Semester Award Granted

Spring 2025

Submission Date

May 2025

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]

Diana Mitsova

Thesis/Dissertation Co-Chair

Weibo Liu

Abstract

This dissertation examines repetitive loss factors in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, Florida. It focuses on physical building characteristics and socioeconomic characteristics in an historic analysis of claims data from 1977 through 2014. Later, the focus is on predicted areas, or “hotspots” where climate-change induced sea level rise in conjunction with increased storm activity may cause increased flooding in the future. The study employs various statistical models, including Poisson and negative binomial regression modeling, spatial regression modeling and hot spot analysis to analyze FEMA property claims data and socioeconomic indicators.

The first part investigates the relationship between building characteristics and flooding claims, revealing that construction after the development of Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) in the mid-1970s, elevated building structures and high ground elevations are associated with lower claim frequencies.

The second part explores socioeconomic factors that influence repetitive loss, finding that low socioeconomic status, minority status, and increased living density (multi-unit housingstructures) are predictors of high claims costs. There is a notable shift in the vulnerability patterns between 1990-2003 and 2004-2014, potentially connected to demographic changes in the region.

The third part assesses the potential impacts of sea level rise on repetitive loss properties, by the identification of coastal hot spots and simulation of inundation scenarios based on hurricane events in recent history. Using LiDAR-derived elevation data and hydrologic modeling, the study displays future flooding risks under various sea level rise scenarios for both 2050 and 2100.

This comprehensive analysis aims to provide valuable insights into the complexity of repetitive loss claims history and the contribution of potential environmental factors that may impact claims in the future. These findings may have important implications for flood risk management, urban and regional planning efforts, and climate change adaptation strategies across coastal communities of South Florida, that are particularly vulnerable to sea level rise and the impacts of storm activity across the region.

Download

Share

COinS