Washington 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 Washington County, Florida.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lakeland sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 70K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Dothan loamy sand, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 46K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Pantego and Clara soils, ponded | 37K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rutlege, Pickney and Pamlico soils, frequently flooded | 34K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 12K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Lakeland sand, 5 to 8 percent slopes | 12K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Nankin-Cowarts-Lakeland complex, 5 to 12 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Lynchburg loamy fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 12K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chipley-Albany-Hurricane complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 11K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Blanton-Bonneau complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 10K | Moderately well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Bonifay-Fuquay complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Lakeland sand, 8 to 12 percent slopes | 10K | Excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Rains and Bayboro soils, depressional | 9K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Blanton-Lakeland complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 9K | Moderately well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Dothan loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Albany-Ocilla complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nankin-Cowarts complex, 2 to 5 percent slopes, eroded | 7K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Goldsboro loamy sand, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clara and Plummer soils, occasionally ponded | 7K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Blanton-Bonneau complex, 5 to 8 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 36% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 91% 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.