Everglades National Park, 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 Everglades National Park, Florida.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waters of the Gulf of America | 589K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Okaloacoochee-Chickee mucks, tidal, 0 to 1 percent slopes, very frequently flooded | 189K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Biscayne-Perrine-Rock outcrop complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 166K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Keylargo-Islamorada-Urban land complex, tidal, 0 to 2 percent slopes, very frequently flooded | 161K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Trout Cove-Lignumvitae-Rock outcrop complex, tidal, 0 to 1 percent slopes, very frequently flooded | 100K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Crandon Beach-Okaloacoochee-Chickee mucks, tidal, 0 to 1 percent slopes, very frequently flooded | 53K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rattlesnake Ridge-Biscayne-Vizcaya complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 16K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 8K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Gator Lake muck, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 8K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Keylargo-Cudjoe-Tavernier complex, tidal, 0 to 1 percent slopes, very frequently flooded | 6K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Macks Camp muck, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 6K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cooper Town muck, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 6K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shark Valley muck, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 2K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Perrine-Pennsuco-Rock outcrop complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 2K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Biscayne-Rattlesnake Ridge-Cooper Town complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 918 | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rattlesnake Ridge-Shark Valley-Hallandale complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 324 | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cooper Town-Perrine-Rattlesnake Ridge complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 316 | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Biscayne-Perrine-Urban land complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 316 | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Baggs Cape-Ravenwood-Urban land complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 243 | Somewhat poorly drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Keylargo-Islamorada mucks, tidal, 0 to 1 percent slopes, very frequently flooded | 217 | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 54% 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 54% 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.