Hillsborough County, Florida
The most common soil here is Myakka, on about 22% of the land: a sand, loose sand that holds almost no water. Zolfo and Winder come next.
About 11% of the land drains well, and 76% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 64% of it.
USDA rates 93% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 79% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 7% 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 Hillsborough 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 Hillsborough 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Myakka fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 164K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Basinger, Holopaw, and Samsula soils, depressional | 56K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Zolfo fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 47K | Somewhat poorly drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Malabar fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 31K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Candler fine sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 29K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Winder fine sand, frequently flooded | 28K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 26K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| St. Johns fine sand | 23K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Seffner fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 21K | Somewhat poorly drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Smyrna fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 20K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Arents, nearly level | 18K | Somewhat poorly drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Myakka-Urban land complex | 16K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Immokalee fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 16K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ona fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 14K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lake fine sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 14K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Pomello fine sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 13K | Moderately well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Chobee sandy loam, frequently flooded | 13K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wabasso fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 12K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Arents, very steep | 11K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Winder fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 11K | 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 79% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 93% 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.