Washington County, Florida
The most common soil here is Lakeland, on about 22% of the land: a sand, loose sand that holds almost no water. Dothan and Blanton come next.
About 51% of the land drains well, and 35% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 35% of it.
USDA rates 89% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 40% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 12% 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 Washington 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 Excessively 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 Washington 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
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 40% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 89% 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.