privately held Florida-only home insurer founded in 2004 near Jacksonville, sold through independent agents; Demotech A-rated, frequent Citizens takeouts.