Highlands County, Florida
The dominant drainage class is 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 Highlands County, Florida.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Myakka fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 84K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Immokalee sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 83K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Basinger fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 64K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 49K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Basinger, St. Johns, and Placid soils | 36K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Astatula sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 34K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Satellite sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 28K | Somewhat poorly drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Smyrna sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 28K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Felda fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 25K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Valkaria fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 24K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kaliga muck, frequently ponded, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 19K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tequesta muck, frequently ponded, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 18K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Samsula muck, frequently ponded, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 17K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Basinger fine sand, frequently ponded, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 16K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Archbold sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 13K | Moderately well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Placid fine sand, frequently ponded, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 13K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hontoon muck, frequently ponded, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 11K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pomello sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 11K | Somewhat poorly drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gator muck, frequently ponded, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 10K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brighton muck | 8K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 83% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include poor drainage in some areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 91% 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.