Florida may be most famous for Spring Break and its many white-sand beaches, but in addition to its tourism industry, the state is also very ecologically diverse, rich in strange and dangerous wildlife, such as native alligators and other predators, wild mammals, common rodents, endangered species, some invasive amphibians, and many species of bird. The weather in Florida is hot and humid throughout most of the year.
The Official State Animals of Florida
Given its biodiversity and its access to both freshwater and saltwater, it is no surprise that Florida has named seven official state animals and even a state butterfly. In addition to the animals below, it might seem strange, but there is also a state shell, a state stone, and a state soil! The shell title belongs to the Conch.
The Official State Animal of Florida: Florida Panther
These native panthers are not black like those found in other parts of the world. These sleek predators are tan and brown, looking a lot like a bobcat but larger, and they became one of the state mammals of Florida in 1982. Florida Panthers (Felis concolor coryi) are considered endangered, and hunting them has been illegal since 1958. They are sometimes referred to as “painters” or “catamounts.”
The Official State Bird of Florida: Mockingbird
The Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos) was designated the Florida State bird in 1927. This small mimic bird is common and popular in the southern United States. Though this clever mimic is often seen during the day and heard recreating the songs of other birds, its own song is most often heard at night, especially in the spring.
The Official State Reptile of Florida: Alligator
The Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) was adopted as the state reptile in 1987. These predators are possibly Florida’s most well-known animal. They are found all over Florida, in its many lakes, swamps, and wetlands. Their diet consists primarily of small aquatic and semi-aquatic animals. They were once endangered, but their populations have recovered after a period of over-hunting. A female alligator may lay as many as 30 eggs in her nest, of which she is fiercely protective.
There is estimated to be about 1.3 million alligators in Florida lakes. The Florida lake with the most alligators is believed to be Lake Okeechobee, which is home to around 30,000 alligators.
The Official State Saltwater Fish of Florida: Sailfish
The sailfish (Istiophorus platypterus) was named the official state fish in 1975. It was recognized because sailfishing is very popular in Florida and the keys. Ernest Hemingway famously caught a nine-foot specimen in 1934. These incredible fish can reach speeds up to 60 miles per hour and weigh nearly 50 pounds.
The Official State Freshwater Fish of Florida: Largemouth Bass
The largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides floridanus) is a popular prize for sport fishing. These fish are said to grow larger in Florida than elsewhere for some reason, reaching lengths of nearly two feet and weights of up to fifteen pounds. They have an oversized mouth, after which they are named, and also a notched dorsal fin.
The Official State Marine Mammal of Florida: Manatee
Designated the state marine mammal in 1975, the manatee (Trichechus manatus) is a surprisingly graceful animal, given its size. They can be seen in the rivers and bays in Florida, particularly in the winter months, when they arrive in larger numbers seeking warmer water. Unfortunately, these amazing animals are a threatened species.
The Official State Saltwater Mammal of Florida: Porpoise or Dolphin
You may be thinking that a porpoise and a dolphin are not the same mammals, and you would be correct. However, strange as it seems, when these state saltwater mammals were being designated as such, the legislature said the title belonged to the “porpoise, also commonly known as the dolphin.” The waters around Florida are home to Bottlenose Dolphins and this is likely the animal to which they were referring since true porpoises are not found near Florida.
Where To Find The Top Wild Animals in Florida
There are five separate ecoregions found throughout all of Florida, and many different types of wild animals are found in each one. In Florida, you may see black bears, coyotes, and wolves, or even beavers, badgers, otters, sea turtles, Alligator, bobcat, raccoon, white spiders, gopher tortoise, geckos, rodents, scorpions and even some invasive species like the Cuban tree frog or Burmese Python. Aquatic animals can also be found in Florida, but there are no sea snakes in Florida. Read about snakes in Central Florida.
Here are some of the best places to view wildlife in each section of the state:
- Blue Spring State Park – This park in Orange City is the recommended site for viewing manatees in Florida without a boat. There is a river trail from which you can view the State Marine Mammal, swimming in clear water, from various platforms.
- Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River is another great place for viewing manatees in Florida, this time by boat or kayak. It is possible to see up to 100 of them at once in certain spots.
- Navarre Beach Marine Sanctuary – This nature preserve is located in the western section of the Florida panhandle. It is a good place to see sea turtles and other marine life.
- Everglades National Park – The Everglades in southern Florida are an excellent viewing location for egrets and other waterfowl. You might also see some alligators in the wild!
- Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge – Off the coast east of Orlando, on Florida’s largest barrier island, this refuge is not far from the longest biking trail in Florida. Why not take in the wildlife views at a pedaling pace?
Read about the smallest snakes in Florida and also the biggest snakes in Florida.
Zoos in Florida
- Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens –
- Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens – Jacksonville, FL
- Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society – Palm Beach, FL
- Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo – Tampa, FL
- Lion Country Safari – Palm Beach County, FL
The Most Dangerous Animals In Florida Today
Florida has a lot of common dangerous predators, including gators, water snakes, bobcats, venomous snakes, brown snakes, red snakes, yellow snakes, and other ferocious wildlife. Read about the most common (and nonvenomous) snakes in Florida.
Some of the most dangerous wildlife found wild in Florida are:
- Eastern Rattlesnake – Though not terribly aggressive, their bites can be lethal. Rattlesnakes thankfully rarely bite humans, but when they do, they inject up to 55 percent of their venom in one go. You can read about the largest rattlesnake found in Florida.
- Black Bear – These bears are quite aggressive, though human encounters are rare.
- Bobcats – These cats are shy, but they are also stealthy and it is easy to stumble upon one by accident. A scared animal is a dangerous animal.
- Alligators – While adult humans are not at a large risk from these reptiles unless they get too near a nest, children and pets have been attacked and any encounter with a gator should be avoided, whenever possible.
- Invasive Species – Invaders like the Cuban tree frog are stealing habitat and food from local native wildlife, as well as killing them off in large numbers.
- Black Widow – These spiders are perhaps even more common in Florida than in the rest of the southern U.S. They aren’t often fatal, but they do pose a serious danger to small children and some adults.
While Florida has a number of black snakes in the state, they generally pose little danger. Some species of ticks also live in Florida.
Endangered Animals In Florida
Several of the species native to Florida are endangered or threatened. The most endangered animals include:
- Manatee – Humans with boats are responsible for half of all known manatee fatalities. It is hoped that tighter restrictions on boat speeds in the bays and rivers during the winter and other conservation measures will help restore their numbers.
- Florida Panther – Habitat loss is their biggest threat, and experts believe their numbers are only around half the amount they need to be in order to survive as a species and avoid extinction.
- Gray Sea Turtles – Several species of these reptiles can be found in the waters off the coast of Florida, and at least five of them are listed as endangered. Habitat loss, human encroachment, boating, fishing and invasive species all contribute to the declining numbers of these animals.
Rivers in Florida
Florida is home to 25,949 miles of river. These rivers are home to a number of species that can include manatees, alligators, freshwater fish, and even one of the most endangered trees in the world. Let’s take a peek at some of the most important Florida rivers for wildlife.
- Peace River: An excellent river for fossil hunting. Fossils from recent eras like mammoths, mastodons, bison, and shark teeth are abundant.
- Indian River – A waterway that is home to 2,200 animal species including 685 fish, manatees, and sea turtles.
- Apalachicola River – Home to the endangered Florida Torreya, a tree that grows only in the area and is one of the world’s rarest trees with a remaining population of about 200 trees.
More Articles Related to Florida
Read about:
- the best national parks in Florida.
- the longest hike in Florida.
- the best dog parks in Miami, Florida.
- the best dog parks in St. Petersburg, Florida.
- the most amazing waterfalls in Florida.
- plants invading Florida.
- the best dog parks in Jacksonville, Florida.
- the largest snake found in the Florida Everglades.
- the largest snake ever caught in Florida.
- the largest python ever caught in Florida.
- the largest Florida kingsnake ever found.
- Florida’s best bird-watching spots in summer.
Floridian Animals

Ambrosia Beetle
The ambrosia beetle forms a symbiotic relationship with the ambrosia fungi

Armyworm
They are so named because they "march" in armies of worms from one crop to another in search of food

Black Witch Moth
Some folklore associate Black Witch Moths with bad luck (and even death!), while other associates them with good fortune.

Blue Catfish
It's a strong fighter when caught on a fishing line

Burrowing Owl
The burrowing owl lives in underground burrows

Cactus Moth
Cactus moths can cause serious damage to cacti in locations where they have no predators.

Coachwhip Snake
Coachwhip snakes pose little danger to people

Corn Snake
Corn snakes are partly arboreal and are excellent climbers.

Death’s Head Cockroach
People buy Death's Head Cockroach nymphs and raise them as pets!

Eastern Chipmunk
The name chipmunk is derived from an Ojibwe word that means “one who descends the trees headfirst.”

Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake
This is the biggest venomous snake in North America, with a few that reach 8 feet long.

Eastern Fence Lizard
Females are usually larger than males.

Eastern Glass Lizard
When the glass lizard loses its tail it can grow another one. But the new tail lacks the markings of the old one and is usually shorter.

Eastern Rat snake
Rat snakes are medium-to-large, nonvenomous snakes that kill by constriction.

Eastern Woodrat
The eastern woodrat mating ritual involves a potentially deadly fight between the male and female before reproduction begins!

Flea
Adult fleas can jump up to 7 inches in the air

Florida Woods Cockroach
Often found on palmetto trees

Gopher Tortoise
It is the only species of tortoise native to Florida.

Green Snake
There are two types of green snakes: smooth green snakes and rough green snakes

Harlequin Snake
Red touches yellow kills a fellow, red touches black a friend of Jack.

Indigo Snake
Indigo snakes use brute force to overpower their prey.

Jackrabbit
They can run as fast as 45 mph.
Jonah Crab
It has delicious meat with an affordable price

Key Deer
Bucks grow new antlers every year.

King Snake
King Snakes eat other types of snakes.

Lizardfish
The lizardfish can camouflage itself against the sandy bottom to avoid predators.

Mealybug
They have a symbiotic relationship with ants.

Mexican Eagle (Northern crested caracara)
The northern crested caracara mates for life with its partner

Needlefish
no stomach to digest food

Orb Weaver
Females are about four times the size of males

Owl
The owl can rotate its head some 270 degrees

Polyphemus moth
The Polyphemus moth doesn’t eat.

Rat Snakes
Rat snakes are constrictors from the Colubridae family of snakes.

Rooster
Will mate with the entire flock!

Seagull
Some gulls are capable of using tools

Short-Faced Bear
The modern Spectacled Bear, which lives in South America, is related to the Short-Faced Bear!

Smokybrown Cockroach
Has up to 45 eggs per egg case

Southern Black Racer
These snakes live underground, beneath piles of leaf litter or in thickets, and they are expert swimmers.

Surgeonfish
Paracanthurus hepatus, the palette surgeonfish or bluetang, is the only member of its genus

Whiptail Lizard
Many whiptail species reproduce asexually.
Floridian Animals List
- Ambrosia Beetle
- Armyworm
- Banded Water Snake
- Black Witch Moth
- Blue Catfish
- Brown Water Snake
- Burrowing Owl
- Cactus Moth
- Coachwhip Snake
- Corn Snake
- Death’s Head Cockroach
- Dire Wolf
- Eastern Chipmunk
- Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake
- Eastern Fence Lizard
- Eastern Glass Lizard
- Eastern Rat snake
- Eastern Woodrat
- Flea
- Florida Woods Cockroach
- Gopher Tortoise
- Green Snake
- Harlequin Snake
- Indigo Snake
- Jackrabbit
- Jonah Crab
- Key Deer
- King Snake
- Lizardfish
- Mealybug
- Mexican Eagle (Northern crested caracara)
- Milk Snake
- Mud Snake
- Needlefish
- Northern Water Snake
- Orb Weaver
- Owl
- Pine Snake
- Polyphemus moth
- Rat Snakes
- Ribbon Snake
- Rooster
- Rough Green Snake
- Scarlet Kingsnake
- Seagull
- Short-Faced Bear
- Smokybrown Cockroach
- Southern Black Racer
- Surgeonfish
- Whiptail Lizard
Animals in Florida FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What is Florida's famous animal?
Florida is probably most famous for either the alligator, the manatee, or perhaps the dolphin.
What can kill you in Florida?
Gators and venomous snakes and spiders are the most likely to harm or kill a human in Florida.
What scorpions live in Florida?
The most common scorpions in Florida are Hentz striped scorpions. Florida bark scorpions are the largest scorpions in the state while Guiana striped scorpions have a bite that’s considered the most painful.
What aquariums are in Florida?
Florida is home to more than 20 aquariums across the state. A couple of the best aquariums include the Florida Aquarium in Tampa and the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Surprisingly, the second-largest aquarium in the United States can be found in Disney World.
What is the weirdest animal in Florida?
Possibly the weirdest animals in Florida are one of the invasive species, such as the Cuban tree frog or the Lionfish, but there are a lot of unique and strange animals in Florida and the water in and around it.
Are there coral snakes in Florida?
Yes, there are venomous coral snakes in Florida. However, there are also a number of other snakes that imitate their coloration but are also nonvenomous. Remember that coral snakes have black faces and the rhyme “red touch yellow, kill a fellow” for distinguishing coral snakes from other species.
What exotic animals live in Florida?
There are unfortunately many exotic species in Florida that are invasive and don’t belong, but one of the rarest exotic non-native non-invasive species found in the West Palm Beach Zoo in Florida is probably the koala.
What invasive species are in Florida?
The most destructive invasive species in Florida is the Burmese python. It’s estimated there may be more than 100,000 of these massive snakes roaming the Everglades. While Burmese pythons have decimated the population of small mammals, it was recently discovered that bobcats have begun eating their eggs. This could be one of the first steps to restoring balance in an ecosystem that has been disrupted by the presence of these large snakes. Wild boars, iguanas and cane toads are some of the other animals invading Florida.
What sharks are in Florida waters?
A study of Florida waters found about 15 sharks that inhabit waters off the state, though more may travel through Florida waters throughout the year. The most common shark in Florida was the nurse shark, followed by the blacktip, lemon, bull, greater hammerhead, and sandbar shark. Sharks that are common off Miami Beach include the lemon shark, bull shark, and silky shark.
Where can you see alligators in Florida?
One popular spot for seeing alligators is “Alligator Alley,” a stretch of Interstate that connects the east and west coast of the state between the Miami and Fort Myers area. Beyond that, you can see our list of lakes with the highest concentrations of alligators in Florida.
What fish records are there in Florida?
Associations like the International Fish and Game Association keep a number of records for the largest fish.
- The largest largemouth bass ever caught in Florida weighed 17.27 pounds and was caught in 1986.