Florida has 74 USDA soil survey areas covering a wide range of landscapes and soil conditions. The most common soil order is Entisols — young soils with little profile development, often on floodplains or steep slopes, making up roughly 27% of surveyed soils. Ultisols — strongly weathered soils with clay-enriched subsoils, common in warm humid climates account for another 23%.
In terms of drainage, 37% of Florida soils are classified as poorly drained. About 74% of soils have some form of poor drainage, which is important to consider for septic systems and foundations. Drainage class affects everything from septic system design to basement feasibility to garden planning. Use the survey area pages below to see drainage details for specific counties, or look up any address for an exact soil profile.
Entisols
27% of surveyed soils
Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.
Ultisols
23% of surveyed soils
Strongly weathered clay soils of the Southeast. Acidic and naturally low in nutrients. Clay subsoil can slow drainage.
Spodosols
17% of surveyed soils
Acidic forest soils with a leached layer. Common under conifers. Often have drainage issues from a compacted subsoil layer.
Alfisols
14% of surveyed soils
Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.
Histosols
8% of surveyed soils
Organic peat and muck soils formed in wetlands. Very poor for building (compressible) and septic. Often in regulated wetlands.
Mollisols
4% of surveyed soils
Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.
Inceptisols
3% of surveyed soils
Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.