Biscayne National Park, Florida
The most common soil here is Keylargo, on about 7% of the land. Islamorada and Pennekamp come next.
About 0% of the land drains well, and 19% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 24% of it.
USDA rates 24% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 24% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 19% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 24% of it.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Biscayne National Park, Florida, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 24% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 24% 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.