10 of the Most Common (and Non-Venomous) Snakes in Florida

Key Points:

• Southern black racers are known for their blue-black scales and whitish coloring beneath their chins. They are also the most common snake found in Florida’s urban centers.
• Rough green snakes are excellent swimmers and climbers, but prefer a more arboreal lifestyle along with a diet consisting mainly of arthropods
• Corn snakes are harmless and derive their name from their habit of hanging about grain stores to feed on rodents.

With such a vast and diverse landscape that covers 65,000 square miles and has 1,350 miles of coastline, it’s not surprising that Florida is home to thousands of unique and wonderful animals. Amongst these are snakes, and Florida is home to more than 50 different species, including six that are venomous. Although some snakes are secretive and rarely seen, and some are endangered, there are some that we are more likely to come across than others. So join us as we discover some of the most common (and non-venomous) snakes in Florida!

1. Eastern Kingsnake

Also known as the common kingsnake, eastern kingsnakes are usually between 36 and 48 inches long. They have shiny scales and are dark brown with white crossbands down their back and a chain-like pattern down their sides. These snakes prefer open habitats such as grasslands, deserts, prairies, swamps, and alongside rivers and streams. However, they are also sometimes found in pine forests. They are found across much of Florida, with the exception of the eastern Apalachicola lowlands. These nonvenomous snakes are constrictors and eat a range of rodents, birds, lizards, frogs, and other snakes (including venomous copperheads and coral snakes).

2. Ring-Necked Snake

Although secretive, the ring-necked snake is one of the most abundant and common snakes in Florida. There are twelve subspecies, of which two occur in Florida: Key ring-necked snakes and southern ring-necked snakes. Ring-necked snakes are only 8 to 14 inches long but are glossy black on their dorsal side and bright red, orange, or yellow on their bellies. They also have a bright ring of color around their neck which is what they are named for. Ring-necked snakes prefer areas with plenty of vegetation or cover for them to hide underneath, such as woodlands or rocky hillsides. Although they produce a mild venom-like substance, they are not truly venomous and pose no threat to humans or pets. This substance is produced in the Duvernoy gland and is used to immobilize prey such as salamanders.

3. Eastern Rat Snake

Also known as yellow rat snakes, eastern rat snakes in Florida are a yellowish-orange color with four darker stripes down their bodies. They are 36 to 72 inches long and are found east of the Apalachicola River and as far south as Key Largo. Eastern rat snakes prefer to live in hardwood forests and swamps, hibernating underground during the winter. They are harmless and usually flee when threatened. Their diet includes birds, rodents, frogs, and lizards.

4. Eastern Coachwhip

Although there are six subspecies of coachwhip snakes, only the eastern coachwhip occurs in Florida. Eastern coachwhips are long, thin snakes that can reach up to 72 inches long. They have black heads and brown bodies, which gradually lighten towards their tail. Eastern coachwhips live in several habitats, although swamps, marshes, and pine woodlands are preferred. They are widespread throughout mainland Florida but are thought to be absent from the Florida Keys. Eastern coachwhips eat rodents, lizards, and small birds. They are diurnal (active during the day) and hunt by scanning the nearby area with their head raised above the ground. Despite being rumored to attack and whip people with their tails, eastern coachwhips are not aggressive and usually flee when disturbed.

5. Southern Black Racer

One of eleven subspecies of eastern racers, southern black racers are easily one of the most widespread snakes in Florida and across the Florida Keys. Another subspecies — the Everglades racer — is found in the Florida Everglades. Southern black racers are 20 to 56 inches long and are bluish-black with white markings under their chin. They live in a wide range of habitats and are one of the most commonly seen snakes in Florida’s residential areas. Southern black racers are fast and agile and have keen eyesight. They eat a wide range of birds, rodents, lizards, and frogs.

6. Rough Green Snake

One of the most brightly colored common snakes in Florida is the rough green snake. Rough green snakes are usually between 14 and 33 inches long and bright green on their dorsal side with yellow or cream bellies. They prefer to live in meadows and woodlands, although they are never very far from a permanent water source. Although rough green snakes are capable swimmers, they are also excellent climbers, typically spending much of their time in trees. Rough green snakes are widespread throughout Florida and the Florida Keys. They mainly eat insects and spiders, and their main predators are other snakes — particularly eastern racers and eastern kingsnakes.

7. Florida Green Water Snake

Originally classified as a subspecies of green water snakes, Florida green water snakes are now their own individual species. They are the longest water snakes in North America, reaching 30 to 55 inches long. Florida green water snakes are greenish-brown with dark speckles and lighter bellies. They live in slow-moving water such as ponds, lakes, and swamps, where there is plenty of vegetation for them to hide in. They are found across much of mainland Florida, although they are absent from the Florida Keys. Florida green water snakes are not venomous or aggressive towards people, nor are they constrictors. Instead, prey such as fish, frogs, and salamanders are grabbed and swallowed alive. Their main predators are kingsnakes, hawks, and alligators.

8. Brown Water Snake

One of the most common species of water snakes in Florida is the brown water snake. Brown water snakes are 30 to 60 inches long and have heavy bodies with a neck that is distinctly narrower than their head. They live in flowing water such as rivers, streams, and canals and are found throughout most of Florida but not in the Florida Keys. Brown water snakes typically flee into the water when they are approached, but although they are not venomous, they will bite if they are cornered. They feed on fish, and young catfish make up most of their diet.

9. Florida Banded Water Snake

A subspecies of the banded water snake, Florida banded water snakes are endemic to Florida and southeastern Georgia. They are 24 to 42 inches long and are light brown or yellow with brown or black crossband markings. They live in shallow freshwater areas such as swamps, marshes, and ponds throughout mainland Florida. Florida banded water snakes are nocturnal, and their main diet consists of fish and frogs, which are both swallowed alive. Although they are nonvenomous and prefer to flee in the face of danger, they strike when threatened. They also vibrate the tip of their tail as a warning.

10. Corn Snake

Easily one of the most common and nonvenomous snakes in Florida is the corn snake which is found right across Florida and in the Florida Keys. These large snakes are 30 to 48 inches long and are incredibly popular as pets. Corn snakes are typically brown or orange with large red blotches on their bodies. They live in a range of habitats such as overgrown fields, forest openings, trees, and abandoned farms. Corn snakes earned their name due to their continued presence around grain stores, where they keep rodent populations in check. This actually makes them very beneficial, as the rodents would otherwise damage crops. Corn snakes are not aggressive, and if threatened, they usually vibrate the tip of their tail as a warning signal.

Summary of 10 of the Most Common (and Non-Venomous) Snakes in Florida

Here’s a recap of the snake species in the state of Florida that we took a close look at:

Other Common Reptiles in Florida

Green Anoles

Native to the Bahamas, the Cayman Islands, and Cuba, green anoles (Anolis carolinensis) are known for their pointy snouts, bright green coloration, and the presence of a dewflap in males. They can be found in urban environments where they keep insect populations in check due to a mainly insectivorous diet. Although they are not true chameleons, green anoles are capable of switching their color to a dull brown.

Brown Anoles

Native to Cuba, this lizard arrived about a century ago in Florida and its presence has since been bolstered by subsequent arrivals. The same size as the green anole (5-8 inches), the brown anole has a shorter snout, speckled brown coloring, and a dewlap with a white fringe. It also has a rather worrisome habit of snacking on young green anoles and is responsible for their declining numbers in the state. Brown anoles lack the color-swapping superpowers of their green-skinned relatives.