Big Cypress National Preserve, Florida
The dominant drainage class is Very 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 Big Cypress National Preserve, Florida.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biscayne-Rock outcrop complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 303K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rattlesnake Ridge-Shark Valley-Hallandale complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 118K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hallandale-Lostmans fine sands, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 106K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cooper Town muck, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 84K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Boca sand, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 25K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cooper Town-Perrine-Rattlesnake Ridge complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 20K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Crandon Beach-Okaloacoochee-Chickee mucks, tidal, 0 to 1 percent slopes, very frequently flooded | 18K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hallandale-Boca fine sands, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 17K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Perrine marly silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 9K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Big Cypress sand, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 5K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Okaloacoochee-Chickee mucks, tidal, 0 to 1 percent slopes, very frequently flooded | 5K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rattlesnake Ridge, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 4K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lostmans sand, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 4K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tarpans fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 3K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Romar Ranch-Big Cypress-Goddens Strand complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 2K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Boca-Big Cypress-Tarpans complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 1K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ravenwood-Boca-Urban land complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 1K | Very poorly drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shark Valley muck, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 1K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water-Isohyperthermic Anthroportic Udorthents complex, 0 to 35 percent slopes | 1K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Goddens Strand muck, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 475 | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 99% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 99% 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.