Bay County, Florida

Survey Area FL005• Florida

The dominant drainage class is Poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A/D (varies with drainage). The most common soil order is Ultisols — strongly weathered soils with clay-enriched subsoils, common in warm humid climates. 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. Search your address to find the exact soil composition, drainage, and series details at your specific location.

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

Soil Orders in This Area

The USDA classifies every soil into one of 12 soil orders. Here are the dominant orders found in this survey area.

Ultisols

Strongly weathered clay soils of the Southeast. Acidic and naturally low in nutrients. Clay subsoil can slow drainage.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

Spodosols

Acidic forest soils with a leached layer. Common under conifers. Often have drainage issues from a compacted subsoil layer.

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.