Hillsborough 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 Hillsborough County, Florida.
| 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 |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 85% 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 95% 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.