Biscayne National Park, Florida

Survey Area FL624• Florida

The dominant drainage class is Very poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A/D (varies with drainage). The most common soil order is Entisols — young soils with little profile development, often on floodplains or steep slopes. 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 Biscayne National Park, 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
Waters of the Atlantic Ocean	31K			Not rated	Not rated
Keylargo-Islamorada mucks, tidal, 0 to 1 percent slopes, very frequently flooded	6K	Very poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Pennekamp-Bahiahonda complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded, extremely stony	2K	Moderately well drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Trout Cove-Lignumvitae-Rock outcrop complex, tidal, 0 to 1 percent slopes, very frequently flooded	1K	Very poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Biscayne-Perrine-Rock outcrop complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded	412	Very poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Perrine-Pennsuco-Rock outcrop complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded	323	Very poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Keylargo-Islamorada-Urban land complex, tidal, 0 to 2 percent slopes, very frequently flooded	99	Very poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Shark Valley muck, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded	82	Very poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Biscayne-Perrine-Urban land complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded	45	Very poorly drained	C/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.

Entisols

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

Histosols

Organic peat and muck soils formed in wetlands. Very poor for building (compressible) and septic. Often in regulated wetlands.

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

Inceptisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 23% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.

Septic Systems

About 23% of soils have significant septic limitations, while others are more suitable. A perc test is essential — conditions vary across the area.

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.