Monroe County, Keys Area, Florida
The dominant drainage class is Very 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 Monroe County, Keys Area, Florida.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Udorthents-Urban land complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 13K | Somewhat poorly drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Keylargo muck, tidal, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 11K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Islamorada muck, tidal, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 7K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop-Cudjoe complex, tidal, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 6K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Pennekamp gravelly muck-Urban land complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes, extremely stony | 5K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cudjoe marly silt loam, tidal, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 4K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Matecumbe muck, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 3K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Urban land, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 3K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Pennekamp gravelly muck, 0 to 2 percent slopes, extremely stony | 3K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lignumvitae marly silt loam, tidal, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 2K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Keyvaca very gravelly loam-Urban land complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes, extremely stony | 2K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Saddlebunch marly silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 1K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop-Cudjoe complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 1K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Matecumbe muck, frequently flooded-Urban land complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 974 | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop-Tavernier complex, tidal, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 875 | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Keyvaca very gravelly loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, extremely stony | 866 | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop-Cudjoe complex, tidal-Urban land complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 692 | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Saddlebunch marly silt loam, occasionally flooded-Urban land complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 621 | Very limited | Very limited | ||
| Rock outcrop-Cudjoe complex,frequently flooded-Urban land complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 565 | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Keywest marly silt loam, tidal, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 521 | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 82% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 82% 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.