Bay County, Florida
The dominant drainage class is Poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A/D (varies with drainage). This report summarizes the major soil map units across the survey area to help you understand what to expect when buying, building, or gardening in Bay County, Florida.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water | 71K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Pottsburg-Pottsburg, wet, sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 49K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rutlege sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 44K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Leon sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 40K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hurricane sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 37K | Somewhat poorly drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Lakeland sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 34K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Rutlege-Pamlico complex | 30K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Albany sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 29K | Somewhat poorly drained | A | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Pamlico-Dorovan complex | 28K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Leefield sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 19K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Foxworth sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 19K | Moderately well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Plummer sand | 17K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chipley sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 13K | Somewhat poorly drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Osier fine sand | 11K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Centenary sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Allanton sand | 9K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pelham sand | 8K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Alapaha loamy sand | 7K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Blanton fine sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Pickney fine sand | 7K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 57% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 79% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Poorly drained soils can't absorb septic effluent effectively. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Many soils hold water for extended periods. Raised beds are highly recommended to improve drainage for vegetables. Well-adapted native plants and water-loving species will do best in natural conditions.