4.0 Magnitude Earthquake Rattles Florida’s Space Coast

Quake Strikes Off Cape Canaveral

A 4.0 magnitude Earthquake Rattles Florida occurred around 10:50 p.m. on February 8 about 101 miles east of Cape Canaveral, Florida.

The quake emanated offshore but was felt by many along the Space Coast, including people in Melbourne, Palm Bay, St. Augustine, and Cocoa.

The USGS received multiple reports from residents who felt shaking from the earthquake. There were no immediate reports of injuries or major damage.

Residents Report Shaking Homes

Residents described abrupt shaking and rattling inside their homes for several seconds from the quake. Some initially mistook the tremors for strong winds buffeting their houses.

The earthquake struck just hours before the scheduled launch of a SpaceX rocket carrying NASA’s PACE mission from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

Magnitude 4 Quakes Rare for Earthquake Rattles Florida

While not unheard of, earthquakes of magnitude 4 or greater are relatively rare in Florida. The state typically sees just minor seismic activity from small quakes.

The largest earthquake ever recorded was a magnitude 9.5 in Chile in 1960. Quakes magnitude 10 or higher are not believed to be possible, according to geological experts.

This 4.0 tremor off Florida’s coast was substantial enough to alarm residents unfamiliar with seismic shaking. No tsunami warnings were issued after the offshore earthquake.

USGS Collects Reports from Public

The USGS encouraged people who felt the earthquake to provide reports on its website. These help seismologists collect data on the quake’s intensity and effects across the region.

Hundreds of people submitted Did You Feel It? reports to the USGS site after the tremor. The information assists in mapping the reach of earthquakes.

While unsettling, the 4.0 magnitude earthquake caused no significant damage along Florida’s Space Coast. But it served as a reminder that seismic events, albeit rare, can still be experienced in the state.