Duval County, Florida
The most common soil here is Leon, on about 14% of the land: a sand, loose sand that holds almost no water. Pelham and Boulogne come next.
About 1% of the land drains well, and 81% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 75% of it.
USDA rates 85% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 76% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 10% of the land floods occasionally or more.
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 Duval County, 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 Poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A/D (varies with drainage). The most common soil order is Spodosols — acidic forest soils with a distinctive leached layer, common under conifers. 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 Duval 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leon fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 71K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 48K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Pelham fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 41K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tisonia mucky peat, 0 to 1 percent slopes, very frequently flooded | 34K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Boulogne fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 34K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Evergreen-Wesconnett complex, depressional, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 30K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Urban land | 26K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Surrency loamy fine sand, depressional, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 25K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Urban land-Leon-Boulogne complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 21K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sapelo fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 21K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mascotte fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 19K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lynn Haven fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 17K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hurricane and Ridgewood soils, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 13K | Somewhat poorly drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Urban land-Ortega-Kershaw complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 11K | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited | |
| Arents, nearly level | 10K | Somewhat poorly drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Urban land-Mascotte-Sapelo complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 10K | Poorly drained | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Urban land-Hurricane-Albany complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | A | Not rated | Very limited |
| Mascotte-Pelham complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 9K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pottsburg fine sand, high, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pelham fine sand, ponded, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 7K | Poorly drained | B/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 76% 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 85% 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.