Santa Rosa County, Florida
The most common soil here is Troup, on about 17% of the land: a fine sand, loose sand that holds almost no water. Lakeland and Dothan come next.
About 63% of the land drains well, and 21% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 23% of it.
USDA rates 59% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 25% 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 Santa Rosa 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 Well 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 Santa Rosa 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Troup loamy sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 113K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Lakeland sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 95K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Waters of the Gulf of America | 75K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Bibb-Kinston association | 51K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dothan fine sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 49K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Bonifay loamy sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 28K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Troup-Orangeburg-Cowarts complex, 5 to 12 percent slopes | 26K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Lucy loamy sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 23K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Pactolus loamy sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 21K | Moderately well drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chewacla-Wahee-Riverview association | 20K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fuquay loamy sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Red Bay sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Dorovan-Pamlico association | 17K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dothan fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Rutlege loamy sand | 13K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Orangeburg sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Troup loamy sand, 5 to 8 percent slopes | 11K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Dothan fine sandy loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Orangeburg sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Lakeland sand, 5 to 12 percent slopes | 8K | Excessively drained | A | Somewhat 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 25% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 59% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Despite good drainage overall, limitations may stem from shallow bedrock, steep slopes, or seasonal conditions. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Drainage is generally favorable for gardening. Adding compost and mulch will improve fertility and water retention. Test your soil's pH before planting — most vegetables prefer 6.0-7.0.