Nassau County, Florida
The most common soil here is Goldhead, on about 15% of the land: a fine sand, loose sand that holds almost no water. Leon and Boulogne come next.
About 1% of the land drains well, and 92% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 88% of it.
USDA rates 96% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 89% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 22% 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 Nassau 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 Poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B/D (varies with drainage). The most common soil order is Alfisols — moderately leached forest soils with a clay-enriched subsoil. 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 Nassau 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Goldhead fine sand | 52K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Leon fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 38K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Boulogne fine sand | 33K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Buccaneer clay, frequently flooded | 27K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tisonia mucky peat, tidal | 26K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Meggett loamy fine sand | 25K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chaires fine sand | 24K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kingsferry fine sand | 19K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Goldhead-Meadowbrook fine sands, depressional | 18K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 17K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Ellabelle mucky fine sand, frequently flooded | 16K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Evergreen-Leon mucks, depressional | 16K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hurricane-Pottsburg fine sands, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 15K | Somewhat poorly drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Sapelo-Leon fine sand | 13K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rutlege mucky fine sand, frequently flooded | 9K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Albany fine sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ridgewood fine sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kingsland mucky peat, frequently flooded | 5K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ortega fine sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 5K | Moderately well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Meggett fine sandy loam, rarely flooded | 5K | Poorly drained | C/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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 89% 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 96% 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.