Gulf County, Florida

Survey Area FL045• Florida

The dominant drainage class is Poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A/D (varies with drainage). The most common soil order is Ultisols — strongly weathered soils with clay-enriched subsoils, common in warm humid climates. 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 Gulf 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
Plummer fine sand	38K	Poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Pelham loamy fine sand	37K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Brickyard, Chowan, and Kenner soils, frequently flooded	25K	Very poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Rains fine sandy loam	21K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Brickyard silty clay, frequently flooded	17K	Very poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Surrency mucky fine sand, depressional	17K	Very poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Scranton fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes	16K	Poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Pickney and Rutlege soils, depressional	16K	Very poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Croatan-Surrency complex, frequently flooded	15K	Very poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Pickney-Pamlico complex, depressional	13K	Very poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Leefield loamy fine sand	13K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Pantego and Bayboro soils, depressional	13K	Very poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Leon fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes	12K	Poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Maurepas muck, frequently flooded	11K	Very poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Albany sand	10K	Somewhat poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Alapaha loamy fine sand	9K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Waters of the Gulf of America	8K			Not rated	Not rated
Water	7K			Not rated	Not rated
Meggett fine sandy loam, occasionally flooded	6K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Bladen fine sandy loam	5K	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.

Ultisols

Strongly weathered clay soils of the Southeast. Acidic and naturally low in nutrients. Clay subsoil can slow drainage.

Entisols

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

Inceptisols

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

Spodosols

Acidic forest soils with a leached layer. Common under conifers. Often have drainage issues from a compacted subsoil layer.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 94% 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 94% 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.