Okeechobee County, Florida

Survey Area FL093• Florida

The dominant drainage class is Poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A/D (varies with drainage). The most common soil order is Spodosols — acidic forest soils with a distinctive leached layer, common under conifers. 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 Okeechobee 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
Myakka fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes	155K	Poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Immokalee fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes	110K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Water	77K			Not rated	Not rated
Floridana, Riviera, and Placid soils, depressional	41K	Very poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Valkaria fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes	37K	Poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Basinger fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes	34K	Poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Basinger and Placid soils, depressional	26K	Very poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Manatee, Floridana, and Tequesta soils, frequently flooded	17K	Very poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Floridana, Placid, and Okeelanta soils, frequently flooded	16K	Very poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Riviera fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes	11K	Poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Pomello fine sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes	7K	Somewhat poorly drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Udorthents, 2 to 35 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Okeelanta muck, frequently ponded, 0 to 1 percent slopes	6K	Very poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Wabasso fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes	5K	Poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Manatee loamy fine sand, frequently ponded, 0 to 1 percent slopes	4K	Very poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Pineda-Pineda, wet, fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes	4K	Poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Parkwood fine sand	4K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
St. Johns fine sand	3K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Bradenton fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes	3K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Ft. Drum fine sand	1K	Poorly drained	B/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.

Spodosols

Acidic forest soils with a leached layer. Common under conifers. Often have drainage issues from a compacted subsoil layer.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

Histosols

Organic peat and muck soils formed in wetlands. Very poor for building (compressible) and septic. Often in regulated wetlands.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 86% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.

Septic Systems

About 86% 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.