Orange County, Florida
The dominant drainage class is 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 Orange County, Florida.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smyrna-Smyrna, wet, fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 145K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 65K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Basinger fine sand, frequently ponded, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 33K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Samsula-Hontoon-Basinger association, depressional | 30K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Candler fine sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 29K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| St. Johns fine sand | 27K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sanibel muck | 26K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pomello fine sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 23K | Moderately well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Malabar fine sand | 21K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Immokalee fine sand | 20K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tavares-Millhopper fine sands, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 18K | Moderately well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Floridana and Chobee soils, frequently flooded | 16K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Smyrna fine sand-Urban land complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 15K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tavares fine sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 14K | Moderately well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Zolfo fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 14K | Somewhat poorly drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Candler fine sand, 5 to 12 percent slopes | 13K | Excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Urban land, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 11K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Tavares fine sand-Urban land complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 11K | Moderately well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Emeralda and Holopaw fine sands, frequently flooded | 8K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Candler-Urban land complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 8K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 66% 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 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.