Jefferson County, Florida

Survey Area FL065• Florida

The dominant drainage class is Poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B/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 Jefferson 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
Surrency fine sand	33K	Very poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Dothan loamy fine sand, 2 to 5 percent slopes	28K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Chaires-Chaires, wet, fine sands, 0 to 2 percent slopes	27K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Orangeburg sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes	25K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Very limited
Fuquay fine sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes	22K	Well drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Plummer fine sand	21K	Poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Pelham fine sand	20K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Nutall-Tooles fine sands, frequently flooded	19K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Tooles-Tooles, depressional-Chaires, depressional, fine sands	18K	Very poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Albany sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes	16K	Somewhat poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Nutall-Tooles complex	14K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Pamlico-Dorovan mucks	13K	Very poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Orangeburg sandy loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes, moderately eroded	13K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Lucy loamy fine sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes	12K	Well drained	A	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Water	9K			Not rated	Not rated
Leefield fine sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes	9K	Somewhat poorly drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Blanton fine sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes	8K	Moderately well drained	A	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Faceville fine sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Very limited
Sapelo fine sand	6K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Plummer fine sand, frequently flooded	6K	Poorly drained	A/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.

Spodosols

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

Entisols

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

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 62% 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 87% 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.