Holmes County, Florida
The most common soil here is Dothan, on about 20% of the land: a sandy loam, gritty and crumbly. Ardilla and Fuquay come next.
About 56% of the land drains well, and 35% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 35% of it.
USDA rates 87% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 36% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 12% 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 Holmes 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 Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low runoff). 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 Holmes 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dothan loamy sand, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 49K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Fuquay loamy sand, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 44K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Ardilla loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 43K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bibb association | 32K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pantego complex | 22K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Stilson loamy sand, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 20K | Moderately well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Dothan loamy sand, 5 to 8 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Troup sand, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 12K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Bonifay sand, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Lakeland sand | 6K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Dothan complex | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Albany sand | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lucy loamy sand, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Pansey loamy sand | 4K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 4K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Orangeburg loamy sand, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Chipley sand | 4K | Moderately well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Orangeburg loamy sand, 5 to 8 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Kenansville fine sand | 3K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Gritney loamy sand, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | C | Somewhat 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 36% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 87% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Despite good drainage overall, limitations may stem from shallow bedrock, steep slopes, or seasonal conditions. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Drainage is generally favorable for gardening. Adding compost and mulch will improve fertility and water retention. Test your soil's pH before planting — most vegetables prefer 6.0-7.0.