Manatee 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 Manatee County, Florida.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EauGallie-EauGallie wet, fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 91K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Myakka-Myakka, wet, fine sands, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 88K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Waveland fine sand | 58K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Waters of the Gulf of America | 30K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Floridana-Immokalee-Okeelanta association | 30K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pomello fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 24K | Somewhat poorly drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Delray-Pomona complex | 21K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cassia fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 18K | Somewhat poorly drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Felda-Wabasso association, frequently flooded | 15K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wabasso-Wabasso, wet, fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 15K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Canova, Anclote, and Okeelanta soils | 10K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Duette fine sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 10K | Moderately well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Water | 9K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Bradenton fine sand, limestone substratum | 8K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ona fine sand, orstein substratum | 7K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Palmetto sand | 7K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| St. Johns fine sand, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 5K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Floridana fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 4K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Delray complex | 4K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cassia fine sand, moderately well drained | 4K | Moderately well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 88% 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 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.