Okaloosa County, Florida
The most common soil here is Lakeland, on about 31% of the land: a sand, loose sand that holds almost no water. Troup and Bonifay come next.
About 68% of the land drains well, and 23% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 19% of it.
USDA rates 77% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 24% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 15% 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 Okaloosa 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 Excessively 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 Okaloosa 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lakeland sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 214K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Kinston, Johnston, and Bibb soils, frequently flooded | 45K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dorovan muck, frequently flooded | 35K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Troup sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 34K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Waters of the Gulf of America | 34K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Dothan loamy sand, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 23K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Lakeland sand, 5 to 12 percent slopes | 22K | Excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Yemassee, Garcon, and Bigbee soils, occasionally flooded | 18K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bonifay sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Troup sand, 8 to 12 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Escambia fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 13K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Troup sand, 5 to 8 percent slopes | 12K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Bonifay-Dothan-Angie complex, 5 to 12 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Fuquay loamy fine sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Dothan loamy sand, 5 to 8 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Chipley and Hurricane soils, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 10K | Somewhat poorly drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 8K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Lucy loamy sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Bonifay sand, 5 to 8 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Urban land | 7K | Not rated | Not rated |
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 24% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 77% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. The well-drained soils may actually drain too fast for standard leach fields, allowing effluent to reach groundwater. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Soils tend to drain very quickly, meaning nutrients and water don't stick around long. Raised beds with amended soil, drip irrigation, and heavy mulching will give the best results. Compost is your best friend here — it improves water retention dramatically.