Sarasota County, Florida
The most common soil here is EauGallie, on about 16% of the land: a sand, loose sand that holds almost no water. Myakka and Holopaw come next.
About 0% of the land drains well, and 93% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 87% of it.
USDA rates 93% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 93% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 2% 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 Sarasota 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 Poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B/D (varies with drainage). The most common soil order is Alfisols — moderately leached forest soils with a clay-enriched subsoil. 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 Sarasota 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EauGallie, Myakka fine sands and 0 to 2 percent slopes | 91K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| EauGallie-Myakka fine sands-Urban land complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 77K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Holopaw fine sand, frequently ponded, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 34K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pineda-Pineda, wet, fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 26K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Holopaw fine sand, ponded-Urban land complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 20K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pineda fine sand-Urban land complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 19K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Waters of the Gulf of America | 15K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Felda fine sand, frequently ponded, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 14K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 10K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Bradenton fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 8K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Delray fine sand, frequently ponded, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 7K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pomello fine sand-Urban land complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Floridana and Gator soils, frequently ponded, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 4K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Canaveral fine sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Felda fine sand, ponded-Urban land complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 4K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Canaveral fine sand-Urban land complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cassia fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 3K | Somewhat poorly drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ft. Green fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 3K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wabasso fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 3K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pople fine sand, wet, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 3K | Poorly drained | C/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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 93% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include poor drainage in some areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 93% 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.