Okaloosa County, Florida
The dominant drainage class is Excessively drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low runoff). 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.
| 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 |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 21% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 76% 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.