Florida’s coastal communities have added an additional 1.5 million people and almost a half-million new houses since eight hurricanes whipped through Florida during back-to-back seasons a decade ago. The damage resulted in $33 billion in insurance claims. Experts say the risk of catastrophic destruction hasn’t grown along with the new development. They believe this to be true because because Florida builders are doing a better job of making structures hurricane-resistant. The improvement derives from Florida’s 2002 statewide building code which states that all new structures get tough inspections and are built with shatter-proof glass and straps reinforcing the connection between roof and walls
